As you doubtless know, both Hampshire County Council and the districts in it will cease to exist – probably after the local elections in May 2027, or May 2028 at the latest.
The Government asked the local authorities in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight for their proposals on how they will organise themselves into larger unitary authorities, which will be larger than current district Councils.
Proposals went to the Government by the deadline of Friday 26 September. There was no unanimous choice for the Hampshire and Solent mainland, though everyone agreed that the Isle of Wight should be one unitary.
A good brief explanation about who is saying what, and why, is on the BBC website, here.
In short, Hampshire County Council and E Hants District Council proposed three new unitary councils on the mainland – map and explanation from HCC here.
11 of the remaining councils proposed four new unitary authorities for mainland Hampshire – Winchester’s announcement here. Portsmouth City Council formally rejected the government’s proposed council shake-up for not being in the best interests in the city, while still supporting the 4 unitary options if the Government insists on change. Gosport didn’t submit a proposal.
The decision about the unitary boundaries will be made by the Government. It’s unlikely to be decided before Christmas.
Whatever happens, local climate groups need to think about the implications – for funding, for relationships with Councils, and for relations with other climate groups. A short note about options is here.
How local people get their voice heard on climate and nature
The Government’s guidance on the Devolution Bill changes the previous approach on local engagement. They emphasise that local people must have their voice heard. How this will be arranged is not clear.
On one hand, there’s potential for parish and town councils to play a larger role. On the other hand, the Government is suggesting that the unitary councillors in local areas might form a committee for that area. “Town and parish councils are no substitute for the effective neighbourhood governance arrangements which the government expects local authorities to implement. These should enable local people to take issues or concerns to their local ward councillors, who will have a clear and accountable route to act on them”. More about this at LGA Devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs
Influencing the Mayor and Hampshire and Solent combined strategic authority on climate and nature
HCAN wants to influence the candidates to be our new Mayor for the Hampshire and Solent Combined Authority before they are elected in May 2026.
We are drafting statements on the most important strategic areas – climate, energy and renewable energy, nature, spatial planning and transport. These are work in progress. If you want to be involved in a topic, please let me know.
Climate and nature must be a legal duty for local government
We are working with climate and nature groups across England to press for Mayors to be made legally responsible for climate and nature. This will include amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to strengthen its provisions for climate and nature. See this Briefing Paper.
Please write to your MP urgently, asking them to support any amendments to the Devolution Bill that give strategic authorities statutory duties for climate and nature – this link may be useful to them.
Havant Climate Alliance 