What is being proposed across Hampshire
We have working with other Hampshire local authorities on proposals for new unitary councils
A joint proposal from 11 of the 15 councils across Hampshire, including Hart District Council, has been submitted to Government, following months of work and public engagement.
It is called Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong and proposes three different options for the four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire, at an average population size of 500,000. They are grouped around the major population centres of Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke. The Isle of Wight would remain its own island unitary authority, as now.
The proposal is based on evidence assessed against financial, place and needs data. See what this would mean for Hart.
Each council sent their final proposal to the Government on 26 September 2025. These will be considered in early 2026, with new unitary councils taking over from April 2028.
You can also read the appendices to the LGR report.
The other councils supporting the proposal are Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Havant Borough Council, New Forest District Council, Portsmouth City Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Winchester City Council.
Alternative options are also being explored by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council. Their preferred proposal recommends the creation of three unitary councils for mainland Hampshire with the Isle of Wight as a separate island unitary authority. You can find more information on their proposals on the Hampshire County Council website.