News

Get prepped for Christmas and shop local with free parking offer

[Nov 17, 2025]

Shoppers can kick-start their Christmas shopping on Small Business Saturday, with free parking on offer in council-operated car parks in Basingstoke town centre.

Have your say

[Nov 10, 2025]

Tell us about your experiences with physical activity, leisure and wellbeing in your area to help develop a new Active Wellbeing Strategy for the borough.

Festive Friday kicks off Christmas in Basingstoke

[Nov 05, 2025]

Love Basingstoke will be spreading seasonal cheer and kick-starting the festive period at the Top of the Town in style on Friday 14 November.

Community drive to collect essential items for victims of domestic abuse

[Nov 04, 2025]

People across the borough are being encouraged to donate essential items for women fleeing domestic abuse as part of a community appeal launched by the council and Festival Place.

Remembrance services set to honour sacrifices of the armed forces

[Oct 30, 2025]

Services to remember and honour the sacrifices of the armed forces will take place next month led by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore.

Frightfully free fun in Basingstoke town centre this half-term

[Oct 28, 2025]

A frightfully fun programme of activities is being crafted for children this October half-term as the Love Basingstoke team returns to Basingstoke’s Top of the Town and Cross Street.

Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership marks 10 years of tackling homelessness together

[Oct 10, 2025]

A partnership that has transformed the borough’s approach to homelessness and rough sleeping has marked 10 years of delivering vital support to vulnerable people across Basingstoke and Deane.

It’s time to GO for weekly food waste collections!

[Sep 30, 2025]

Residents in Basingstoke and Deane and Hart can now start separating their peelings and scraps from their rubbish, ready for the start of weekly food waste collections.

Energy-saving experts to help residents cut bills

[Sep 29, 2025]

Households in Basingstoke and Deane are being invited to book a free home energy survey that could help them save hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills.

Rare insects and over 80 new plant species found in local nature project

[Sep 29, 2025]

A pioneering nature project has led to the flourishing of rare insects and 85 new plant species across two Basingstoke neighbourhoods.

Majority of Hampshire councils unite behind plan for local government reorganisation

[Sep 26, 2025]

We've submitted our joint business case to government proposing the creation of four new unitary authorities for mainland Hampshire, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent island unitary council.

Listen Up for even more ear-resistable live music in Basingstoke

[Sep 23, 2025]

A treat for music fans is on the line up, as Listen Up returns for its third live event on Saturday 27 September, across five venues in Basingstoke’s the Top of the Town.

Land deal set to secure home for Basingstoke Community Furniture Project

[Sep 22, 2025]

A charity that provides low-cost household furniture and items, boosts recycling and provides training opportunities is set to benefit from improved facilities.

New star rating scheme for animal establishments

[Sep 19, 2025]

Pet owners in the borough will be able to find the best possible care for their animals, thanks to a new star rating scheme for animal establishments.

New lease set to unlock further improvements at ice rink

[Sep 12, 2025]

An empty unit at Basingstoke Leisure Park is set to get a new lease of life as part of a major refurbishment of Basingstoke ice rink.

Emergency alerts test - Sunday 7 September at 3pm

[Sep 05, 2025]

The government will be testing its emergency alerts system designed to warn people about life-threatening emergencies on Sunday 7 September at 3pm.

Community encouraged to step up to help tackle homelessness

[Sep 04, 2025]

This September local people are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and take part in Walking for Real Change, a community challenge to raise funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness.

Proposal for new unitary councils

[Sep 03, 2025]

Our joint proposal to government to create new unitary councils for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been published. The proposal from 12 of the 15 councils in the county, will be considered by borough councillors at three meetings in September.

Musician Rick Wakeman to headline Mayor's Variety Show

[Sep 02, 2025]

Music and comedy lovers are in for a treat next month as the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s new-look variety show gets ready to raise the roof at The Anvil.

Photo credit SME

Councillors set to discuss new plan for where homes could be built in the future

[Aug 27, 2025]

A new proposed draft strategy setting out where homes and places to work could be built over the next 15 years will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday 4 September.

Council leaders slam plan for River Test drought order

[Aug 20, 2025]

Plans that would threaten wildlife by allowing Southern Water to remove water from the River Test when flows are lower have been slammed by council leaders.

Community invited to share their views on golf facility relocation proposals

[Aug 18, 2025]

Users of Down Grange will get an opportunity to find out more and share their views on initial proposals to relocate golf facilities in areas around the sports complex.

