Local Government Reorganisation – LGR
On March 25th 2026, the Government announced their decision on the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
This will consolidate the 15 existing councils within Hampshire and include changes to the existing boundaries within the current New Forest District Council area.
UPDATES
June 05, 2026
The New Forest District Council have announced that after independent legal advice, they will not be pursuing a judicial review of the government’s local government reorganisation (LGR) decision. The independent advice highlighted significant concerns regarding the likelihood of success of legal action, alongside the financial, resource and practical implications of pursuing a judicial review.
For Further Information, please see the announcement made on their Facebook page, which features a live recording of the cabinet meeting:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1R4zRrCzzY/
June 09, 2026
Hampshire County Council will consider the matter at a cabinet meeting on 9th June.
For further information on the meeting, please see the agenda:
Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday 9 June 2026, 2.00 pm | About the Council | Hampshire County Council
June 10, 2026
Following the cabinet meeting on 09 June, Hampshire County Council members have voted to proceed with the next steps to pursue a judicial review, challenging the current Local government Reorganisation plans across Hampshire and the Solent.
The final decision will be made following further advice from the Kings Counsel and the response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
This decision has been made with the view that the current plans are not financially or practically sustainable and there has not been sufficient justification or supporting evidence for the current restructure.
For further information, please see the Cabinet meeting on June 09 in full.
June 16, 2026
The new organisation which will replace Hampshire County Council has been announced as the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA).
This organisation will bring the leaders from Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council together, to form the board of HSCCA.
A Mayor will be elected to lead the HSCCA from May 2028, for a four-year term.
Local councils will continue to manage day to day services for their respective communities until this responsibly transfers to the new unitary authorities.
Please find further information on the HSCCA Website
Please click below for further information regarding the LGR.
