Eastleigh “steps up” on Local Government Reorganisation
Eastleigh Borough Council backs LGR Business Case and boundary-change option
At last night's Council meeting, Eastleigh Borough Council agreed to submit their business case ‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’ to Government, and endorsed boundary changes to reflect better reflect our communities. The proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), were jointly developed with the vast majority of local councils across Hampshire and set out a four-mainland-unitary model based on how people actually live, travel and work. Final decisions on new authorities and boundaries will be made by Government.
To get ready, from 1 October the Council will create two new Cabinet portfolios for Adults’ Services and Children’s Services. These will shadow the full range of county-level functions so Eastleigh can build capability and support a smooth transition to any future unitary arrangements.
Cllr Keith House, Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, said:
“We didn’t ask for LGR. But Eastleigh has a long record of getting things done and delivering excellent public services. If Government creates new unitary councils, we will step up.
“From 1 October we’re creating two Cabinet roles, for Adults’ Services and Children’s Services, to start shadowing the full range of county-level services now. Their focus is simple: design support with local insight, close to where people live. Too often, people tell us the system can feel remote and impersonal. Our response is to design support closer to home, joining up education and social care so help is easier to find and quicker to respond.”
Download the full business case:
‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’
Business Case - Appendices