Devolution and local government reorganisation
On this page:
21 March 2025
10 March 2025
Along with other councils of Hampshire and the Solent, we have jointly developed an interim plan in response to the government's invitation to explore local government reorganisation (LGR).
The plan involves 15 councils, including Hampshire County Council, district and borough councils, and the unitary authorities of Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight.
Cllr Jill Cleary, our Leader, said: "New Forest District Council firmly believes that any future local government reorganisation must reflect the distinct identity, needs, and aspirations of our communities. The New Forest is a special place with a unique history, strong communities and a focus on the future. We are clear that proposals for local government in our area must build on our strengths, not force us into an artificial structure that does not reflect our local identity."
"Although we do not feel that local government reorganisation is necessary to deliver growth and prosperity for the area, we have been working together as requested by government and I will be recommending the interim report to Council for their consideration before Cabinet on 21 March. There is more work to be done to develop a proposal and we know there will be different views from councils and communities."
"If local government reorganisation is unavoidable, I believe the best model for the forest is a rural-focused unitary council, bringing together the New Forest area with mid-Hampshire to form a sustainable and balanced authority that respects our heritage, supports our economy, protects our unique environment and can deliver high-quality local services building on our strengths in partnership working. We will not support any option that splits our historic communities or forces us into an urban-led model."
You will be able to view the report on the agenda for the Special Council Meeting, Council - Thursday, 20th March, 2025 6.30 pm, when it is published on 12 March 2025.
Government consultation
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on Hampshire and The Solent Devolution.
The consultation specifically asks about:
- the proposed geography
- governance arrangements
- supporting the economy
- improving social outcomes
- local government services
- improving the local natural environment
- supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity
The consultation runs for 8 weeks from 10am, 17 February 2025 to 11.59pm on 13 April 2025.
Background about devolution and reorganisation
The government announced a major programme of reform for local government (December 2024) including 2 related but separate initiatives: devolution, and local government reorganisation.
Devolution is when the government transfers certain powers and responsibilities to local councils to make more decisions locally by establishing regional Mayoral Strategic Authorities
Local government reorganisation (LGR) means changing how councils are structured, ending two-tier county and district council arrangements by reorganising local government to create new unitary local authorities, possibly merging councils, or changing who is responsible for specific services.
Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council have been accepted by government (5 February 2025) to join the Devolution Priority Programme.
These councils represent over 2 million residents and are committed to bringing the benefits of devolution, including local decision-making, economic growth, and innovation.
For our region, this will likely mean a new strategic regional Mayor for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.
The government has now formally invited us to work with other councils in Hampshire and the Solent to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation. Read the LGR invitation to local authorities in two-tier areas - GOV.UK
The Leader of New Forest District Council, and our chief executive and senior officers, are involved in discussions with other councils on shaping these proposals to ensure the best outcomes for the district.
Outline plans for local government reorganisation are expected by March 2025, with more detailed proposals in the autumn.
Past news items and statements
Leader of New Forest District Council's statement in response to Hampshire Devolution announcement.
Read our December 2024 response to devolution discussion
There is more information about devolution and local government reorganisation on the Local Government Associations's website
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