Timeline
Local Government Reorganisation Timeline
MARCH 2026
In March 2026 the Government published its decision on how local councils in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton will be reorganised.
The Government intends to implement Option 1A, creating five unitary councils with targeted boundary changes around Southampton & Portsmouth.
SUMMER / AUTUMN 2026
Legislation to enable the formation of the new councils is expected to be brought forward in Summer 2026, and confirmed in Autumn 2026.
MAY 2027
Elections to the ‘shadow authorities’ to guide the setup of new councils will take place in May 2027.