Bicycle security event set to ride into town

[Aug 12, 2025]

Bike owners in the borough will have the opportunity to have their cycles marked, registered and pick up a free bike lock at drop in event next month.

Memorial bench to offer place to remember everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

[Aug 08, 2025]

A dedicated memorial bench is set to be unveiled in Basingstoke next week to remember everyone in the borough affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Views sought on borough council’s play spaces

[Aug 04, 2025]

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on play spaces in the borough.

Free family fun across Basingstoke and Deane this summer

[Jul 29, 2025]

Families can discover everything the borough has to offer this summer as part of a month-long programme of free activities being held across Basingstoke and Deane.

Discover the borough’s wild side at BioBlitz

[Jul 24, 2025]

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to discover the borough’s wild side at next weekend's BioBlitz, a three-day celebration of local wildlife at Mill Field Nature Reserve in Old Basing from Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August.

Coveted Green Flag Award for three borough council parks

[Jul 21, 2025]

Three popular parks in Basingstoke and Deane have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag, putting them among the very best parks in the UK.

Push the limits as part of new extreme sports event at Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park

[Jul 21, 2025]

Teenagers, young people and families can look forward to a day of adrenaline and action as part of a free new event being held in one of the borough’s flagship parks later this month.

Extensive refurbishment of Basingstoke hostel moves a step closer

[Jul 17, 2025]

Plans for the major transformation of a Basingstoke hostel that provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness are being firmed up after the council agreed to purchase the building.

Free trombone-riffic tunes for outdoor music lovers this summer

[Jul 15, 2025]

The popular Summer Bands concerts returned last weekend and, for the first time, this year’s series will take place across two beautiful locations in Basingstoke.

Get set for food waste collections from October

[Jul 14, 2025]

Residents in Basingstoke and Deane and Hart will be able to recycle more and reduce how much they waste when new weekly food waste collections are introduced in October.

Borough to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day with service

[Jul 14, 2025]

Residents and armed forces veterans from across the borough are being invited to join the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore at a special ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Borough’s carbon falls by a quarter since 2018

[Jul 10, 2025]

Carbon emissions fell more quickly from 2018 to 2023 in Basingstoke and Deane than anywhere else in mainland Hampshire, new government figures reveal.

Bumper weekend to bring the curtain down on this year’s Basingstoke Festival

[Jul 01, 2025]

Basingstoke Festival might be drawing to a close this weekend but there are many more acts to discover and enjoy on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July.

Residents urged to share views on future councils

[Jun 30, 2025]

Residents in Basingstoke and Deane are being asked to give their views on the size of the council that will provide all their services in the future.

Basingstoke Festival fun continues this weekend

[Jun 27, 2025]

Basingstoke Festival returns this weekend with a packed schedule of entertaining performances, following a colourful parade and opening weekend which saw thousands of people take part in Basingstoke’s annual outdoor arts festival.

Enjoy the fun and energy of Basingstoke Festival starting this weekend

[Jun 20, 2025]

Basingstoke Festival, the award-winning free annual celebration of art, culture, heritage, community and outdoor arts returns this weekend, with performances full of fun, energy and the weird, wacky and wonderful.

Basingstoke Festival Green Parade kicks off the opening weekend

[Jun 19, 2025]

Basingstoke Festival, the award-winning free annual celebration returns this weekend, starting with a green parade bringing communities across the borough together.

Council funding boost of £700,000 to improve community buildings now available

[Jun 17, 2025]

Community groups and voluntary organisations across the borough are being encouraged to apply for funding to improve their facilities, thanks to the council.

Celebrating Basingstoke and Deane’s conservation champions

[Jun 16, 2025]

The time local volunteers have spent carrying out nature conservation work to protect and enhance the borough’s natural environment has grown by more than 2,000 hours in a year.

Growing garden waste recycling in Basingstoke and Deane

[Jun 13, 2025]

More people in the borough are recycling their garden waste through the council’s collection service, helping to cut carbon.

Former Mayor’s charity appeal totals revealed

[Jun 11, 2025]

The former Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane has announced that his charity appeal raised almost £10,000 for two local charities during his year in office.

Views sought on refreshed net zero approach and ambitions

[Jun 06, 2025]

People and organisations are being urged to have their say on a climate action plan that puts forward an updated strategy to achieve a carbon-neutral future for Basingstoke and Deane.

Summer of sustainability-inspired events begins

[Jun 02, 2025]

A week of family friendly events, activities and live performances begins on Saturday 7 June as Basingstoke Green Week returns this year to kick off a ‘summer of green’.

