Merged council for central Eastleigh - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community Governance Review (CGR)?

A CGR allows a principal authority like Eastleigh Borough Council to put in place or make changes to town and parish councils - for example by creating, merging, abolishing or changing their boundaries.

What do town or parish councils do?

Town or parish councils are the first tier of local government and are separate elected bodies made up of local people representing the interests of their community. Their activities fall into three categories: delivering services, like parks, play areas and cemeteries, to meet local needs, giving the community a voice and representation, and improving the quality of life and community wellbeing.

How are they funded?

Town or parish councils are funded through a sum of money called a ‘precept’ – a separate charge that is added to, and collected with, the Council Tax. The town or parish council sets its own precept to finance the services and facilities it provides.

Why is Eastleigh Borough Council consulting on a Community Governance Review (CGR)?

Boyatt Wood Parish Council (BWPC) and Eastleigh Town Council (ETC) have requested that Eastleigh Borough Council conducts a community governance review in time for the 2026 town and parish council elections. It will consider whether merging them into a single, larger town council would serve residents better. Research suggests that people have the greatest level of trust in their most local tier of governance. Eastleigh Borough Council believes that strengthening the most local tier of decision-making is the best way to give residents greater ownership and control over the day-to-day activities and services delivered on your behalf. If a new larger council is created for the centre and north of Eastleigh it will give residents a stronger voice than the existing smaller town and parish councils.

Why is this consultation happening now?

The government has set in motion a local government review (LGR) that will create much bigger “unitary” councils serving as many as 500,000 residents. This means that Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council are likely to be replaced by a council covering a much wider area than the present Borough, reducing residents’ representation.

What are the benefits?

With elected councillors representing your immediate neighbourhood, more key decisions on issues affecting your community are likely to be made locally; a larger local council would also have a stronger voice when engaging with the new unitary authority and would be in a better position to take on devolved services, keeping them locally accountable, and there should be financial efficiencies by combining operations. There would be a more unified approach to planning, community projects and local infrastructure would ensure coherent decision-making across the area, rather than separate councils working independently.

What services would a new, enlarged council deliver?

The responsibilities of the existing town and parish councils already include maintaining local parks, cemeteries, play areas, allotments and community buildings. They also have a strong voice in planning issues. There is a strong chance that more services will be devolved by the unitary authority to local first-tier councils if they have the combined resources to take them on.

What area does it cover?

The scope of this review covers central Eastleigh and surrounding areas to the north.

What are the financial implications – will I pay more Council Tax?

The rate of council tax would be set locally but, as the new town or parish council(s) would be picking up some services that are currently delivered by the Borough Council, there may be an impact on council tax. It is unlikely that residents would see a significant change to their council tax bill, though. Parish councillors are currently unpaid volunteers, normally supported by a small number of salaried staff, led by a parish clerk.

When could the new council be created?

Administrative and financial arrangements will take effect from 1 April 2026. Changes to electoral arrangements will come into force at the first scheduled elections following the review. This would be in May 2026.

Why should I respond to the consultation?

As a resident or local business, decisions on a range of important matters are made on your behalf all the time. Where there is an opportunity to have these decisions taken more easily and locally, we think people should take it. The consultations give local people a voice and opportunity to influence important decisions. It involves listening to and learning from local people before decisions are made.