Making the case for four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire, including a Northern Hampshire unitary council encompassing the existing boroughs and districts of Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor, will be discussed by councillors next week.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet will consider a report on local government reorganisation in the county on Tuesday 18 March and all councillors will discuss it at a meeting on Thursday 20 March

Councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have until Friday 21 March to submit initial plans and Friday 26 September to submit a full proposal, after the government announced its plans for local government reorganisation, as well as separate plans for devolution. The government is expected to make a final decision in early 2026 on the future shape of local councils.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Leader Cllr Paul Harvey said: “The only thing that matters is what is in the best interest of the residents of Basingstoke and Deane.

“The government’s drive to reorganise local councils in our county is going to happen and we have to be the masters of our own destiny. We need to shape the final proposals to meet the needs of our residents in the future. That means a Northern Hampshire unitary council covering Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor. Our economy looks up the M3, not down it. A Northern Hampshire council will work for residents and businesses, and we will be stronger together. It will provide the size and scale of unitary council the government is looking for, while still being connected to the communities it will serve.

“We will do everything in our power to resist any proposals that may be made by others that would not meet the needs of the people we serve, weakening their voice. That includes a larger Hampshire-wide unitary council.”

The local government reorganisation programme for Hampshire sits alongside the government’s intention to devolve some of its powers and funding to a new strategic authority under an elected Mayor, making decisions across the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight area.

Currently out for consultation, the proposals, similar to what already happens in London and Manchester, would see the authority setting the key strategic vision for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region. It would have powers and responsibilities for areas such as strategic planning, transport, economic development and skills as a predominantly policy making authority, with the new unitary councils created delivering the services closer to residents.

For more information see www.basingstoke.gov.uk/future-councils