Test Valley leader responds to government update on local government reorganisation
The government has today (Thursday 29 October) confirmed that local government reorganisation will proceed across England, following the announcement of a review last month.
While ministers have announced the next steps for a number of areas, proposals for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remain under consideration, with a final decision expected early next year.
The government has also confirmed that local elections will take place as planned in May 2027 on existing council boundaries. New unitary councils will be established in 2029, with elections to shadow authorities taking place in 2028 to prepare for the transition.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, has issued this statement in response:
"We have been notified today that central government intends to continue with its programme of local government reorganisation, but that there is still no final decision on the future structure of local government in Hampshire and the Solent.
"While it is frustrating that we are still waiting for clarity on the footprint of the future council in our area, today's announcement does at least provide a clearer timetable for what comes next. The government has said that a decision for Hampshire will be made by early next year.
"Local government reorganisation was never a path that we chose to walk down, but having been directed by the government, we have always sought to secure the very best outcome for the residents of Test Valley. We have worked collaboratively with councils across Hampshire and the Solent to develop proposals backed by strong evidence and a robust business case, and we remain confident in that approach.
"Whatever comes next, our commitment to securing the very best outcome for Test Valley residents remains. That means creating a new authority where Test Valley communities are not dominated by a large urban area. We will continue to make the case for an arrangement that reflects real communities, protects local identity and puts people and communities at the heart of public services.
"More positively, the revised timetable gives us more time to focus on delivering for residents and progressing our ambitious plans for our communities, including the next phases of town centre regeneration in Andover and Romsey.