Councils Collaborate on Local Government Reorganisation Plans in Hampshire

The New Forest District Council, along with 14 other councils in Hampshire and the Solent, is developing an interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in response to a government request. Council leader Jill Cleary emphasized that any reorganization must honor the distinct identity and needs of the local communities, advocating for a rural-focused unitary council model if reorganization is deemed necessary. Meanwhile, Southampton City Council is preparing an interim report outlining guiding principles for new unitary councils, which should be financially sustainable and shaped by community input. The report, which will not specify boundaries or the number of new councils, will be submitted to the government by March 21. Proposals for restructuring local government in Greater Lincolnshire are also under discussion, with plans to consolidate existing councils into two unitary authorities, aiming for greater efficiency and cost savings. These developments reflect a broader trend of local government reform across England as councils respond to government initiatives.