Devolution and local government reorganisation

Updated 10 March 2025

On Wednesday 5 February, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (referred to by the government as Hampshire and the Solent) had been accepted onto the government's Devolution Priority Programme as a fast-track to delivering devolution for the area.

The government also announced that all 21 two-tier authorities across England – where there are county and district councils – would be invited to submit proposals for new unitary councils through its plans for local government reorganisation.

For Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this would mean replacing Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and all the district and borough councils, including our council, with unitary councils of population sizes of around 500,000, although lower numbers will be considered. The aim is to make it clear to residents and businesses who is responsible for all local government services in an area and allow a more holistic and joined up approach to providing services with the aim of ensuring better outcomes for local people.

Councils in Hampshire are required to submit outline proposals by 21 March and a full proposal by 26 September.

Devolution plans for Hampshire and Solent

Local government reorganisation

Basingstoke and Deane's recommended option

Keep up to date on our progress

While we do this work and move forward with local government reorganisation, we will continue to deliver the very best services for our residents and will keep you updated on our progress through:

• these webpages
• our residents’ e-newsletter
• social media channels
• our printed residents’ newspaper which is distributed to homes during the year