Debate over number of new councils for 2027

Hampshire is set to get new councils under government plans

An alternative idea for how the county of Hampshire could be carved up for new unitary councils has been put forward.

The 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are to be scrapped and new authorities created under local government reorganisation plans.

Twelve of the 15 councils are consulting on plans for five new councils but the leaders of Hampshire county and East Hampshire have backed an alternative model which sees the mainland split into three and the Isle of Wight stays alone.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, leader of Hampshire county, said it was the only way to make sure "the new councils were resilient and sustainable and don't go bust within a short amount of time".

The leaders of Hampshire county and East Hampshire district say this plan is the most sustainable

Under this plan, there is a South East council including Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and Havant.

The Isle of Wight stays alone - both of those are the same as the alternative plan.

The difference is with the north and mid council which includes Basingstoke, Hart, Rushmoor and Winchester.

The South East council merges Southampton with Eastleigh, the New Forest and Test Valley.

You can read about the other consultation here - people can respond to both.

A consultation launched on Monday for people to have their say on this plan, which Hampshire say will save £50m.

"I admit it is confusing and I'm sorry that is the case," said Mr Adams-King, "but it's really important for people to tell us what they value as Hampshire county council provide 85% of services in the county".

He added the solution the councils come up with has to make sure the most vulnerable people are protected and looked after even though "change is coming".

However there is opposition to the plans amongst other local authorities.

A joint statement has been published by Eastleigh Borough Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Hart District Council, Havant Borough Council, Isle of Wight Council, New Forest District Council, Portsmouth City Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Winchester City Council.

It said: "Hampshire County Council has published its case for a future of only three, large-scale, councils across the county.

"Their proposal risks creating remote, oversized councils, cut off from the places and people they serve. Our communities deserve better."

Cllr Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: "I believe that localism is a crucial factor in any proposed change, helping to create a sense of home and belonging within the new council areas.

"So, while the proposed south-east cluster is reasonable, the same cannot be said for the north which ranges from Basingstoke to Rowlands Castle, or the south-west with areas as disparate as New Milton, Southampton and Andover."

Hampshire's councils are being told by central government to reorganise.

It's happening alongside a devolution bid for a mayoral combined authority which is being supported by Hampshire county, Portsmouth city, Southampton city and Isle of Wight councils.

The MCCA (Mayoral County Combined Authority) is set to come into operation in May 2026.

Local government reorganisation will take another year.

Each council needs to submit its plan for local government reorganisation by 26 September 2025.

The government will then assess the options, put two or three out for public consultation and then make a final decision.

The new councils would come into operation in May 2027.