On Wednesday 25 March 2026, the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, confirmed the final structure for new councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This forms part of the government’s plan to simplify how local services are delivered across the county.

A New North Hampshire Council – From April 2028

A new North Hampshire Council will be created in April 2028, bringing together services currently delivered by:

• Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

• Hart District Council

• Rushmoor Borough Council

• Hampshire County Council

The new unitary council will be responsible for all local government services, including waste and recycling, street cleaning, adult and children’s social care, education, highways, and public transport.

Until April 2028, services will continue to be provided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, and local town and parish councils.

The councils involved will work closely together to ensure residents experience no disruption to day‑to‑day services during the transition.

What This Means for Basingstoke and Deane

The proposals submitted to government highlighted several benefits of creating a new North Hampshire unitary council, including:

• Delivering joined‑up services under one organisation

• Being closer and more responsive to the communities it serves

• Supporting economic growth across the area.

What This Means for the Rest of Hampshire

The government’s decision establishes four new unitary councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight:

• North Hampshire

• Mid Hampshire

• South West Hampshire

• South East Hampshire

• Isle of Wight (remains a standalone authority)

These arrangements follow a public consultation in late 2026 on options submitted by councils across the county.

The new structure is based on a joint proposal from 11 of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, titled Close enough to be local big enough to stay strong