I wanted to give you a quick update regarding local government reorganisation proposals. I appreciate some people may be unaware of the changes incoming to local government reorganisation proposals, however I advise everyone to take some time to look into this.
I will try to be as simplistic as possible (easier reading).
EHDC and Hampshire County Council have been working together to get a preferred option in place for councillors to consider on Thursday 17th July 2025. The preferred option sets out a model for replacing 15 councils across Hampshire and the Solent with four new unitary councils.
– *North*: Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Winchester – *South-West*: Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley – *South-East*: Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth – *Isle of Wight*: (unchanged)
As you may be aware, EHDC and HCC have gone their separate ways to conduct their own analysis with Pwc.
The other councils are working together and conducting their analysis with KMPG (the report is not out yet)
Please do express your views here. I do not want Rowlands Castle, Clanfield, and Horndean to be split from East Hampshire and join Portsmouth and Havant. Although East Hampshire District have not proposed this, the other councils have. It’s important to let those councils know your thoughts.
Residents, please have your say. ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLh3ndleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHlKuLm4QyqxcTcO4mfVQZr5P7tXSysOQ4eM-jd9F9eynAGfauoZq8d9UCaMt_aem_yhF-pbLRKVN-qV4VNjE1-w
Finally, I have to be honest, there is far too much information to absorb in such a short space of time. The preferred option has been picked and I will be deciding how to vote on the day. My main concern is that in the report, we haven’t focused of EHDC residents. I am also concerned about the lack of consultation we have had with residents and businesses which I will be bringing up at full council on Thursday. I am also concerned we haven’t see the KMPG report to see what options they have come up with.
I will always strive to do what is right by the village and our people, even if that means making difficult choices. It’s about people, not politics.
I will be in touch after the full council meeting to discuss next steps. I will work hard with the Parish Council, who sadly, along with other parish councils in the district haven’t been engaged with the process through no fault of their own.
I am available via email – charlene.maines@easthants.gov.uk
Cheers Cllr Charlene Maines _______________________________________________ Grapevine mailing list: info@rowlandscastle.com
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