New look council play areas open in time for half term

[May 28, 2025]

Major makeovers of four play areas are now complete as part of the council’s drive to provide play spaces that are well maintained and inclusive.

Greener bin trucks cut carbon

[May 22, 2025]

Over 1,550 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved since two north Hampshire councils began fuelling their bin trucks with a low-emission biofuel.

Summer starts with the return of Basingstoke Festival

[May 20, 2025]

Basingstoke Festival, the award-winning free annual celebration of art, culture, heritage, community and outdoor arts returns from Friday 20 June to Sunday 6 July.

Top travel tips to cut carbon and save money

[May 20, 2025]

A new sustainable travel planning service will help residents to think greener and save money this May by getting active for National Walking and Cycling Month.

Your Place residents' magazine now out!

[May 19, 2025]

The first edition of the council's new look A4 magazine Your Place will be delivered to homes throughout the borough from Monday 19 May.

Cllr Colin Phillimore elected as Mayor for 2025/26

[May 09, 2025]

Cllr Colin Phillimore is the new Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane following a Mayor Making ceremony at the Civic Offices.

VE Day 80 celebrations are coming to town

[Apr 29, 2025]

Basingstoke will celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a programme of events on Thursday 8 May.

Council helps people celebrate VE Day 80 with a street party

[Apr 17, 2025]

Basingstoke and Deane residents wanting to hold street parties celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day next month are being supported by the council.

Mayor’s call for people with memories of VE Day

[Apr 11, 2025]

Residents and armed forces veterans from across the borough are being invited to join the Mayor Cllr Dan Putty at a special ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Community projects set to benefit from councillor grant funding

[Apr 09, 2025]

Community groups and organisations can now apply for funding for small-scale local initiatives following this year’s launch of the council’s Councillor Community Grant Scheme.

New ‘drop ins’ to bring sustainability are just a few steps away

[Apr 01, 2025]

Free sustainability advice will be steps away for people living in Basingstoke town centre when eco experts hold their first community ‘drop ins’.

Change to Own Home Loan scheme set to give more residents a chance to buy their first home

[Mar 24, 2025]

More first-time buyers can get support to buy a home of their own following changes to one of the council’s affordable housing schemes.

Devolution and local government reorganisation

[Mar 21, 2025]

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been accepted onto the government's Devolution Priority Programme as a fast-track to delivering devolution for the area.

New unitary councils are also set to replace our existing county and district council structure in Hampshire.

Council achieves specialist accreditation for domestic abuse and homelessness work

[Mar 14, 2025]

The country’s leading specialist domestic abuse partnership has recognised the borough council for the high standard of support it offers those suffering domestic abuse.

More play areas set for major makeovers

[Mar 13, 2025]

Four more play areas have been earmarked for major makeovers in the next year as part of the council’s drive to continue to provide play spaces that are inclusive and well maintained.

Listen Up returns with free live music in Basingstoke

[Mar 12, 2025]

Music fans will be able to enjoy another fantastic line-up of live performances in Basingstoke town centre this month as part of a showcase of music from homegrown talent and national artists.

Funding to support community and voluntary groups

[Mar 11, 2025]

Community and voluntary groups across the borough are set to benefit from more than £140,000 in funding following this year’s launch of a council grant scheme designed to provide more targeted activities, services and support for residents.

Northern Hampshire council to be discussed

[Mar 10, 2025]

Making the case for four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire, including a unitary council encompassing Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor, will be discussed by councillors.

Plans for refurbishment of town centre hostel at centre of borough’s drive to tackle homelessness

[Mar 10, 2025]

A Basingstoke hostel which provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness is set to undergo a major transformation as part of work to protect the vital service.

Councillors set to discuss future of Westside Community Centre

[Mar 10, 2025]

Opportunities for the redevelopment of a Basingstoke community centre are set to be explored alongside plans for a new long-term community hub for the area.

Pledge to continue investment in frontline services after councillors agree budget for the next year

[Feb 28, 2025]

Plans to continue significant investment in the borough council’s frontline services for the next year have been given the green light by councillors.

Independent advice and support at free event for first-time home buyers

[Feb 27, 2025]

First-time buyers in the borough can find out more about opportunities to get onto the housing ladder at a free council-run event next month.

Council unveils exciting plans for five replacement play areas

[Feb 26, 2025]

Work to transform five more of the borough’s play areas is under way as part of the borough council’s commitment to ensure play areas are inclusive, well maintained and fun places for families.

New play area now open at Sinclair Drive

[Feb 19, 2025]

Play time just got even better for children living near Sinclair Drive in Basingstoke following the completion of work to install a new play area.

