Local Government Reorganisation
What you need to know
On 25th March 2026, the government announced their decision on the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for Hampshire.
The current two-tier system of county councils and district/borough councils will be replaced with unitary councils across the country.
This re-organisation will include:
- Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils
- Isle of Wight Council
- Hampshire County, District and Borough Councils
Currently, Hampshire and the Solent area includes 15 district, county and unitary councils.
Some areas have ‘two tier’ councils:
- Hampshire County Council, which delivers essential services such as education, roads, social care for older people, and safeguarding vulnerable children and adults
- District or borough councils, which are responsible for delivering other key services, including planning, housing and waste collection. Such as the New Forest District Council.
The Solent area (Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight) has single-tier councils that deliver all services.
The Local Government Reorganisation will consolidate the existing 15 councils, which also includes some changes to existing boundaries.
This reorganisation will not change or replace parish and town councils.
For more information, including FAQs, please go to hants.gov.uk website or click the link below.
What is Local Government Reorganisation? | About the Council | Hampshire County Council
