There’s still time to have your say on the future of councils
Consultation on local government reorganisation in Hampshire & Isle of Wight closes 11 January
Eleven councils, including Eastleigh, have come together to support a model that would create five unitary councils – four on the mainland and one for the Isle of Wight. This model is designed to be:
- Small enough to stay local. Four new councils on the mainland, at an average population size of 500,0000, built around the population centres of Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth, with the Isle of Wight remaining its own unitary. This keeps decisions close to communities, ensures services will be tailored to local needs including those in rural areas and protects local identity and relationships with businesses, the NHS, police, schools, town and parish councils and voluntary groups.
- Large enough to stay strong. Each council would have the scale to run complex services well, enable economic growth, invest for the long term and be financially resilient - removing duplication and unlocking at least £63.9m a year in recurring savings, paying back the cost of reorganisation in around three years.
The joint proposal reflects how people live, work and travel across the region. It builds on years of joint working and aims to simplify services, reduce duplication and improve long-term resilience.
You can read more about these joint proposals at www.closeenoughtobelocal.co.uk
Eastleigh's view - Option 1A
In September, Eastleigh Borough Council backed Option 1A which would see Eastleigh & Southampton come together with the parishes of Chilworth, Fawley, Hythe and Dibden, Marchwood, Nursling and Rownhams, Totton and Eling, and Valley Park to create a new South West Hampshire unitary authority.
Find out more about why we support Option 1A here
Government consultation
The Government has now launched a statutory consultation on the four different options seeking feedback from local residents, businesses and organisations. This consultation is open from Wednesday 19 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026.
Have your say and take part in the Government consultation here