Managing the change to future councils

Local government reorganisation (LGR) will create four new mainland unitary councils in Hampshire from 1 April 2028. Until then, current councils will continue providing services while work progresses to establish the future authorities.

New governance arrangements will provide leadership throughout this period, helping to maintain services while overseeing the move to the new councils.

The programme will take place in two phases.

Phase 1 – Joint committees

Joint committees, made up of councillors from all current councils, will lead the first stage of the programme. They will coordinate planning, make key decisions and oversee preparations for the new councils.

Phase 2 – Shadow authorities

Elections will be held in May 2027 to establish the future unitary councils. Councillors elected to these councils will lead the final year of preparations for the reorganisation, making the key decisions needed before they then begin operating on 1 April 2028. During this transition, these new councils are known as shadow councils, or shadow authorities.

Together, the joint committees and the shadow councils will help ensure a smooth and coordinated transition.