What this means for Hart

A North Hampshire unitary council will replace the current two-tier council system of Hampshire County Council and district or borough councils. It will be formed from Hart District Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

The Government’s vision for local government reorganisation gives us an opportunity to transform how services are delivered for our communities and tailored to local needs.

The new unitary councils for Hampshire

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Benefits of the new council

Easier for residents to get what they need

A unitary council for north Hampshire will make things easier for residents, with services being provided by one organisation. This would build on successful shared service arrangements already in place in north Hampshire, including waste collection, street cleaning services and other initiatives between the three councils.

Closer to communities

This unitary size will keep a close connection to communities, allowing us to be responsive to local needs and giving people a say in their area. It also celebrates what makes us special as an area, protecting people’s sense of place and local identity.

Maximising economic potential

Hart, Basingstoke and Deane and Rushmoor economies are closely connected and home to key industries including high-tech, aerospace and financial services. Our economy looks towards London, unlike most of the rest of Hampshire, which focuses on the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

Financial stability

A unitary council for north Hampshire will provide the scale and financial stability the Government is looking for by maximising scale in delivering services and reducing overhead costs.  

What is happening across Hampshire

From 1 April 2028, there will be five unitary councils across Hampshire:

• Hart, Basingstoke and Deane and Rushmoor
• The majority of New Forest, Test Valley, East Hampshire and Winchester
• Southampton, Eastleigh, the New Forest waterside and lower Test Valley
• Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and southern East Hampshire and Newlands ward
• Isle of Wight