Building inclusive workplaces for a thriving local economy

[Feb 18, 2025]

Businesses across Basingstoke and Deane will get to hear first-hand experiences of employers and students that have been part of a programme of inclusive work experience placements at a free event next month.

Street exhibition to commemorate 50 years of Basingstoke and Deane

[Feb 10, 2025]

Personal stories and memories of people living and working in the borough are set to be brought to life as part of a pop-up exhibition to celebrate 50 years of the borough of Basingstoke and Deane.

Opening the door for more community services to restart in South Ham

[Feb 07, 2025]

More community services and activities look set to restart later this year following a partnership effort to secure additional space in South Ham for a community association after its centre had to close.

Light trail set to illuminate Basingstoke town centre this February

[Feb 04, 2025]

Basingstoke town centre will shine brighter this February half-term as the popular Let’s Glow light trail returns, promising an unforgettable experience.

Council sets out ambitious new targets to deliver plan for future development

[Feb 04, 2025]

A new timetable to move forward the council's Local Plan, which will guide development in the borough over the coming years, is set to be agreed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 11 February.

Land sale to create new affordable homes proposed

[Feb 03, 2025]

More new affordable homes could be built in South Ham if Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council agrees to sell land it owns to a housing provider.

Thousands of new trees taking root throughout the borough

[Jan 30, 2025]

New trees that will provide food and shelter for native wildlife are now taking root in gardens throughout the borough after more than 1,500 residents collected free saplings in the Tree-mendous Giveaway.

Energy-saving freebies up for grabs

[Jan 29, 2025]

The next 50 people who book a home energy survey with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will get a box of money-saving goodies for free.

Jane Austen and VE Day 80 to be celebrated at Mayor’s spring concert

[Jan 28, 2025]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s spring concert will take place at The Anvil on Saturday 1 March at 7.30pm showcasing local singers and musicians.

Help to keep Basingstoke and Deane clean

[Jan 24, 2025]

Local volunteers, community groups, organisations and businesses are being called on to support a new borough council initiative to help keep Basingstoke and Deane clean.

Have your say on local nature reserve plans

[Jan 21, 2025]

The borough council is asking people for their views on its plans to designate Little Pen Wood as a local nature reserve.

Borough to remember victims of genocide on Holocaust Memorial Day

[Jan 13, 2025]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane will lead a short service to remember the victims of the Holocaust and other acts of genocide, later this month.

Council calls for sites for development to move forward Local Plan

[Jan 07, 2025]

Landowners and developers are being asked to come forward with sites that may be suitable for future development in the borough.

Sadness at death of former Basingstoke Town Mayor

[Jan 07, 2025]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane has announced the death of Criss Connor, a former borough and county councillor, who passed away in December 2024.

Photo provided by the Connor family.

Christmas opening hours

[Dec 24, 2024]

The council offices will be closed from 4.30pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 until 8.30am on Thursday 2 January 2024.

Rink repair programme agreed to keep ice in Basingstoke

[Dec 20, 2024]

Major refurbishment work is set to begin at Basingstoke’s ice rink following Nice Leisure Limited taking over ownership of the long-term lease.

Support to bring empty homes back to tackle housing shortage

[Dec 20, 2024]

A move aimed at bringing more empty homes back into use across the borough has been backed by councillors.

Proposals to relocate facilities at Basingstoke Golf Centre to be considered

[Dec 19, 2024]

The borough’s flagship sports complex is being proposed as an option to relocate facilities currently on offer at Basingstoke Golf Centre, if a new indoor water park resort is built on the land the facility currently sits on.

Borough to bloom with thousands more wildflowers

[Dec 17, 2024]

Over 14 acres of native wildflower meadows will spring up across the borough thanks to a new project to restore and create habitats for bees, butterflies and other native wildlife.

Share the Christmas bin collection dates magic

[Dec 11, 2024]

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hart District Council are calling on their bin-fluencers to help share important information on changes to festive bin collection dates.

Plans for a new play area unveiled at Sinclair Drive

[Dec 10, 2024]

Work to create a new play area in Sinclair Drive in Basingstoke is set to get underway early next year.

Updating the borough’s net zero strategy

[Dec 06, 2024]

Work to update the action plan for how the borough tackles the climate crisis and reaches net zero carbon is under way.

Residents urged to not waste the chance to have a green Christmas

[Dec 05, 2024]

Christmas can generate plenty of extra household waste and the council is urging residents to throw away less and recycle more during the festive season.