Have Your Say On Major Shake-Up Of Councils Across Hampshire And Isle Of Wight

Islanders are being urged to give their views on sweeping changes that could reshape how local services are run across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A government consultation is now open on several competing plans to reorganise local government — a move that could see district and county councils scrapped in favour of larger unitary authorities. Ministers say the aim is to simplify services and cut costs.

Four different proposals are on the table, each suggesting new council boundaries and structures.

All include a standalone Isle of Wight unitary authority, while the number and layout of councils on the mainland varies between four and five.

Different groups of councils have submitted their preferred models, each claiming theirs would save the most money, protect local services and better reflect how communities work together.

The public consultation runs until 11 January, and residents are invited to share their views online.

You can take part in the consultation here:https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/hampshire-isle-of-wight-portsmouth-southampton/