Residents across Test Valley are set to see one of the most significant changes to local government in a generation, following the Government’s announcement of a sweeping reorganisation across Hampshire and the Solent.
On Wednesday 25 March 2026, Housing Secretary Steve Reed MP confirmed that the current two-tier system of local governance will be replaced by a simplified structure of five new unitary authorities. The move will abolish existing county, district and borough councils—including Hampshire County Council—and replace them with single authorities responsible for all local services.
What it means for Test Valley
Under the plans, the majority of Test Valley will become part of a newly formed Mid-Hampshire unitary authority, alongside Winchester, New Forest and East Hampshire.
However, not all communities will remain within the borough. The parishes of Chilworth, Nursling, Rownhams and Valley Park are set to be transferred into a separate South West Hampshire authority, joining Southampton, Eastleigh and waterside communities.
The decision represents a compromise between competing proposals submitted by councils across the region, with Test Valley leaders having fought to retain as much of the borough’s identity as possible.
A mixed outcome for local leaders
Test Valley Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Andy Ferrier, acknowledged the scale of the change while stressing that the outcome could have been more disruptive.
“We note the government’s decision on the future structure of local government in Hampshire. This will see the creation of a Mid-Hampshire unitary council which we have supported from the beginning of the LGR process. While it was not our preferred option as it means the parishes of Chilworth, Nursling, Rownhams and Valley Park will become part of a new South West council with Southampton, Eastleigh and the Waterside, it does result in the vast majority of Test Valley remaining intact. It’s worth noting that by taking part in the process we were able to resist proposals from some councils to include Romsey, North Baddesley and Braishfield in the new South West unitary.
“We have no doubt that some of our residents in those communities affected by the boundary change will be deeply disappointed by the news, and their concerns will not be ignored as we work to plan for the transition ahead.
“This represents a significant change for all councils involved. Throughout the process, our focus has been on maintaining continuity of services and supporting our communities, and that will remain our priority.
“We will continue working closely with partner councils as we move into the next phase. There is a considerable amount to do, but we will approach this collaboratively and with a clear commitment to keeping residents and businesses informed along the way. Our aim is to help shape a new council that is resilient, efficient and able to provide high-quality services for the future.”
Council leader Phil North struck a similar tone, describing the announcement as both a step forward and a setback.
He said:
“From the very beginning, our approach has been to secure the very best outcome for our residents. And whilst I welcome the government’s decision to create five new unitary councils for Hampshire, which crucially includes a new Mid-Hampshire authority, we were clear that we wanted all Test Valley communities to stay together.
It is therefore incredibly disappointing that there will be some boundary changes, which will see Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams and Valley Park join a new council made up of Southampton, Eastleigh and the Waterside.
This is the biggest change to local government in a generation. And though local government re-organisation was never our choice, we have put politics aside and worked collaboratively, preventing greater boundary changes that were on the table during the process.
Though this was certainly not our preferred option, we have at least managed to keep the vast majority of Test Valley together, joining with other market towns and rural economies across mid-Hampshire. Giving a voice to communities in the new arrangement that aren’t Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke.
The loss of our southern parishes will be incredibly disappointing for our residents who live there, and I very much share their disappointment. That is why our proposal would have seen them remain part of a Mid-Hampshire council. We will continue our discussions with them over the coming days and weeks to ensure their concerns do not go unheard.
There is a great deal to do, but with a clear focus on our communities and putting them at the heart of shaping the new unitary, we can truly transform local government.”
A new era for local services
The reorganisation is designed to simplify how residents access services. Currently, responsibilities are split between Hampshire County Council and district or borough councils. Under the new system, a single authority will handle everything from social care and education to waste collection and planning.
The Government argues this will create more efficient, financially resilient councils that are easier for residents to understand and engage with.
Despite the announcement, residents will see no immediate changes. Existing councils will continue delivering services as normal while preparations take place.
What happens next
The transition period will run over the next two years, with shadow councils due to be elected in May 2027. These temporary authorities will oversee the creation of the new structures before they formally go live on 1 April 2028.
For Test Valley, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition—while also addressing concerns from communities affected by boundary changes.
While the borough remains largely intact, the reorganisation marks a defining moment for the area—reshaping how decisions are made, how services are delivered, and ultimately, how communities across mid-Hampshire are represented for decades to come.