Consultation Opens On Landmark Local Government Reorganisation Plans

Islanders can now take part in a Hampshire and Isle of Wight public consultation relating to landmark local government reorganisation (LGR) plans.

A group of 12 local authorities across the area, including Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council and Winchester City Council, are asking residents to share their views on three reorganisation options being considered (see pictures).

The consultation’s launch follows the unveiling of extensive devolution and LGR plans by the government in December.

These include the transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall to regions across England through the creation of Strategic Authorities with elected mayors.

The LGR component involves replacing the current two-tier system of county and district councils with unitary authorities, covering populations of at least 500,000.

Each of the proposals from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight councils involve four unitary councils surrounding ‘four key hubs’ associated with ‘services, jobs, education, leisure and transport’: Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke.

They would also continue Isle of Wight Council’s status as a unitary authority.

The five unitary authorities would be in place of the current structure of 15 councils across the region.

Entitled ‘Our Place, Our Future’, the online survey says:

“The government has asked councils across England to look at how local government is organised, as they believe this will improve services and make better use of public money.

“In Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, that means local councils are being asked to consider options for replacing the current county, borough, district and unitary authority arrangements, and deciding what area the new councils would cover.

“These newly formed councils, which will be unitary authority councils, will be responsible for delivering all council services to the residents in their area.

“A group of 12 of the 15 councils in our area are now working together on options for reorganisation that build on what makes our communities unique – while making services efficient and future-proof.

“Your views will help us shape how local councils work in the future and do our best to ensure they reflect real places, priorities, and people.”

The consultation ends on July 27 and the government’s deadline for final LGR proposals from Hampshire and Isle of Wight councils is September 26.

It can be found here: https://ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/