Our Place Our Future

Why your voice matters

The Government intends to reform local government. The current 15 councils across the Hampshire and Solent area (Hampshire County Council, 11 district/borough councils and the unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight), will be replaced by a smaller number of new, all-purpose unitary authorities. Councils have been asked to put forward their ideas for how this might work, and now is the time to help shape what that future will look like in our area.

This isn’t just about structures. It’s about people and places. It’s about ensuring that the services people rely on, especially those that protect the most vulnerable, are high quality, resilient, responsive, and rooted in local identity.

Based on firm facts and experience

Together with East Hampshire District Council, we’re proposing a model that is built on solid evidence and decades of experience. Hampshire County Council already delivers 85% of local services people receive across the Hampshire and Solent area. These are complex, life-changing services, and we know what’s at stake if they’re not done right. 

Our proposal would see the creation of four new councils – three on the mainland and one for the Isle of Wight – designed to reflect how people live and work today, be fit for the future, and ensure strong local leadership.

Bringing services closer to communities

Some have suggested our proposals are “too big” or “not local enough”. I want to be clear: that’s simply not true. We already serve 1.4 million people, so our model is about bringing services closer to communities, protecting what works, fixing what doesn’t, and putting local people and places at the heart of decision-making.

We don’t want this done to us. We want it done with us – and that starts with you. So, if you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to complete our survey and encourage your networks to do the same. You can also suggest names for the four possible new councils as part of your response. 

How to take part 

📢 Have your say by Sunday 17 August 2025 at www.hants.gov.uk/lgr

You can also provide your feedback directly to us by emailing insight@hants.gov.uk

Request other formats, such as Braille, hard copy or other languages by emailing insight@hants.gov.uk or calling 0300 555 1375. (Mobile phone charges may vary.) 

Thank you again for your continued support and partnership.

Councillor Nick Adams-King
Leader, Hampshire County Council