Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent area - Government consultation now live

A message from Cllr Nick Adams-King
Leader, Hampshire County Council

Dear colleagues,

Have your say on the future of Hampshire and the Solent

The Government’s consultation runs until 11 January 2026. Details of how to take part can be found on the consultation webpages HERE

The Government has now launched its public consultation on the future of local government across Hampshire and the Solent area as part of national plans for local government reorganisation, aiming to shape our area’s prosperity, public services, and community wellbeing for decades to come.

Our Simpler, Stronger, Secure proposal recommends the creation of four new unitary authorities (three on the Hampshire mainland and a separate authority for the Isle of Wight).

This model stands apart from the alternatives being put forward by other district and unitary councils, and our evidence shows that it is the only option that delivers the scale, stability, protection and ambition that our area needs.

Our Simpler, Stronger, Secure proposal

• Delivers nearly £50 million in annual savings, with the lowest implementation cost and a rapid payback. Our analysis shows that a five-unitary model is not financially sustainable. It does not pay back, making the financial justification highly risky and likely to increase overall system costs.

• It is built on robust evidence and detailed modelling.

• It safeguards vital services, especially social care for children and adults who are most in need, by retaining established networks and minimising disruption to vulnerable residents.

• It unlocks economic growth, investment, and opportunity for every part of Hampshire and the Solent area.

• It avoids the risks and fragmentation of alternative models. For instance, our analysis shows that a five-unitary model would undermine service delivery, resident safety and wellbeing, financial sustainability, and community cohesion.

At the heart of our proposal is a commitment to empowering communities and respecting local identities. Simpler, Stronger, Secure provides a financially sustainable foundation for long-term investment in community health, wellbeing, and empowerment. By placing residents at the centre of decision-making, our proposal would ensure that local voices shape strategic choices and strengthen participation, engagement, and neighbourhood pride.

Your involvement matters

We know you are deeply committed to achieving the best outcomes for people across our county and the wider Solent area. Your perspective and expertise will be invaluable as the Government’s plans for council reorganisation move forward. Please also consider making your networks aware of the consultation and encouraging them to take part.

Other proposals set out within the consultation

In their survey, the Government is asking people to provide feedback on all the options that have been put forward to them for reorganising the current 15 councils spanning the Hampshire and Solent area. These include Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council’s proposal for four new unitary councils, as well as three proposals for five new unitary councils, submitted by some of the other district and unitary councils in the area.

Details of all the proposals featured within Government’s consultation can be found on the Government’s webpages.

A hard copy of the Government’s consultation document and the proposals will also be available for view at each of the County Council’s 40 libraries from next week.

Thank you for your interest and commitment to shaping a better future for the Hampshire and Solent area.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Nick Adams-King

Leader, Hampshire County Council