It has announced a move to a simpler system of local government, with five new unitary councils replacing the current 15 county, district, borough and unitary councils that serve Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Each new council will be responsible for delivering all local services in its area.

Hampshire County Council will also be abolished and its functions incorporated into the new authorities. This aims to make services simpler to access, more joined up and easier for people to understand.

Under the model chosen by Government, there will be four new unitary councils on the Hampshire mainland, with the Isle of Wight remaining a standalone unitary council:

• North Hampshire: Basingstoke, Hart and Rushmoor
• Mid Hampshire: New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and East Hampshire
• South West Hampshire: Eastleigh and Southampton
• South East Hampshire: Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham
• Isle of Wight

For now, nothing changes. All council services will continue to run as normal, delivered by existing councils, while detailed planning takes place for the transition.

Hampshire County Council continues to hold full responsibility for delivery of its services during this period, with a clear focus on maintaining performance, continuity and accountability for residents.

This includes ensuring there continues to be a clear focus on:

• Protecting vital services, especially children’s services and adult social care to continue to support the most vulnerable in communities.
• Making sure the day to day support people rely on isn’t disrupted.
• Creating councils that are strong enough financially to plan for the future and deliver value for money.

Councils will now work together to build the new unitaries and prepare for the shadow council elections in May 2027.

The shadow authorities are temporary councils that will plan and prepare the new unitary council before it officially starts work on 1 April 2028.