Local Government Reorganisation

Understanding Local Government Reorganisation

In December 2024, the Government announced a major reform programme for local government across England. This includes two key initiatives:

  1. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
  2. Devolution

What is Local Government Reorganisation?

Local Government Reorganisation means changing the way councils are set up. Right now, some areas have two types of councils:

  1. County councils
  2. District councils

Local Government Reorganisation is designed to simplify how local services are delivered by replacing the current system. The Government wants to replace this with one single council (called a unitary authority). These new councils would take on full responsibility for all local government functions in their area, helping to streamline services and improve efficiency. 

The Government’s preferred approach is for unitary councils to serve populations of more than 500,000. However, exceptions may be made, allowing smaller councils like the Isle of Wight, which is already a unitary authority — to continue operating in exceptional circumstances. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Read the formal invitation from the Minister to local authorities in our region, inviting proposals for local government reorganisation:

Proposals under review

Two proposals for reorganising local government in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been submitted to the Government. Both recommend that the Isle of Wight retains its current unitary status.

Proposal 1 - Simpler. Stronger. Secure

Simpler. Stronger. Secure, has been put forward by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council.

This proposal recommends a model of four new unitary authorities:

  • three new councils on the mainland, replacing the 14 existing ones
  • the Isle of Wight retaining its unitary authority status


Proposal 2 - Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong

Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong, has been submitted by a group of 11 councils including Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester.

This proposal recommends a model of five unitary authorities:

  • four new councils on the mainland, replacing 14 existing ones
  • the Isle of Wight retaining its unitary authority status

What happens next?

Both proposals are now being considered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

A government led public consultation is expected later this year. This means you will have a chance to share your views.

The public consultation will give residents the opportunity to share their views on the options that the government are considering.

Want to learn more?

The Local Government Association (LGA) website provides:

  • videos explaining LGR
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • more background information

Visit the LGA website