Update on Local Government Reorganisation for Hampshire

The government has unexpectedly announced that it has withdrawn the Local Government Reorganisation decision made in March for Hampshire. The Government has also said that the LGR plans for other areas will be reviewed. 

This decision would have seen Hart District Council join with Basingstoke and Deane and Rushmoor Borough Councils to form one unitary authority to cover north Hampshire, incorporating Hampshire County Council services. 

We'll continue to provide updates on this as they become available to us. 

What happens next?
The Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth has been asked to lead a rapid review of the programme, to cover all the LGR decisions that have been withdrawn, paused or not yet reached. This means that implementation work linked to the Government’s previous decision for Hampshire has ceased for now, while the review takes place. We do not yet know how long the review will take or what will follow it.

Will does this mean for LGR in Hampshire?
The Government has confirmed it is still committed to local government reform and to simplifying council structures. It has also said it remains committed to considering local government reform in Hampshire. We can’t pre-empt the outcome of the Government review, but it could result in the previous proposals being reinstated, changed or replaced. We do not yet know what the next phase will look like. 

Will local elections take place in Hampshire in May 2027?
The Government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries. We therefore now expect to run Hart District Council elections for district councillors in May 2027. 

Will devolution continue in Hampshire?
The Government has confirmed it remains committed to devolution and believes that unitary councils are a better foundation for mayors and strategic authorities. Its rapid review of LGR decisions does not impact the timetable for devolution and Hampshire’s mayoral election currently remains set for May 2028.