Local Government Reorganisation
Supporting the right structure for local government that serves our communities best.
Focus
The Government wants to change how local government works. Areas that have County and Borough Councils will be reorganised, and those councils will cease to exist. New councils will be created which provide all the services currently provided by the two-tier system.
We’re supporting local work on this reorganisation, making sure we get the right structure – councils that are close enough to be local, but big enough to deliver all the services communities need. We’re working on multiple aspects of this, including the Hampshire Mayor proposal and advocating for a North Hampshire Council that combines Basingstoke & Deane with Hart and Rushmoor – close enough to be local, but big enough to deliver all the services communities need. We’re saying no to Hampshire County Council’s plan for a mega-council that would see Basingstoke combined with Petersfield and Winchester.
What’s next
- Coordinating work across local government reorganisation priorities
- Following Government decisions on local government reorganisation
- Keeping residents informed about what changes mean for them
How to get involved
- Learn more about the proposals at hampchristleyes.com
- Share your views on local government structure
- Support the North Hampshire Council proposal
- Sign up for updates on local government changes
Updates
Advocating for North Hampshire Council
Basingstoke & Deane wouldn’t be big enough on its own, but could work with Hart and Rushmoor to create a North Hampshire Council. This would be closer to people than other proposals. We think North Hampshire is the better choice – it’s close enough to be local, but big enough to deliver all the services we need.
We are saying no to Hampshire County Council’s plan for a mega-council that would see Basingstoke combined with Petersfield and Winchester. We are backing the local plan for a North Hampshire Council.
Read more →Local government reorganisation timeline confirmed
The Government confirmed the timeline for local government reorganisation on 5 February 2025, when the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution invited councils in two-tier areas to develop proposals for unitary local government. The English Devolution White Paper was published on 16 December 2024, outlining the government’s vision, and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 10 July 2025. Councils were invited to submit interim reorganisation plans by 21 March 2025, with full proposals due by 28 November 2025.
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