Local Government Reorganisation

Local Government Reorganisation proposal published

The final proposal for reorganising local government across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong - has now been published by 12 councils in the region.

It sets out a recommended model of five unitary authorities: four new councils on the mainland and the Isle of Wight retaining its current standalone status. The proposal aims to simplify local structures, improve coordination of services, and deliver estimated annual savings of at least £63.9 million.

Isle of Wight councillors will consider the proposal at Full Council on Wednesday 17 September, ahead of the government’s submission deadline of Friday 26 September.

Read the full LGR Proposal

What is Local Government Reorganisation?

In December the Government announced a major programme of reform for local government including two related but separate initiatives, Local Government reorganisation and Devolution.

Local Government reorganisation is the ending of two-tier county and district council arrangements by reorganising local government to create new unitary local authorities with populations of at least 500,000.

The Government would like all areas of England that currently have two-tier councils to have one single unitary council instead covering populations of more than 500,000 each

For some areas of the country, this will mean that district and borough councils are likely to disappear and be integrated into new unitary authorities.

However, the Government has also indicated there may be exceptions and they may allow smaller councils, such as the Isle of Wight which is already a unitary authority, to exist in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

The Invitation from the Minister to the local authorities in Hampshire and the Solent area inviting proposals for local government reorganisation can be read here

The draft ‘Hampshire and the Solent Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – Interim Plan‘ agreed upon by all 15 authorities in the Hampshire and Solent area (including the Isle of Wight) has now been published.

This interim plan outlines guiding principles, such as financial sustainability, a clear sense of place and identity, and community feedback.

It also seeks an early indication from government that the Isle of Wight will be allowed to remain a separate unitary authority.

The interim report was considered and supported by Full Council on Wednesday 19 March 2025 and approved by Cabinet on Thursday 20 March 2025. The Cabinet report is available to view online

Further work will take place collectively over the coming months to agree on final proposals to be submitted in the autumn.

These proposals will need to reflect key criteria set by the government, such as prioritising high-quality and sustainable public services, achieving efficiencies, improving capacity to withstand financial shocks, and enabling stronger community engagement.

The final proposal for local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent area will be considered by Full Council later this year.

The Leaders have now written to the government with the interim plan.

Following the submission of the interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton, we have received early feedback from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

More information

If you wish to know more, further information including helpful videos and FAQs, is available on the Local Government Association website.

Local Government Reorganisation – National guidance and sector considerations (August 2025)

As part of the ongoing national programme for Local Government Reorganisation, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued a series of letters and guidance documents to council leaders across the region. These materials are intended to support councils in preparing robust, sustainable proposals and do not signal immediate changes to services or staffing.

The guidance includes considerations for partnership working in areas such as adult social care, governance expectations, and financial planning during the development of proposals.

The Isle of Wight Council is already a standalone unitary authority, and this status is maintained in all proposals being submitted for Local Government Reorganisation. This reflects the Island’s distinct geography, identity, and service delivery needs, and has been consistently supported by all 15 councils involved in the process.