Councils back “five-unitary council” model and urge residents to respond to Government consultation

A coalition of 11 councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is calling on residents, businesses and organisations to take part in the Government’s consultation on the future structure of local government in the area. The group is united behind a proposal for a five-unitary council model, which they argue is the most effective, efficient and community-focused option for the region.

Under the proposal, four new unitary authorities would be created on the mainland — centred around Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth — each with an average population of about 500,000, in line with Government guidance. The Isle of Wight would remain a standalone unitary.

The councils say the model balances local decision-making with financial strength, delivering services that remain close to communities while unlocking at least £63.9 million in annual savings by reducing duplication.

“Small enough to stay local – large enough to stay strong”

Explaining the approach, the councils say their plan ensures that local identities, rural needs and existing relationships with public services are protected. At the same time, the proposed councils would have the scale to manage major services, support long-term investment and remain financially resilient.

Councillor Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, speaking on behalf of the group, said:
“Our message is clear that we want councils close enough to communities to maintain connection and big enough to deliver all services. Our proposal has the support of 11 local authorities in Hampshire and it is focused on our economic geographies that make most sense to the way residents live and work.”

Independent research cited by the councils suggests that creating significantly larger “mega councils” does not improve performance or savings, reinforcing the group’s view that size should be based on sustainability rather than scale for its own sake.

Southampton backs Option 1A

In September, Southampton City Council formally backed Option 1A, which would bring Southampton together with Eastleigh and the parishes of Chilworth, Fawley, Hythe and Dibden, Marchwood, Nursling and Rownhams, Totton and Eling, and Valley Park to form a new South West Hampshire unitary authority.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said the option reflects the strong social and economic ties already in place.
“Option 1A brings together communities which already have strong ties to our city. It would boost economic and housing growth by uniting the port, waterside infrastructure, and related industrial land under one authority and ensure all the new councils have populations of similar sizes.”

He added:
“In the summer, we asked for your help in shaping our proposals as they were developed; now we’re asking for you to give your opinions to the Government on the different options for LGR to help shape their decision. You can find out more and have your say in the Government consultation via our website.”

Widespread backing

The five-unitary model is supported by Basingstoke & Deane, Eastleigh, Fareham, Hart, Havant, New Forest, Portsmouth, Rushmoor, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester. The councils say the proposal builds on years of shared projects, partnerships and practical collaboration.

Their business case argues that the model offers the most balanced solution in terms of service quality, local democratic voice and long-term financial stability — designed around real travel-to-work patterns and anchored in the region’s four major urban hubs plus the Isle of Wight.

Have your say

Residents and organisations are encouraged to respond to the Government’s open consultation on Local Government Reorganisation. Full details and links are available via local council websites.