The Government’s statutory consultation on the future of local government services across Hampshire, including here in New Forest district, is now at the midway stage. If you’ve not yet had a chance to respond to the consultation, why not take a few minutes to do so before the festive break. You can share your views here: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/hampshire-isle-of-wight-portsmouth-southampton/consultation/.
You’ll see the government is asking several specific questions about the extent you agree or disagree that each of the four proposals meets particular government criteria:-
- Proposed new councils are based on sensible geographies and economic areas.
- Proposed councils will be able to deliver the outcomes they describe in the proposal.
- Proposed councils are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.
- Proposed councils will deliver high quality, sustainable public services.
- A proposal has been informed by local views and will meet local needs.
- A proposal should support devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
- A proposal enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment.
The consultation closes on 11 January 2026. It is important that you have your say before the deadline, whatever your view might be on the future of public services
