Plans are underway to replace Hampshire’s 15 councils with four larger, unitary authorities to streamline services and strengthen local leadership.
Hampshire County Council is set to consider a major overhaul of local government across the county and the Solent region. The proposal would replace the existing 15 councils with four unitary councils, each responsible for all local services in their area.
If approved, this would mark the end of the current two-tier system, where services are split between county and district councils. Instead, each unitary council would deliver everything from education and social care to waste collection and planning—making services more joined up, efficient, and easier for residents to access.
The plan has been developed jointly by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council, and follows national direction from the Government, which aims for all two-tier areas to move to a unitary structure by 2028.
Under the proposal, the councils would cover the following areas:
- North: Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Winchester
- South-West: Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley
- South-East: Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth
- Isle of Wight: (unchanged)
A detailed financial and service review suggests this model would offer the best mix of stability, value for money and continuity of care—saving an estimated £50 million a year after setup, and paying for itself within three years.
Why four councils?
The model is designed to protect local identity while improving delivery. Rural areas like the New Forest and Test Valley would be grouped in the South-West council to ensure their distinct needs are heard. Meanwhile, grouping towns and cities with shared transport links and economic ties helps strengthen services across communities.
The County Council also considered two other options:
- Three-council model: Rejected due to higher risks of disruption to vital services and dilution of local identity.
- Five-council model: Dismissed as the most expensive and least practical, requiring one council to be created from scratch without any staff or systems in place.
Stronger local voices
The new councils would be designed to bring decisions closer to residents, with more community influence on spending and local priorities.
Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said:
“We’re determined to get this right. Our aim is for new councils that are strong, reliable, and easy to understand—run by local people for local people.”
Councillor Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, added:
“This is a significant step forward. Our approach is based on evidence, partnership, and the ambition to improve public services for everyone.”
What happens next?
The proposal will be debated by the full County Council on Thursday 17 July, and by the Council’s Cabinet the following day. If approved, a public engagement period will run from 21 July to 17 August, giving residents and stakeholders a chance to share their views.
Feedback will help shape the final proposal, due to be submitted to the Government in the autumn.