EHDC prepares to finalise plans for simpler, stronger and more secure local councils

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) are entering the final stage of shaping their proposal to central Government on how councils across Hampshire and the Solent could be reorganised to better serve local communities.

Following public and stakeholder engagement held this summer, EHDC's full council will meet on 25 September to consider final proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The Cabinet is expected to confirm the final proposal on 26 September, before it is submitted to Government.

The Government has asked councils across England to replace the current two-tier system, where county and district councils deliver separate council services, and instead create unitary councils that deliver all local services. For Hampshire and the Solent area, this would see the County Council, 11 district councils, and the unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight replaced with fewer local authorities.

EHDC and HCC’s current proposal recommends creating four new unitary councils: three on the Hampshire and Solent mainland and one for the Isle of Wight. This model is designed to be simpler, stronger and more secure, with local identity and community voice at its heart.

Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of EHDC, said: “By proposing the four-unitary model, we are setting the stage for a stronger, more sustainable, and more responsive system of local government.

“It enables us to safeguard essential services, achieve meaningful savings, and modernise local democracy for future generations.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us. It is essential that residents have a stake in the future of their local councils and your views will help form the final proposals to be discussed by councillors at the end of September.”

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “We’re approaching a key moment in shaping a better future for local government in Hampshire and the Solent.

“I want to thank everyone who took part in our summer engagement. Your feedback is helping to shape a proposal that County Councillors will be considering very soon, before our final choice is submitted to Government later this month. It will then be for Government to decide on which options they formally consult the public - anticipated to be before the end of the year.

“In the meantime, our aim is clear: to protect and improve the vital services people rely on, ensure councils are financially strong for the future, and responsive to local needs.

“By creating councils that are large enough to be efficient, but local enough to stay connected to communities, we can give people a stronger voice in how their area is run. This is about securing a better future for Hampshire and the Solent, and I’m proud of the important and detailed work we have done to get to this point.”

Findings from this summer’s engagement show strong public understanding of the issues around LGR. A total of around 5,000 people and organisations took part in the survey as well as wider engagement activity, with many recognising the potential benefits of reducing 15 councils to four, alongside the potential for better access to services, cost savings, and stronger local identity and representation.

The current proposed model builds aims to:

• Deliver better value for money

• Strengthen local leadership

• Bring services closer to communities

• Save around £50 million each year, helping protect frontline services to those most in need and ensure long-term financial sustainability

• Unlock the area’s potential to innovate and grow the local economy

Findings from this summer’s public and stakeholder engagement are available on Hampshire County Council’s website:

Once EHDC and HCC’s preferred option for LGR across Hampshire and the Solent area is submitted on 26 September, the Government is expected to consult the public later this year, with a final decision due in spring 2026.

Don't bin it!

Throwing something in the refuse bin should be the last option for the things we own. There are many other options before we open that lid. Here are some ideas.

Try to buy what you need

The best way to avoid binning things is to not buy more than you need, or things you will end up throwing away.

Reusable bottles are a good alternative to single-use plastic bottles.

Buying loose fruit and vegetables rather than big bags can reduce food waste.

Spending a bit more on something which is built to last (if you can afford it) can save you money in the long run.

Can you fix it?

Sometimes when something in our home breaks, we may not have the skills to repair it ourselves, but it could still work if it was fixed. This can save you money and keep that item from going for scrap or recycling.

Repair cafés can help take broken things and give them a new lease of life.

Find someone else to love it

You might not like it anymore, but someone else could find it very useful.

You could sell it second hand to make a small amount of the cost back.

Many towns and villages have ‘buy nothing’ groups on Facebook where you can give your items to someone who will use them.

Charity shops around the district will take a wide range of items from clothes to books, to toys and games that you might not want anymore.

The Samaritans run clothing banks across the district, where you can drop bagged clothing.

If you are unable to take things to a charity shop or clothing bank, Anglo Doorstep Collections will take:

• Clothes
• Shoes
• Books
• CDs, DVDs and video games
• Small electricals
• Kitchenware
• Toiletries
• Linen and towels
• Toys
• Bags
• Accessories
• And more

You can bag things up and book a free collection with them.

Recycle it

If you can’t find another way to keep your items in use, many things can be recycled.

