Government launches consultation on plans for new combined authority in Hampshire and Solent region which will see New Forest District Council axed

RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on government plans set to see the end of New Forest District Council.

As reported in the A&T, the current two-tier local government system, comprising NFDC and Hampshire County Council, is set to be axed under devolution and local government reorganisation.

Hampshire and the Solent region will be part of the fast-track initiative, which includes establishing a new mayor for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Now the government has launched an eight-week consultation asking for residents’ thoughts on the proposal and how the new regional body should work.

NFDC leader Cllr Jill Cleary said: “The consultation gives the opportunity to share views on the devolution proposals, and how the new regional body should work, and I encourage our residents to take part.

“The transfer of enhanced decision making from central government and the ability to retain a greater share of more locally generated funding that comes through devolution is something I would welcome and I will continue to make strong representations for an outcome that I believe is the best fit for the communities of the New Forest.”

HCC leader Cllr Nick Adams-King also encouraged everyone to have their say on the “exciting” milestone opportunity.

He said: “Devolution represents the biggest change to local government in a generation and as such, it is really important that local people across the wider Hampshire area have the opportunity to comment on the proposals.

“Collectively, alongside our three partners, joining the government's devolution priority programme is a fantastic opportunity for Hampshire to self-determine and shape devolution proposals in the best interests of our residents and communities.”

He added: “We are among a select group of local authorities nationwide to participate in this accelerated programme, underscoring the significant devolution opportunities the government has identified for our region.

“Together with our upper-tier local authority partners, we have a combined population exceeding two-million residents, 90,000 businesses, and an economy generating approximately £80 billion annually. Hampshire and the Solent region are crucial to the UK's economic framework.

"Devolution will shift more powers and flexibilities from Westminster to Hampshire and the Solent region, along with additional funding and investment. This transition will empower local authorities to make vital decisions closer to where residents live and work, driving economic growth, innovation, and productivity.

"This will enable us to create the best possible future for our citizens and businesses, improving people’s quality of life and spearheading the UK's economic recovery in the coming years through opportunities such as sustainable economic growth, reduced inequalities, and maximised net zero ambitions.”

He indicated that on 20th March, at an extraordinary full council meeting, the first report about the devolution proposal of “how that might all look” will be submitted.

But some argue the change won’t address financial challenges faced by councils up and down the country – including in Hampshire, where it has been warned HCC could have to declare effective bankruptcy.

Cllr Keith House, leader of HCC’s opposition, said only taxation or government grants could replace the money councils have lost over the last 15 years.

Cllr House added residents have a “fake future” under devolution and local government reorganisation as if the plans were “suddenly going to solve everything”.

He said: “Well, of course it isn’t. It’s the latest chimera; it’s the latest delusion, the latest fantasy, the latest dream that says this is going to fix things. It isn’t. The ongoing problem of local government finance is only going to be fixed either by new taxation or by government grants coming to local governments to replace the grant that’s been lost over the last 15 years.

“We’re not going to see a quick fix here. All we’re going to do is abolish this council, abolish our districts, abolish the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth councils and replace them with new bodies that will be equally unsustainable. Because if you load the existing budget pressures onto new councils, you’re going to get the same result. We need to admit it, we need to be saying it, we need to be demanding attention rather than simply saying we’re going to fix this by local government reorganisation.”

Cllr House added that some “modest savings” from reducing the number of councillors and councils might be made, but they’re not going to be “dramatic, nor “anywhere” near to the £200 million he said is needed.

Cllr Adams-King explained the county council will create the new strategic authority and be a constituent member. He also mentioned that as unitary councils are established, they too will be constituent members of the strategic authority and will have a “seat at the table with the mayor”.

According to Cllr Adams-King, there would be two seats for the county council and one for Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight.

The government argues the changes could improve transport, skills, housing, and public services, attract investment, and support environmental and health goals. With an elected mayor representing the area at a national level, it could also give Hampshire and the Solent a stronger voice in government decisions.

Residents have until 13th April to comment. If the plan goes ahead, mayoral elections will take place in May 2026.

For more on the consultation visit gov.uk/government/consultations/hampshire-and-the-solent-devolution