Fareham Borough Council met on 25 September 2025, and after a minute's silence in memory of former Councillor Michael Prior, members discussed a proposal for local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and received updates on actions taken by the Executive. The council voted unanimously to support the preferred option detailed in the Local Government Reorganisation - Case for Change submission to HM Government report. The Executive Leader also provided an update on a motion to protect local climate and nature.

Local Government Reorganisation

The council considered the Local Government Reorganisation - Case for Change submission to HM Government report, which outlines the council's proposal for local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Councillor Simon Martin, Executive Leader & Executive Member for Policy and Resources, thanked the Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wannell and his team for their work on the proposal.

Following a debate, the council agreed on a number of comments to be put forward to the Executive for consideration:

• Recognition of the work undertaken by officers.
• Recognition of opportunities to improve services, particularly for vulnerable and young people.
• The importance of balancing scale and localism to benefit Fareham residents.
• The council should focus on improving services rather than reducing them to save money.
• The council should continue with its usual work alongside the local government reorganisation.
• Focus should continue on the workforce and the uncertainty that reorganisation has on council staff.
• Communication with residents must be a key focus.
• The council should work together positively.

The council voted unanimously to support the preferred option detailed in the report.

Protecting Local Climate and Nature

Councillor Martin provided an update on the motion submitted at the council meeting on 8 May 2025 by Councillor Chrissie Bainbridge, proposing the protection of local climate and nature by making devolution work for climate and nature.

Councillor Martin confirmed that following the Overview and Scrutiny Board's support for the motion on 2 July 2025, the Executive considered the recommendation at their meeting on 1 September 2025 and resolved to support the motion. Letters had been sent to the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, Rt Hon Alison McGovern MP, and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon. Steve Reed OBE MP, and that Councillor Bainbridge had been updated.

Executive Leader's Announcements

Councillor Martin announced that Regional and City Airports (RCA) had informed him that the Civil Aviation Authority had approved the ground lighting at Solent Airport and they can now begin to use them. RCA have commenced the agreed marketing approach.

Executive Members' Announcements

Councillor Connie Hockley, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, shared her experience of attending the first youth production performance at Fareham Live, We Will Rock You . She praised the energy and talent of the young people involved and thanked the Fareham Live team for their work.