Hart District Council, along with a group of 10 other councils across Hampshire, is urging residents, businesses and partners to take part in the Government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation.
The Government plans to replace the current two-tier system of councils with larger unitary authorities which would deliver all the services for their area.
Each existing council was asked to propose how they would shape the new unitary councils for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight which the Government is now consulting on.
The councils, including Hart, all support a five-unitary model as the best fit for our area to keep services local and deliver at least £63.9m a year of savings. Find out more information about our proposals.
Under this new structure, Hart would join forces with Basingstoke and Deane and Rushmoor Borough Councils to form a unitary authority for North Hampshire. Four additional unitary councils are proposed for the rest of the mainland and the Isle of Wight.
Councillor David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council, said: “We believe our proposal ensures that a North Hampshire unitary authority is small enough to stay local but large enough to stay strong to work for all our communities.
“This model was the most supported option from our own engagement with Hart residents and businesses. The Government consultation is another opportunity to make your views known before they make their final decision.”
Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council have proposed an alternative model of three, larger-scale councils across the county. Under this proposal Hart would be joined with Basingstoke and Deane, Rushmoor, Winchester and East Hampshire.
Have your say and respond to the Government consultation at https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/hampshire-isle-of-wight-portsmouth-southampton
The consultation closing date is Sunday 11 January 2026.
The 11 councils supporting the five-unitary approach are: Basingstoke & Deane, Eastleigh, Fareham, Hart, Havant, New Forest, Portsmouth, Rushmoor, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester.