Final call to help shape the future of councils in Hampshire
Residents have just a few more days to respond to a survey to shape the biggest change to local government in 50 years.
Test Valley Borough Council has worked with 11 other councils to come up with a proposal to change the current setup across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as directed by central government.
In line with the government’s ask, the proposal is to move away from the current ‘two-tier’ council structure currently in place in most of the county and create four mainland unitary authorities, which will provide all council services for the area they cover.
And Test Valley’s preferred option would see them join Winchester, New Forest and East Hampshire to form one of those.
Their survey is at https://ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/ and is due to close at midnight on Sunday 27 July.
In contrast, Hampshire County Council has separately put forward their preferred option for just three mainland unitaries, which would see Test Valley join Southampton, Eastleigh and New Forest.
Each council must decide their preferred option to submit to government in September, informed by feedback from the public.
Following submission in September, it is expected that the government will consult on the options that meet their criteria.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: ‘I have seen lots of comments from residents saying that they don’t want local government reorganisation, and I am absolutely with them on that. This is something that has been forced upon us by central government, but we cannot simply refuse to engage and hope it goes away. Because it won’t. We, therefore, need to take this opportunity to create local authorities that make the most sense to local people.
‘I firmly believe that the best outcome would be achieved by creating four unitary councils across mainland Hampshire. Large enough to succeed but small enough to care. And by bringing together Test Valley, Winchester, New Forest and East Hampshire, we would create a council made up of similar communities and demographics. This would give us the best opportunity not just to reorganise local government, but to genuinely transform services and change people’s lives for the better.
‘Whilst the vast majority of local authorities in Hampshire agree with creating four mainland unitaries, Hampshire County Council is trying to join Test Valley up with Southampton and Eastleigh. I don’t think the idea of Test Valley going into Southampton is supported by our residents and it’s not what Southampton want either. Our borough is made up of smaller towns, villages and rural communities. They need a local council that understands their needs. So, please respond to our survey before it closes on Sunday, so together we can secure a positive future.’
Complete the survey now at https://ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/