Local Government Reorganisation

The Government has announced its intended future structure of local government across Hampshire and the Solent area and has selected a proposal to create five new unitary councils which will be established on 1 April 2028. This would see Hampshire County Council, 11 district and borough councils, and the unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight transition into five new distinct unitary councils which each deliver all council services to residents in their areas. See the map of the future structure.

What happens next?

At this stage, there are no immediate changes. Hampshire County Council remains fully responsible and accountable for delivering its services as usual until the new councils are in place, with a clear focus on continuity, performance and stability throughout the transition period.

All existing contractual, financial, and commissioning arrangements remain in place. This announcement does not require any immediate changes to our current relationship with your organisation, and we are pleased to continue working with you to deliver great public services.

We value our close partnership with you and we will ensure you remain updated on the key milestones. Further information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Will this affect your contract with Hampshire County Council in the future?

Any changes to your contract/s, and the nature of these changes will vary on a contract-by-contract basis. You will be contacted at the appropriate time to inform and discuss with you any changes to any contract/s you may have with the County Council. Impacts may include, but are not limited to, modifications such as a novation of the legal entity you currently contract with, increases and/or decreases in the value and volume of services/works/goods required due to the change in size/scope of the new Authorities and/or changes to the scope of the nature of works/services required.

See more details, including the timeline for the next stages. From this webpage, you can also sign up to receive updates on LGR direct to your inbox.