At home

We can take paper and cardboard, plastic bottles, tins and cans and aerosols in your black recycling bin and glass bottles and jars in your glass box.

Don't put batteries in your recycling or refuse bin as they can cause fires.

At the tip

If you can’t put it in your recycling bin, you may still be able to take it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), or back to the place you bought it, for recycling.

With the company you got it from

Some brands will take back old items to be repurposed or recycled.

Examples include:

• Boots
• Currys
• H&M
• IKEA
• Patagonia
• Rapanui

With more companies looking to improve their sustainability, the list is growing.

New playpark opens in Headley Down

Fantastic facility funded by local development

Children of all ages are rushing to Woodlands Hall Play Area this summer to explore a new £250,000 play park.

The play park, next to Woodlands Hall in Headley Down, features a fabulous array of exciting new facilities that will cater for toddlers to teenagers.

The new play area replaces equipment which has served the community for more than 20 years and was overdue for an upgrade.

The enhanced play park has been funded by more than £225,000 of developer contributions, £25,000 from EHDC’s welfare fund and £5,000 from Headley Parish Council.

Cllr Adeel Shah, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, said: “The funds we have provided have enabled us to completely revamp this playpark into a fantastic new facility with incredible equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities.”

Cllr Anthony Williams, ward councillor for Headley, said: “Woodlands is a very important hub for Headley Down and Heathelands and the new park will be a great benefit for local residents, especially as it combines with the youth group Y+ moving in to run the community hall next door.”

Headley Parish Council said: “Headley Parish Council is pleased to have assisted with grant funding towards the cost of the new play equipment and MUGA facility around Woodlands Hall.

“The range of play equipment will appeal to young people of all ages and give a far greater choice of equipment to replace the original ageing equipment. We are pleased to have helped in financing the new equipment and hope it will be used by young people for many years to come.”

The refurbishment will feature a Monty The Bear tunnel as the central attraction, providing a fun new identity for the play area and linking it to the neighboring Headley Down Nature Reserve.

The upgraded play area will include two main multi-play units designed to offer age-appropriate challenges for a range of abilities, accommodating many users simultaneously.

Low-height structures with interactive play panels will cater to the developmental needs of children of different ages and abilities, promoting exploration, physical activity and social interaction.

A new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) is being installed, offering multiple sports activities with inclusive sports markings. Target panels will cater to various skill levels, and a scooter track will increase the age range and accessibility of the area.

Photo caption:

Top: Cllr Adeel Shah and Cllr Anthony Williams at the brand new playpark at Woodlands Hall, Heatherlands, Headley Down.

Below: A bird's-eye view of the new playpark

Download the images

Business support programmes for you – sign up now!

EHDC has used central government funds to provide workshops and one-to-one support to help you in your business.

Sign up to one, some or all of the courses by emailing business@easthants.gov.uk.

The sessions will either be in person or online, depending on what the majority of attendees prefer. None of the meetings will be hybrid.

Each workshop is just three hours long and packed with value – plus you’ll receive free 1:1 expert support to apply what you've learned directly to your business.

Digital Growth & Innovation

Save time, drive efficiency and make more money. Understand how you can protect your finance and your data – and how failing to do so affects your bottom line

• Monday 8 September, 9.30–12.30 (In person or online)

Digital Readiness, Online Visibility & Cybersecurity Audit your current digital setup, enhance your online presence, and build a solid foundation for cybersecurity.

“The Board You Can’t Afford”

This is an opportunity to build a trusted network of like-minded business owners to share best practice and ideas – which will help your business move forward much faster and in the right direction. It’s lonely at the top, but you’re stronger together

• Thursday 18th September, 9.30–12.30 (In person or online) Building High-Trust Peer Networks

Business Resilience and AI:

Are you ready for the year ahead? Can your business find new revenue streams or supply chains, and reduce costs without compromising on quality?

• Tuesday 23rd September, 9.30–12.30 (In person or Online)

Visioning, Strategy & AI

Recruitment and retention

It’s expensive to hire and retain good staff – attend these courses to make sure you’re putting the best adverts in the most useful places, and how to nurture the best staff to make them even more valuable to your team.

