Review launched into plans to streamline local government
Earlier this year, central Government announced four new unitary councils would be created on the Hampshire mainland from April 2028. Resulting in the replacement of the 14 current councils serving the area (Hampshire County Council, 11 district and borough councils and the 2 unitary councils of Southampton and Portsmouth).
On 7 September 2026, central Government announced a “rapid” review of its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans to streamline local government.
The review of the LGR programme was announced in Parliament by the Secretary of State. The review process will include the decisions made on governance for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, which have been withdrawn in light of new legal advice.
The Government advised they had not taken this decision lightly, acknowledging the work that had already been carried out by local councils. Further adding that they had listened to representations about the approach and pace of reorganisation and now was the time to pause and reflect.
Further updates will be shared.