Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 7, 2026

Purpose: To agree a formal consultation response to the Government’s consultation exercise in relation to local government reorganisation.   On 19 November 2025 the Government launched their statutory consultation on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  The consultation invites responses from a list of statutory consultees and from interested parties, including members of the public.   This report sets out the Council’s draft response to the LGR consultation, with strong support for “option 1A” of the five-unitary model submitted by Fareham Borough Council and ten other local authorities, together with commentary on the alternative four-unitary submission.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  agrees the draft consultation response as set out in Appendix A to the report; and   (b)  delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer, following consultation with the Executive Leader, to make minor amendments to the response prior to submission.