The way local services are run across Hampshire could change, and the decisions made this autumn will shape day-to-day life in Andover for years. A public survey is open now, closing at 11:59PM tonight (Sunday 17 August 2025), asking residents what they think about reorganising councils and creating new unitary authorities that deliver all services in one place.
What Is On The Table
Hampshire currently uses a two-tier system. Hampshire County Council runs services like schools, roads and social care, while Test Valley Borough Council looks after things such as planning, bins and parks.
The idea now being explored is to replace this with four new councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, each responsible for everything. Councils must send their proposals to government in September. Ministers would then consult the public and make the final decision.
What It Could Change In Andover
For Andover residents, the outcome will decide who sets priorities and budgets for the things people notice most, including:
- Bins and recycling, plus the roll-out of food waste collections.
- Roads and transport, from potholes on the A3057 and A343 to footways, cycle links and bus support.
- Schools, SEND and early help services for local families.
- Adult social care and public health for older residents and carers.
- Planning and regeneration that shape new homes, jobs and the town centre.
- Customer service, including how you contact the council and whether there is a staffed desk in Andover.
Opportunities For Andover
If done well, a single council could mean one clear point of contact, less duplication and faster decisions. Andover would want to see:
- A ring-fenced local regeneration programme for the High Street, Guildhall area and key gateways.
- A fair share of highways funding for visible, faster repairs and safer crossings.
- Consistent waste and recycling services across estates and nearby villages.
- A local area committee for Andover with devolved budgets and targets.
- Strong partnership with Andover Town Council, schools, Andover BID, business groups and charities.
Risks To Guard Against
Big changes can disrupt services if they are not managed carefully. Residents will want reassurance on:
- Phased council tax harmonisation to avoid shocks.
- Boundaries that do not split natural communities.
- Protecting service performance during transition, especially planning, SEND and adult social care.
- Clear local representation so Andover’s voice is not lost inside a larger organisation.
What Good Would Look Like For Andover
Publish clear local tests and track them in year one and year two, such as:
- Average pothole repair times and kilometres resurfaced.
- Recycling rate and town centre cleansing scores.
- Planning decision times and enforcement response.
- Timeliness for EHCP assessments and school transport.
- Waiting times for adult social care assessments.
- Reliability on core bus routes.
- Town centre vacancy rate and footfall trend.
Questions You Can Put In The Survey
- Which new council would Andover sit in and where would its main office be?
- Will there be a staffed customer hub in Andover?
- How will current Andover regeneration projects and funding be protected?
- What is the plan and timescale for council tax harmonisation?
- What share of highways investment is earmarked for Andover?
- How will town and parish councils be strengthened and how will community grants work?
- What guarantees are there on SEND capacity and adult social care continuity?
- How will local priorities be set and reported back to residents?
What Stays The Same
The NHS, police and fire and rescue services are separate from this process. Town and parish councils, including Andover Town Council, will continue with their local roles.
Timeline And How To Have Your Say
- Now to 11:59PM on Sunday 17 August: public survey open.
- September: councils expect to submit proposals to government.
- After that: government consultation and decision. Any change would be phased over time.
Have your say here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/lgr