Have your say on local government reorganisation in the South

01 December 2025

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.

This consultation will cover the proposals put forward by different groups of councils for how they would like to see the local area restructured. It runs until 11 January and 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 this consultation below.

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. 

Take part in the consultation at: GOV.UK | Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.

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