Local Government Reorganisation
What is local government reorganisation?
Local government reorganisation is a process that changes how local councils are structured and how local services are delivered.
In the context of the English Devolution White Paper, this means moving away from the current two-tier arrangement to a unitary model.
Under a two-tier system, responsibilities are shared between a county council and district or borough councils. Under a unitary model, a single council is responsible for delivering all local government services within an area.
In Hampshire, most of the county currently operates under a two-tier system. The exceptions are Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council, which are already unitary councils.
Today in mainland Hampshire, 14 councils currently provide core services in their respective areas:
- One county council (Hampshire County Council)
- 11 district and borough councils (Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Hart District Council, Havant Borough Council, New Forest District Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Winchester City Council)
- Two unitary councils (Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council)
Current structure of local government in mainland Hampshire
See an Easy-Read explanation of Local Government Reorganisation
About Future Hampshire
Future Hampshire is the Hampshire-wide programme that has coordinated local government reorganisation (LGR) activity to date across the 14 councils involved. Following the Government's decision on Monday 7 September 2026 to withdraw its original decision on LGR and review its plans for Hampshire and the wider Solent area, implementation activity is currently paused.
Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Hampshire County Council specific LGR information
As we work with Government and partner councils to understand what the Government's decision means for Hampshire and the Solent area, Hampshire County Council remains committed to our ongoing priority to deliver the services residents rely on and supporting communities every day.
Please continue to contact and work with Hampshire County Council as normal.
Information for suppliers
Local government reorganisation news
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Hampshire County Council Leader responds on Government announcement to review Local Government Reorganisation for Hampshire and the Solent area
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County Council begins legal challenge over Government’s LGR decision for Hampshire and the Solent area
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Government announces new model for councils across Hampshire and the Solent area