Timeline
Key dates for devolution and local government reorganisation
The timelines for devolution and local government organisation could shift as more information becomes available. The dates that have been outlined so far are:
16 December 2024: Government published the English Devolution White Paper. This proposes creating new Mayoral Combined Authorities alongside local government reorganisation
10 January 2025: Submission date for expression of interest by upper tier authorities to join the priority devolution programme
6 February: Government issues a formal invitation to Hampshire authorities to submit proposals as part of the priority programme
17 February-13 April: Consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on Hampshire and the Solent devolution
20 March: Hart Cabinet approve Hampshire-wide interim plan
21 March: Local authorities across Hampshire submit proposals showing how they will work together as part of local government reorganisation
7 May: Feedback from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on interim proposals for Hampshire. Councils proceed with putting together their final proposals
30 June to 17 August: Public surveys and engagement activities to seek views across north Hampshire and Hampshire as a whole
26 September: Authorities submit their final reorganisation proposals to Government
November-December: Government expected to run consultation exercise for local communities to be involved in decision making process for proposed authorities
End of 2025 to early 2026: Ministers will consider proposals for the new unitary authorities
2026: Mayoral elections and creation of strategic authority for Hampshire and the Solent
2027: Elections for a new unitary shadow authority
2028: New unitary councils go live