Our proposal

“We will deliver high-quality, locally tailored services that focus on prevention and long-term sustainability. By building strong, people-centred communities and harnessing the strengths of our local economies, we will drive inclusive growth and create vibrant, resilient places where everyone can thrive.”

Local identity – The councils reflect the unique identity of mid, north, south east, south west. We know this is important to people – each unitary reflects the unique and diverse geographies and communities across our county. It allows each council to respond to its strengths and recognise its residents’ unique needs

Service quality – unitaries which are the right size that reflect their unique geographies and communities can provide services which are locally tailored, high quality and responsive to local needs, not a one size fits all approach. The councils would transform services, enhance neighbourhood working, co designing with communities and local partners.

Strong local economy – each of the new unitary councils are based around the county’s distinct economic areas: Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton, and Portsmouth supporting growth. It provides councils who will have a balanced voice, best positioning each council to unlock economic growth, deliver high quality services public services and receive the benefits of future devolution to our region.

Local communities and connections – five unitary councils allows for structures which strengthen community representation, ensures an understanding of their local communities and their uniqueness. This proposal prioritises placed-based governance, co-producing services with local partners such as the NHS and Police, maintaining and growing existing local relationships – especially important for services like adult social care and children’s services.

Working together – the councils and independent consultants analysed options for between 2 and 5 unitary councils – evidence told us that five councils - four new mainland authorities with the Isle of Wight remaining a separate unitary council would be financially balanced, reflect local identities and meet the needs of local residents. Each council has ensured that local feedback has been incorporated into the proposals which has helped capture a wide range of voices and opinions.  

Financially stable – our proposal means less duplication, it achieves savings and each council is large enough to be resilient and strong for the communities it will serve. Savings of at least £63.9 million per annum would be achieved. You can read more on the financial case on this website.