Into South West Hampshire
From New Forest: Totton and Eling; Marchwood; Hythe and Dibden; Fawley.
From Test Valley: Chilworth; Nursling and Rownhams; Valley Park.
Option 1A
The plan government selected
Four new mainland councils are planned, with eleven parish areas moving across existing district boundaries. The Isle of Wight remains separate.
The decision
Selected on 25 March 2026
The Secretary of State chose the proposal known as Option 1A, submitted by Eastleigh, Fareham, Hart, Havant, Portsmouth, Rushmoor and Southampton councils. Implementation remains subject to Parliamentary approval.
The plan replaces Hampshire County Council, eleven district and borough councils, Portsmouth and Southampton unitary councils with four mainland unitary authorities. The existing Isle of Wight unitary remains.
Primary sources: MHCLG decision and consultation record; statement to Parliament.
Boundary changes
The places that move
These exceptions are why a simple current-district lookup is not enough for every household.
Into South East Hampshire
From Winchester: Newlands.
From East Hampshire: Clanfield; Horndean; Rowlands Castle.
Expected timetable
From decision to “vesting day”
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Government decision
Option 1A selected, subject to Parliamentary approval.
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Structural Change Order
Government prepares and lays the legislation that creates the councils and transition arrangements.
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Expected shadow elections
Councillors are elected to prepare governance, budgets, senior appointments and service transfer.
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New councils start
The four mainland unitary councils are expected to assume responsibility for local services.
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Expected mayoral election
The first directly elected mayor for Hampshire and the Solent is currently expected.
Dates are expected, not guaranteed
The Structural Change Order will be the controlling legal document. This page will be updated when it is published and approved.
Timeline source: Hampshire County Council LGR timeline.
A separate change
Devolution is not reorganisation
The Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority sits above local councils for regional strategy. It focuses on transport, skills, housing strategy, investment and economic development.
The unitary councils will still run everyday services. The combined authority was formally established in June 2026 and is expected to have a directly elected mayor from May 2028.
Compare the responsibilities