Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 20, 2025

Purpose: To enable Fareham Borough Council to meet the timescales set by the Government for the submission of an interim position statement as plans are developed for local Government Reorganisation across Hampshire and the Solent area.   The Government has selected Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and all Councils in the area including Fareham Borough Council, to be part of its Devolution Priority Programme (DPP).  A requirement of the DPP is that the district, county and neighbouring unitary councils should merge with neighbouring authorities to form larger unitary councils (also known as local government reorganisation or LGR).   The Secretary of State has formally requested that interim LGR proposals are made by 21 March 2025, with final business cases to be submitted by 26 September 2025. Following the final business case submission, Minister will decide their preferred option for LGR in Hampshire, and lay legislation in Parliament leading to the new councils taking legal effect from 1 April 2028 at the latest.   The report presents the draft interim plan that has been developed in collaboration with all Councils across Hampshire/IoW and seeks the approval of the Executive to submit it to Government by 21 March.   The Executive is also asked to endorse the progression of the work, under the direction of the Executive Leader and Chief Executive Officer, in order to develop a final business case for Full Council consideration later in 2025.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  notes the progress made in relation to local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent;   (b)  supports the submission of the interim plan, attached as Appendix A to the report subject to the correction of the deficit figure at paragraph 4 of the submission letter on page 19 of the agenda pack which should read £136 million;   (c)  supports the Executive Leader and the Chief Executive Officer in progressing to the next stage of the work programme, in order to support a detailed proposal for reorganisation; and   (d)  delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer, following consultation with the Executive Leader, to commit resources as necessary, to develop a detailed proposal.