Fresh uncertainty over Hampshire council shake-up as mayoral election delayed

The future of local government in Hampshire remains uncertain after the Government confirmed that plans to reorganise councils across the county are still under review.

The announcement on 29 October follows the Government's decision in September to withdraw its previous plans for Hampshire and the Solent, which would have replaced existing councils with new unitary authorities.

Ministers have confirmed that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be among 15 areas undergoing further review, with some decisions expected by Christmas and others early in the new year.

Under the revised timetable, elections to existing councils will go ahead in May 2027, with elections to the new shadow authorities expected in May 2028. The new councils are now scheduled to take over in April 2029.

For Winchester residents, this means Winchester City Council will continue delivering local services while the Government determines the future structure of local government.

The announcement comes alongside a separate decision to keep the first election for Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent in May 2028, despite calls for it to be brought forward to 2027.

Martin Tod: Delay could cost our area £180 million

Winchester City Council Leader and Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Martin Tod has criticised the decision, warning that it could mean Hampshire and the Solent missing out on substantial funding.

Under changes announced in the Government's Budget, areas with elected mayors are set to retain a share of locally collected business rates from 2027.

Martin has warned that delaying the mayoral election could mean the region missing out on up to £180 million that could otherwise have been invested locally.

He said:

"The delayed election means we are set to miss out on up to £180m which could have come to us locally. It could have been spent on building local skills, supporting local businesses, improving local infrastructure and protecting our local environment."

Martin is calling on the Government to bring the mayoral election forward to May 2027, arguing that Hampshire and the Solent should not have to wait another year to benefit from greater local decision-making and investment.

While the future structure of Hampshire's councils remains unresolved, local Liberal Democrats will continue working to deliver services for residents and pressing for greater powers and investment for the area.

Read more about Martin's campaign to bring forward the mayoral election