Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire – Updates

How to help shape the future of your council

The Government’s long-term vision is to simplify how councils are organised and run and who provides your services.

In response to their plans, Hart District Council is working with other councils to look at the options for the future of local government in Hampshire, considering what would work best for  communities. You may have seen coverage of these proposals in various news outlets.

Get Involved

Hart District Council is carrying out a survey from Monday 30 June to Sunday 17 August to find out the views of local residents.

What this could mean for Hart 

As part of the wider programme with other Hampshire councils, Hart is working with our neighbours Basingstoke and Deane and Rushmoor to develop a proposal for a new all-in-one unitary council to serve north Hampshire.

If approved, this would replace the current two-tier council system, where different services are delivered by county and district councils. The new council would make it simpler for residents, with all services delivered by one organisation. This process could happen quickly, with new councils in place by April 2028.

The Government’s vision for local government reorganisation gives an opportunity to transform how services are delivered for our communities and tailored to local needs by creating an ‘under one roof’ council.

Visit the Hart Local Government Reorganisation hub for more information.

What is local government reorganisation anyway?

In December 2024, the Government published the English Devolution White Paper. This proposes creating new Mayoral Combined Authorities alongside local government reorganisation.

Local government organisation will replace the current two-tier council system by creating unitary authorities that operate most day-to-day services currently delivered by the county and district or borough councils. These councils will be replaced with large unitary councils of population sizes of around 500,000 or more. This makes it clear for residents and businesses who is responsible for all local government services in an area and allows a joined-up approach to service provision with the aim of ensuring better outcomes for local people.

Alongside this, devolution would create a strategic authority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, led by an elected mayor. This would provide strong leadership for the area on issues including housing, highways and transport, economic growth, skills, environment and climate change, health and public safety. This would mean a transfer of powers and funding from national to local government and greater control over important areas for our region.