Islanders can share their views on proposals for a far-reaching shake up of local government across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is seeking feedback on local government reorganisation (LGR) plans from councils in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.
LGR is one plank of Whitehall’s local government reforms, announced in December last year.
It aims to simplify and streamline the delivery of services and improve efficiency by replacing district and county councils with unitary authorities.
The government’s favoured approach is for unitary councils to serve populations of more than 500,000 but exceptions might be made to keep smaller councils under exceptional circumstances.
Whitehall’s consultation, which ends on January 11, covers four separate proposals.
It can be accessed here: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/hampshire-isle-of-wight-portsmouth-southampton/.
Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council’s plan (pictured) proposes four councils: Mid-North, West, South-East, and Isle of Wight unitary authorities.
The Conservative leader of Hampshire County Council, Nick Adams-King, previously said: “Our proposal offers proven annual savings of around £50 million and while other proposals may promise more savings, they lack evidence, increase risks, spread resources too thinly, are more expensive, and less likely to deliver.”
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Meanwhile, another proposal (pictured) from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, New Forest District Council and Test Valley Borough Council puts forward five unitary authorities.
These include North, Mid, South East, South West and Isle of Wight councils.
Independent leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Paul Harvey previously said: “It reflects our shared belief that services should be run by councils big enough to be sustainable but close enough to remain local.
“With consistent financial benefits, strong public backing, and a structure that fits how people actually live their lives, this proposal is the right choice for Hampshire.”
A third submission (pictured) from seven authorities, including Eastleigh Borough Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, proposes unitary councils for North Hampshire, Mid Hampshire, South West Hampshire, South East Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Cllr Alex Winning, the Labour leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Option 1A brings together communities which already have strong ties to our city. It would boost economic and housing growth by uniting the port, waterside infrastructure, and related industrial land under one authority and ensure all the new councils have populations of similar sizes.”
Another five-council model, including the Isle of Wight, was lodged by Winchester City Council (pictured).
Winchester City Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Martin Todd said: “Our preferred option includes a mid-Hampshire council comprising Winchester and its neighbours in Test Valley and East Hampshire.
“We believe our proposals for the other three councils on the mainland also make sense – economically, practically and geographically – with all of them well-placed to better deliver services and give local communities a voice.”
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