Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation update, February 2025
6 February 2025
Hampshire County Council has been accepted to participate in the Devolution Priority Programme, and the government has formally invited NFDC to work with other councils in Hampshire and the Solent to develop a proposal for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
LGR is the process in which the structure and responsibilities of local authorities are reconfigured. In the context of the English Devolution White Paper, the Government have set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils.
The Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council selection for the fast-track devolution is the start of significant local government reorganisation and the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for our region.
The creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority aims to bring more decision-making powers and resources closer to communities, enhancing the ability to address local needs and priorities.
As part of this process, elections for Hampshire County Council originally scheduled for May 2025, will be postponed to May 2026.
For LGR, the aim is to create simpler, more sustainable, and resilient local government structures, ensuring better value for taxpayers and stronger services.
Councils are expected to work collaboratively to develop a single proposal for unitary local government, rather than competing plans. A proposal needs to be with government by September and if a proposal is approved, the government will move quickly to establish new unitary councils, with elections to "shadow" councils as soon as possible.
Our continued focus is on ensuring these changes lead to improved services and opportunities for the district, and that any changes protect local identity, and meet the needs of residents and businesses.
There is information about Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation on the Local Government Associations's website
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