Press Release

3 September 2025

Proposals for four new mainland Hampshire unitary councils to save millions

Creating four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire to replace the existing 14 councils, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent island unitary council, would save at least £63.9 million a year - that’s the finding of joint work by most of the councils in the county.

The proposal to government entitled Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong, is published today (Wednesday 3 September) by 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The government wants to replace the current system of councils - including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils and the existing unitary councils - with new unitary councils, each covering a population of approximately 500,000, that would be responsible for all services in their areas.

The government requires that each existing council proposes how they would shape the new unitary councils for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, setting out the criteria each new council must meet.

The proposal is the result of joint work by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Hart District Council, Havant Borough Council, Isle of Wight Council, New Forest District Council, Portsmouth City Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Winchester City Council. It follows extensive consultation with residents living in each of these areas to gather feedback on the options which has helped inform the proposal.

It proposes three different options for the four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire, at an average population size of 500,000, grouped around the major population centres of Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke. The Isle of Wight would stay its own island unitary authority, as it currently is.

The proposals, for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area as a whole, are designed to better drive economic growth, deliver redesigned public services tailored to local needs and empower communities by enabling residents to shape local decisions. The proposals are also backed by the 12 councils as the best way to unlock and maximise devolution arrangements with the new councils working effectively with the Isle of Wight Council and the new elected Mayor for the whole region.

The 12 councils have made a joint statement, saying: “Unlike other proposals, we believe our approach means the best of both worlds: councils that are big enough to deliver major services and be financially sustainable, but local enough to understand communities so they can tailor services more closely to their needs.

“This is a comprehensive and evidence-based proposal that offers a bold vision for the future of local government in our region, ensuring every voice is heard and every service delivers real value. Covering the population of around two million people in mainland Hampshire, four new unitary councils would provide the scale of efficiency the government wants whilst still being connected to the communities they serve.
“The Isle of Wight’s continued independence is essential, given its unique geography and infrastructure needs. However, the proposal ensures integration and collaboration where beneficial, enabling shared innovation and transformation across the region.”

At meetings between now and the deadline for submission of proposals to the government on Friday 26 September, each council will formally consider approving the proposal.

Cllr Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “The people of Fareham have consistently told us they value both the high-quality services we provide and the unique identity of our borough. Recent surveys show real concern that Local Government Reorganisation could erode both. However, we must also recognise the financial pressures facing Hampshire County Council in particular, which threaten the sustainability of many vital services. Our position has been that whilst change is necessary our preference would have been to delay LGR until there has been a review of the future of adult social care in England and Wales.
“The Government has asked councils to develop options for reform using its own criteria. In response, we’ve worked collaboratively with 11 other councils to shape a proposal, adhering to the Government’s guidelines, that protects Fareham’s interests. Our preferred option keeps councils close to the grassroots of our communities, respects natural economic hubs across the county, and delivers savings for taxpayers. It also supports a balanced structure for the new Mayoral Combined Authority and will enable us to simplify services for our residents and businesses.
“The preferred option for Fareham will be agreed at Council meetings on 25 September but the report that will be submitted to Government contains all three options. Regardless of the decision the Government ultimately makes, our commitment to Fareham remains unwavering. We will continue to deliver the services our residents expect and work with our partners to ensure that local voices are heard loud and clear in shaping the future of our neighbourhoods.”

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Fareham Borough Council is a local authority for the area midway between Portsmouth and Southampton. With the town at its centre, the Borough covers the areas of Fareham, Portchester, Stubbington, Hill Head, Titchfield, Park Gate, Warsash, Locks Heath and Sarisbury.

There are 32 councillors, whose primary role is to represent their ward area and the people who live in it.

Local Government services are split between Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

Fareham Borough Council is responsible for delivering local projects and essential services such as leisure, housing, planning, benefits and refuse, recycling and garden waste collection throughout the Borough.