Devolution & Local Govt Reorganisation
The Government has asked councils across England to look at how local government is organised, as they believe this will improve services and make better use of public money.
In Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, that means local councils are being asked to consider options for replacing the current county, borough, district and unitary authority arrangements, and deciding what area the new councils would cover. These newly formed councils, which will be unitary authority councils, will be responsible for delivering all council services to the residents in their area.
A group of 12 of the 15 councils in our area are now working together on options for reorganisation that build on what makes our communities unique - while making services efficient and future-proof.
There are different ways of doing this. We’re considering options to replace the current 15 councils with four new councils on the mainland, and keep the Isle of Wight as it is. We believe this model would allow for councils that are big enough to deliver well, but local enough to understand our communities and their needs.
Now we want to hear from you. What matters most to you and your area? Your views will help us shape how local councils work in future and do our best to ensure they reflect real places, priorities, and people.