Effective Recruitment – where to advertise and when (online)

Thursday 4 Sept – 2–4pm Repeated on Thursday 2 Oct - 2–4pm

Understanding, embracing and harnessing talent (online)

Thursday 11 Sept - 2–4pm Repeated on Thursday 9 Oct 2–4pm

Developing Your Staff (online)

Thursday 25 Sept - 2–4pm Repeated on Thursday 23 Oct - 2–4pm

Each recruitment workshop is just two hours long and packed with value – plus you’ll receive free 1:1 expert support to apply what you've learned directly to your business.

Brought to you through the government’s SPF allocation, and delivered by Consultician Ltd, Cash Cow Marketing Ltd, Alloy Consulting Ltd and SB Consulting.

To book and for more information email business@easthants.gov.uk.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UKSPF

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and​ skills.

Find out more on GOV.UK

Time’s running out to have your say on our idea to build a better future for Hampshire and the Solent area

East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council are urging businesses to take part in their survey on Local Government Reorganisation before it closes on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Central government wants to shake-up how councils are run across the country – to create fewer (all-purpose) unitary authorities that deliver all council services. Councils must submit their ideas to central Government this autumn on how they think things should work in their area. Government will then consult the public, before making its final decision on what councils will look like across Hampshire and the Solent area in the future.

Apply for a Rural Grant now!

EHDC’s Rural Grant scheme is open for applications until Wednesday 27 August 2025 for grants of between £5,000 and £50,000.

Could you provide a six-month work trial placement?

East Hampshire District Council is looking for businesses to provide a six-month funded work trial placement from September 2025.

Who can apply?

We’re looking for 10 local businesses that can offer new roles—not replacements for existing jobs.

To qualify, your business must:

• be based in East Hampshire
• offer a new position that does not put current employees at risk
• provide up to 25 hours of work per week
• commit to supporting the participant’s development

For more information see our website or contact sarah.flamson@easthants.gov.uk

Support for you to hire an apprentice

EHDC can provide support for employment costs if you take on an apprentice (of any age).

Skills Support Morning at BASE Bordon

Wednesday 13 August 2025 from 10am-12noon

Free advice from Hampshire County Council to help you explore skills training, funding opportunities and incentives that can support personal and business growth.

Join Hampshire Chamber’s Sustainable Business Network

Wednesday 27 August from 1-4pm at Agilico, SO53 3QB

A dynamic event designed to strengthen Hampshire’s network of sustainability-focused SMEs through fostering business connections, shared learning and collaboration.

This event includes a business success story, workplace tour and practical insights from an expert speaker.

AI – understand it before you get left behind! Free course

Tuesday 16 September from 11am-12noon online (Zoom link provided after registration)

AI is moving fast – and small businesses that don’t engage now risk being left behind. This free, one-hour session gives you the clarity and confidence to start using AI with purpose.

You’ll leave understanding more than 90% of your peers – and ready to take action.

Free – Limited Places Available

Unlocking Hampshire’s Green Potential returns

Tuesday 18 November from 9am-1pm at the Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke

This year diving into one of the biggest topics in sustainability: Best Practices for Sustainable Supply Chains.

Please contact: events.south@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Grow talent, unlock potential – with Hampshire County Council’s Skills Bootcamps

Now including exciting new pathways in Artificial Intelligence, Leadership & Management, and Teaching Support - providing flexible, funded training designed to meet real workforce needs.

Ideal for those returning to work or exploring new career paths, these bootcamps provide flexible, funded training that connects talent with opportunity.

Innovate UK asks you to join the Net Zero Supplier Network

With its cross sector business networks, Innovate UK is ideally placed to understand what solutions might be best suited for the area and can ensure that you not only find the right solutions, but can adopt them and make progress towards your net zero goals.

Staying cool, saving water and wasting less food

Welcome to the August edition of Green Steps. This month’s edition has tips on staying cool, saving water and reducing food waste. We hope you find it useful.

Everybody be cool

How do you keep your home cool when it’s hot outside?

The Centre for Sustainable Energy has tips to keep your house and yourself cool, including:

• Shutting curtains and windows on south-facing walls to keep the hot air and sun out
• Using a fan to move cooler air around your house
• Placing frozen bottles of water in strategic places around your house to cool the air

Also, it’s worth remembering if you have a dog to make sure they can stay cool. The RSPCA has advice on their website.

