Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
In December 2024, the government published the English Devolution White Paper , which sets out plans to reform how local government is structured in England. The programme includes two main initiatives: Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Please see the timeline and next steps below.
If you would like more information, such as why Hampshire councils are being reorganised, what a unitary authority is, or any other query, see our frequently asked questions below.
11 July 2025
Consultation launched: Let's Keep Fareham Together?
All councils in England have been asked by the Government to reorganise. This means that Hampshire County Council and all the District and Borough councils, including Fareham Borough Council, will be replaced over the next few years.
As part of this work, it's been suggested by some that the wards of Locks Heath, Park Gate and Sarisbury could be split from Fareham to join a different Unitary Authority alongside Southampton and Eastleigh.
Fareham Borough Council has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on this suggestion from those that live in the Borough. The consultation will be live until 8 August and residents can have their say here: https://lets-talk.fareham.gov.uk/consultation/LetsKeepFarehamTogether.
Find out more by reading my press release: Consultation launched: Let's Keep Fareham Together?.
30 June 2025
Survey launched - how you can get involved
Twelve of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including Fareham Borough Council, are working together to develop proposals for the new councils that will provide all services to their residents in future.
On 30 June the councils launched a survey called 'Our Place Our Future' to gather views to help understand what matters most to people and shape how local councils work in future, so they reflect real places, local identity and culture, priorities, and people. The public consultation will run until midnight on 27 July.
Have your say on the future of local councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight at www.fareham.gov.uk/ourplaceourfuture.
Find out more by reading our press release: Local councils to undertake research ahead of finalising proposals for Local Government Reorganisation.
9th May 2025
Interim submission and feedback
We have received a feedback letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in response to the LGR interim submission jointly submitted by 15 councils across Hampshire and the Solent.
Links to both the letter and the interim joint submission are detailed below.
Interim joint submission March 2025
Interim Plan feedback from MHCLG (197 KB)
Frequently asked questions
Devolution
This means work will begin to create a new Strategic Combined Authority led by an elected mayor across the Hampshire and Solent region, and an election for the Mayor will take place in 2026.