Councillors across Hampshire will discuss ideas for new councils for the county next week. Hart District Council’s Cabinet will discuss these ideas at a meeting on Thursday 20 March.
Initial plans for local government reorganisation have to be submitted by Friday 21 March with full plans by September. Government will make its final decision in early 2026.
Since the news that all councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including Hart District Council, had been selected to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme, Hart has been working closely with partner councils to bring forward local government reorganisation.
The local government reorganisation programme for Hampshire sits alongside the government’s intention to devolve some powers and funding to a new strategic authority under an elected Mayor. This authority would make decisions across the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight area.
Currently out for consultation, the proposals would see the authority setting the key strategic vision for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region, with unitary councils delivering services closer to residents.
The Leader of Hart District Council, Councillor Dave Neighbour, said: “We have been working with our partners to explore how future councils will work across Hampshire and the Solent and our interim plan is an important first step.
“There is much work and detail still to be worked through, and we will continue to develop our proposals, working collaboratively with our partner councils, stakeholders, businesses and, importantly, our residents.”
A full proposal will be put together following consultation with residents and businesses in the summer.