HAMPSHIRE County Council has launched an eight week public consultation to gather residents’ views on how they would like to see local government operate in Hampshire in the future.
The ‘Serving Hampshire Consultation’ sets out potential options for how the county council and the 11 district councils in Hampshire could change, or be reorganised.
The consultation is the latest twist in the devolution battle between councils across the county.
At one stage it was proposed East Hampshire District Council would become part of a new ‘Solent’ devolved authority by joining up with their colleagues in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight – and this may still happen.
Devolution in Hampshire could effectively see one tier of local government – county, district or town and parish –removed to bring more savings with more powers handed to the new authority from central government.
It appeared district councils in Hampshire were about to join some of the new devolved authorities being planned before the county council stepped in, presenting their own plan for moving forward and calling for residents to be consulted on the potential changes.
“We want everyone to have their say on an issue which will affect generations to come,” said county council leader Roy Perry.
“We have always been a staunch advocate of the two-tier local government system and have worked to engage with Hampshire’s 11 district councils on our proposals and encourage them to join us in our consultation.
“Unfortunately, it hasn’t been possible to reach an agreement with them, but we hope that all the districts will engage with this exercise, in the interests of the communities they serve.”
The consultation will be carried out by independent researchers Ipsos MORI, which will process results.