Cllr Chris Donelly has confirmed that the Government has revealed the new unitary councils for Hampshire. He is delighted to say that our campaign for a Mid Hampshire rural council has been successful. Of all the options, this was the best fit for Andover and our villages and I know it has the overwhelming support of my constituents.

This will join Test Valley with New Forest, Winchester and part of East Hampshire. I believe it is in our best interests because:

🌳 The character of our rural, market town areas will be protected and we will not be merged into a city, where delivery of services would be extremely complex.

🌳 It protects us from the £1 billion of Southampton and Eastleigh’s debt.

🌳 It maximises local representation in an evenly balanced population across the new district.

🌳 Council tax harmonisation will be more reasonable compared with increasing ours to match Southampton.

🌳 All existing councils are financially strong and value their green spaces and rural protection.

Cllr Donnelly noted that there are challenging considerations in splitting social care and education into four will be extremely complicated, but we will work together to ensure it is as smooth as possible.

Cllr Donnelly noted that it is for a great part down to all of you in Andover and the surrounding areas for responding in such huge numbers to the consultation and supporting this option that it has been successful.