East Hampshire District Council today agreed to submit an interim proposal for local government reorganisation in Hampshire to central government.
The report is the culmination of a series of meetings between council Leaders and Chief Executives of the 14 other councils in the county and it represents a consensus approach.
It has been supported by consultants KPMG and forms the interim proposal for local government reorganisation for Hampshire that must be submitted to central government by Friday 21 March. All other Hampshire councils will also be considering this interim proposal before this deadline.
This submission follows the publication of the Devolution White Paper at the end of last year and the announcement that Hampshire and the Solent is part of the Devolution Priority Programme.
The report shows that councils are aligned on the need to develop structures which are fit for the future and have agreed principles to guide decision-making – alongside the government’s criteria. However, all councils have yet to reach a consensus on a preferred option for the unitary structures.
The report proposes that the Isle of Wight should remain as a separate unitary authority and is requesting confirmation from government about this and if it meets the exceptional circumstances required to do this.
Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “This document is the culmination of a multitude of meetings between Council Leaders and Chief Executives and represents a consensus approach between multiple partners.
“However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure the future of local government in Hampshire is stable and financially viable.
“The most important thing now is that we make our decisions based on facts, not opinions.”