It has been decided that the current two‑tier system of 15 councils will move to four new mainland unitary authorities, with the Isle of Wight remaining a separate unitary council.
Although this is a significant announcement, there are no immediate changes for East Hampshire District Council, to the services they provide or how they work with you. All councils, including EHDC, will continue to operate exactly as they do now.
The move to unitary councils is designed to simplify the current system, where responsibilities are shared between county and district councils, and replace it with a model where one council delivers all services for its area. This will not take effect until April 2028, when all existing councils in Hampshire and the Solent will be formally dissolved and the new authorities take over.
The government said that it chose this model because it most reflected the distinctive nature of the local communities and was the option that would best deliver the government’s priorities. It will mean that Mid Hampshire will cover a very wide largely rural area, the relative GVA of each Unitary is shown on the attached map – Unitaries Map 2
Elections to the new shadow unitary councils will take place in May 2027, and these elected members will oversee preparations until vesting day on 1 April 2028, when the new authorities officially go live.
Parish and town councils
Parish and town councils will continue to exist. They remain an essential and valued tier of local democracy, and their role will be just as important – if not more so –- during and after this transition.
We will ensure that parish and town councils are kept fully informed as the local government reorganisation process continues. EHDC will endeavour to update their website with all the latest information so this is a good place to point residents or others who may have queries about the process and what it means. Please see www.easthants.gov.uk/lgr