About Future Hampshire
Every day across Hampshire, residents, businesses and communities rely on a wide range of local council services to live, work and thrive.
Easy Read
To help everyone understand how local government in Hampshire is changing, we have produced an Easy Read version of the key information: Future Hampshire LGR Easy Read summary — August 2026
In March 2026, national government announced major changes to local councils which will see a reduction in the number of councils across Hampshire and the Solent area.
From April 2028, the current council structure of 14 county, district, borough and unitary councils in mainland Hampshire will be replaced by four new unitary councils responsible for providing all council services in their area.
Residents, communities, businesses, partners and council staff remain at the centre of the process.
As the 14 councils involved in this process, we are working together to make these changes while continuing to provide services and support local communities.
Why local government reorganisation (LGR)?
National government has decided to reorganise local councils across Hampshire and the Solent area to create councils that are simpler for residents to access, better positioned to join up services, and financially sustainable for the future.
The Isle of Wight already operates as a unitary authority and will continue to do so.
Local government reorganisation aims to create a council structure that is:
- Simpler - Many residents are currently served by more than one council, with different councils responsible for different services. Under the new system, a single council will be responsible for providing all local government services in its area. This does not include parish and town councils which are not being reorganised. The aim is to make services easier to understand, access and navigate.
- Better connected - Bringing related services together within one council creates opportunities to plan and provide support in a more joined-up way, helping residents, communities and partners get more coordinated responses.
- More efficient – National government’s aim is to reduce duplication, support long-term financial sustainability and make the best use of public money, while protecting the services people rely on.
What is happening to existing services?
Until we establish the future unitary councils in April 2028, the current County Council, district, borough and unitary councils in Hampshire will remain responsible for delivering the services they provide today.
As the 14 councils involved, we are working together to make sure that you continue to receive the services and support you need as we build and launch the new councils.
