The government has announced that a new northern Hampshire unitary council will serve residents in Basingstoke and Deane from April 2028, in the biggest change to local authorities in Hampshire in 50 years. 

Covering the borough and Hart and Rushmoor, the new ‘all under one roof’ council will deliver the three existing councils’ services, as well as those currently provided by Hampshire County Council. 

This was one of the new unitary authorities for Hampshire announced by The Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government The Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP today (Wednesday 24 March).  

The decision follows the region's 15 councils being told that they would need to reorganise into fewer unitary councils serving bigger areas and to put forward options. 

The new unitary councils announced today are based on proposals that were submitted to the government by 11 of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. 

Four new unitary councils will be created, centred around the natural economic geographies of Basingstoke, Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton, with the Isle of Wight staying an independent island unitary council. 

Chief Executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Russell O’Keefe said: “We welcome the decision from the government to move forward with the jointly developed proposals for a northern Hampshire unitary, bringing our area together with Hart and Rushmoor as part of the restructure of councils across Hampshire. 

“We will now work together with all councils to make the most of this opportunity to shape more responsive services, boost our local economy and give our residents a say in decisions that affect their daily lives. 

“This new north Hampshire unitary council will simplify things for people, with one tier of local government so they know who provides all their services, which can be much more joined up and coordinated. 

“Now we will work positively and constructively with all the councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to make the transition as smooth as possible for our residents.” 

A unitary council provides all local government services within its area, instead of splitting responsibilities between county and district councils.  Therefore, it is responsible for all main council services, such as education, transport and highways, adult and children’s social care and health, housing, planning, waste collection and disposal, libraries, environmental health and trading standards.  

These types of councils are designed to stop residents’ confusion about which council provides which service, simplify structures, streamline decision-making and reduce duplication.  

Elections for a shadow authority that will oversee the setting up of the new northern Hampshire unitary council and make decisions for the future are set to be held in May 2027.  

More information is at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/new-councils-decision