Proposals for four new mainland Hampshire unitary councils to save millions
Creating four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire to replace the existing 14 councils, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent island unitary council, would save at least £63.9 million a year - that’s the finding of joint work by most of the councils in the county.
The proposal to government entitled Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong, is published today (Wednesday 3 September) by 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including Test Valley Borough Council.
The government wants to replace the current system of councils - including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils and the existing unitary councils - with new unitary councils, each covering a population of approximately 500,000, that would be responsible for all services in their areas.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “Whilst none of us would have chosen local government reorganisation, we have worked together to respond to the challenge set by government, and through commitment and collaboration have shaped a proposal for four mainland unitaries that are large enough to succeed but small enough to care.
“Residents in Test Valley have shown their strong support for option one, which is our preferred model. The joining of Test Valley, New Forest, Winchester and East Hampshire would see the coming together of four areas that have striking similarities around their communities and economies. These four areas are very different to the larger urban conurbations found in the rest of mainland Hampshire and will allow us to provide services that are much more suited to our local communities.
“This option provides the very best conditions to make the changes to public services a success and secure a sustainable future for those who live and work here.
“While there is a great deal of work still to do, to have got to where we are now is something I believe all 12 councils should be proud of.”
The proposals, for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area as a whole, are designed to better drive economic growth, deliver redesigned public services tailored to local needs and empower communities by enabling residents to shape local decisions. The proposals are also backed by the 12 councils as the best way to unlock and maximise devolution arrangements with the new councils working effectively with the Isle of Wight Council and the new elected Mayor for the whole region.
The 12 councils have made a joint statement, saying: “Unlike other proposals, we believe our approach means the best of both worlds: councils that are big enough to deliver major services and be financially sustainable, but local enough to understand communities so they can tailor services more closely to their needs.
“This is a comprehensive and evidence-based proposal that offers a bold vision for the future of local government in our region, ensuring every voice is heard and every service delivers real value. Covering the population of around two million people in mainland Hampshire, four new unitary councils would provide the scale of efficiency the government wants whilst still being connected to the communities they serve.
“The Isle of Wight’s continued independence is essential, given its unique geography and infrastructure needs. However, the proposal ensures integration and collaboration where beneficial, enabling shared innovation and transformation across the region.”
At meetings between now and the deadline for submission of proposals to the government on Friday 26 September, each council will formally consider approving the proposal.