Have your say on local government reorganisation in the South

12 February 2026

A view of a town amidst rolling hills and countryside

Consultations are under way to shape the future of local government in parts of the South region.

Details have now been confirmed for the local government reorganisation consultations in devolution priority areas.

Within the South these involve:

Further areas will be involved in future consultations, which will be added to this page as they are announced.

These consultations cover proposals put forward by different groups of councils for how they would like to see the local area restructured. Responses are welcome not only from councils but from wider stakeholders as well. 

Subject to Parliament's decisions, the consultation will help shape the final decisions in preparation for elections in May 2026.

Find out how to have your say and track the progress of the consultations.

5 February 2026

Oxfordshire consultation opens

Oxfordshire County Council proposed one unitary council.

Cherwell District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council proposed two unitary councils.

Oxford City Council proposed three unitary councils.

This consultation runs until 26 March.

Take part in the consultation at: GOV.UK | Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Oxfordshire

5 February 2026

Gloucestershire consultation opens

Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council, and Tewkesbury Borough Council proposed one unitary council.

Cheltenham Borough Council proposed two unitary councils.

Gloucester City Council proposed two unitary councils.

This consultation runs until 26 March.

Take part in the consultation at: GOV.UK | Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire

5 February 2026

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay consultation opens

Devon County Council proposed three unitary councils.

South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council, West Devon Borough Council proposed three unitary councils.

East Devon Borough Council, Mid Devon District Council, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council proposed three unitary councils.

Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council proposed four unitary councils.

Torbay Council proposed four unitary councils.

This consultation is open until 26 March.

Take part in the consultation at: GOV.UK | Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

19 December 2025

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton consultation opens

Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council submitted a proposal for four unitary councils.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, New Forest District Council and Test Valley Borough Council submitted a proposal for five unitary councils.

Eastleigh Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Hart District Council, Havant Borough Council, Portsmouth City Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Southampton City Council submitted a proposal for five unitary councils.

Winchester City Council submitted a proposal for five unitary councils.

Gosport Borough Council and Isle of Wight Council did not submit proposals. 

 This consultation closed on 11 January 2026

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