Residents in Havant are being asked for their views on how their council should change as part of the government’s plans to reform local government.
In December 2024, the government published a white paper English Devolution White Paper - GOV.UK outlining proposals to reduce the number of local councils in England by replacing the current two-tier system with new unitary authorities.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was chosen as a priority area for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and government has asked all councils here to work together to submit a proposal of how we might restructure by 26 September, 2025.
In some parts of Hampshire – including Havant – services are delivered by both Hampshire County Council and either a district, borough or city council. Under LGR, this two-tier system will be replaced with new unitary authorities that provide all services.
Although Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight already have unitary authorities, they are included in the proposed changes and may end up joining with other council areas in Hampshire.
Today (30 June), Havant Borough Council and 11 neighbouring councils are launching an online survey where their residents can have their say on how council services should be delivered in future.
The survey is open until 27 July, and the feedback from residents will be used alongside information about population, local need and service delivery to design the preferred options that will be submitted to government to make the final decision.
Included in the survey are three options around new unitary authorities on the mainland, with the Isle of Wight left as its own unitary authority. These options are based on data held by current councils, who believe these proposed unitary authorities would provide the best balance of local decision-making and sustainable size for the county’s population of more than two million people.
Councillor Phil Munday, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said: “We’re now able to share with residents some options around what their local council might look like in future. These options for new unitary authorities have been developed based on a wide range of data around population, current and future service requirements, and physical links between areas. These factors are important, but just as important to me, is whether residents feel these new councils will provide the level of service, access and accountability that they need.
“It’s vital that as we continue to develop a final proposal to submit to government in September, we fully factor in the views of our residents, especially those in areas that might see a boundary change. The government has been clear that we need to show that we’ve listened to our communities before agreeing a final proposal and I completely agree with that approach.
“I would ask as many people as possible who live, work or study in Havant to take part in this consultation and make their voices heard.”
More information about LGR and a link to the survey can be found at: Have Your Say Today - Our Place Our Future - Commonplace