The change is part of a national move by Government to replace two-tier local government structures (i.e. county councils and district/borough councils) with fewer unitary (all-purpose) councils that deliver all local government services. It would see 15 councils replaced across the Hampshire and Solent area; Hampshire County Council, 11 district/borough councils and the three unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.
The County Council’s proposal, developed in partnership with East Hampshire District Council aims to deliver simpler, stronger and more secure local councils for the future: providing the best possible value, greater local accountability, and reliable services for residents and their families for generations to come. What’s more, the plan promises to unlock fresh opportunities for innovation and growth, to make councils stronger and ready to bring about real, positive changes across communities, that people will actually see and feel in their everyday lives.
Putting residents first
The needs and aspirations of local people lie at the heart of the new four-council design, aiming to create councils that are truly responsive, efficient, financially stable and focused on what matters most to people and families across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.The proposal builds from a strong foundation, backed by expert advice, extensive engagement with communities and trusted organisations, and provides a smooth transition to a new model of local government with real benefits for people. Four unitary councils are the right fit - big enough to deliver strong services but focused enough to stay connected to local communities. It’s the safest and most effective way to manage change and unlock long-term improvements.
Why Hampshire’s proposal is the right choice
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “Our plan is built on solid evidence and what people have told us matters most: reliable services, value for money, and decisions made close to home. It protects what works well, improves where needed, and creates real savings that can be reinvested in our communities - ensuring that every pound goes further for residents. It even offers a way to actively foster new opportunities that drive progress and deliver long-term benefits for everyone.“Our proposal offers proven annual savings of around £50 million and while other proposals may promise more savings, they lack evidence, increase risks, spread resources too thinly, are more expensive, and less likely to deliver. Councils can’t afford to spend £130 million on a new structure that doesn’t deliver. That money could be used now, to improve lives.
“We’re about credibility, with a plan backed by independent experts and national bodies who have concluded that five unitary councils simply wouldn’t work financially. Introducing an extra ‘upper tier’ council to our area will come at significant additional cost to taxpayers, and risk disruption and damage to vital services that people depend on – and the impact this could then have on the lives and wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents.
“We must remember there is no extra Government money offered to deliver this change. The Government expects us to pay for reorganisation through savings. At a time when social care and special educational need are stretching our budgets to breaking point, we must get this right. The consequences of failure would be profound most of all for the most vulnerable of our residents.
“We’ve done our research, listened to the experts, and built a plan that gets it right. One that’s sound, achievable, and focused on protecting the services people rely on every day - like education, social care, and highways.
A track record you can trust
“Hampshire County Council has a strong track record of delivering high-performing services, from Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Children’s Services to nationally recognised infrastructure and adult care programmes, as well as supporting other councils to keep their services running when things get tough. Our proposal builds on that experience to shape a future that works for everyone, as well as unlocking the potential of our area to innovate and grow, and build councils that are ready for the future, able to invest in what matters to communities, and strong enough to deliver real improvements people will see and feel, so we leave Hampshire and the Solent stronger today and for our children and grandchildren.
Shaping a stronger future for Hampshire and the Solent
“Residents can trust that our proposal would deliver a reorganisation that puts them first, rather than pursuing risky change for its own sake. In our plan residents remain at the heart of decision-making, neighbourhoods are empowered to shape great outcomes for their local area, and the savings delivered from change are real, lasting, and reinvested where they are most needed. No other option offers the same level of stability, value, or responsiveness to local needs, as well as exciting opportunities to build a better future for everyone.”
Councillor Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “Our proposal offers a bold and forward-thinking model for local government - one that’s simpler, stronger and more secure. By creating four new unitary councils, we can deliver better value for money, strengthen local leadership and bring services closer to the communities they serve.
“With around £50 million in annual savings, we’ll be able to protect frontline services for the most vulnerable, ensure long-term financial sustainability and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Most importantly, this model puts local identity and community voice at its heart, with transformation ready to begin from day one.”
Next steps
The recommendation to submit the County Council’s proposal and business case to central Government will be debated by the Full Council before being considered by its Cabinet.
If approved, the County Council and East Hampshire District Council will submit it to central Government on 26 September. Other councils across the area will also submit their own ideas for change.
Central Government will then decide on which local government model(s) to consult the public later this year, before making their final decision in 2026.
Read more information and view the full proposal and business case.