Water we going to do?

The Environment Agency has warned that urgent action is needed to avoid England being 5 billion litres a day short of water demand by 2055.

While this is partially to do with leaks and other infrastructure issues, which are beyond our control, we can all do our bit to minimise water waste.

The WWF has 10 tips on saving water in your home.

Reduce food waste, save money

Ahead of the introduction of food waste collections in 2026, it’s worth considering how much food you currently waste and reducing that.

According to Love Food Hate Waste:

• 60% of food waste comes from UK homes
• 18 million tonnes of CO2 are generated by UK homes from wasted food and drink
• 8 meals could be saved each week if we stopped binning our food at home

If you can develop good food habits, like planning your shops, sticking to your list and storing your food properly after you buy it, you can make a big difference to the amount you throw away.

Apply for a Rural Grant now!

EHDC’s Rural Grant scheme is open for applications until 27 August 2025. More information can be found on our website

Ask about our employment support programmes

EHDC can help you to employ new staff, from a trial placement through the Kickstart Scheme to employing an apprentice (of any age) and helping you meet those employment costs

Find out how to sign up to our Kickstart scheme below

And find out all about our Apprenticeship Scheme here

Find out about our business support

From September our business support programmes will start again – covering everything from recruiting and retaining staff to future planning through finance and technology. An opportunity to exchange ideas with The Board You Can’t Afford. To express an interest please email business@easthants.gov.uk.

Hampshire Chamber Events

Business support events from the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce can be accessed here

Green growth programmes for small businesses to save money

Find out how sustainable practices can save your business money

Understand how AI can help your business

Sign up to Innovate UK’s AI mapping tool, to understand what more you could be doing to help your business

Be cyber secure

Fareport Training has just launched its Cyber Secure Bootcamp for Hampshire employers.

Find out more below

Skills support morning

Come along to a free Skills Support Morning at BASE Bordon, held on 13 August 2025, 10am to noon.

The event will offer advice from Hampshire County Council to help you explore skills training, funding opportunities and incentives that can support personal and business growth.

Pop in to BASE Bordon, 60 Barbados Road, GU35 0FX. It's completely free and impartial advice.

Sign up below

Have your say on how councils will operate in the future

We need businesses to tell us what they think about our proposals for local government reorganisation so that our updated proposal truly reflects the business viewpoint.

We're exploring how 15 councils across Hampshire and the Solent can be reorganised to create four new councils that deliver all your services. What do you think about our preferred option?

Take a few minutes to have your say www.easthants.gov.uk/lgr

Would you like to become a mentor for start ups, or a speaker at a school?

Find out more through Innovate UK’s programme: Digital Boost: become a mentor

Dispose of your business waste responsibly to avoid a fine

Every business that produces waste in the UK has a legal ‘duty of care’ to:

• manage it properly until it's recycled or disposed of
• always use a registered waste carrier or register to carry your own waste
• keep the correct paperwork for at least two years

If your business waste is fly tipped and you don’t have appropriate paperwork, you could receive a £400 fixed penalty notice or, if convicted in court, the maximum fine is unlimited, and you could face 12 months in prison.

GOV.UK has information on disposing of business or commercial waste and your responsibilities. Find out more on the GOV.UK website https://www.gov.uk/dispose-business-commercial-waste

Your Councils – A better future: Have your say on simpler, stronger, secure local government in our area

East Hampshire District Council is asking residents to help shape the future of local services across Hampshire and the Solent – making councils simpler, stronger and secure.

Councils shape our daily lives, from collecting bins and running schools to helping with housing and providing care. Now, with Government calling for change, EHDC is asking residents to have their say on a bold new plan to make local services easier to access.

The proposed changes would see the current 15 councils across the Hampshire and Solent area replaced by four new unitary councils (three on the mainland, and the Isle of Wight remaining a standalone council) – each responsible for delivering all local services.

This would mean fewer layers of bureaucracy, better value for money, and services that are easier to access for local people and communities.

A vision for the future

The proposed unitary councils would be:

• North and Mid Hampshire (Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Winchester)
• South-West Hampshire and Solent (Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley)
• South-East Hampshire and Solent (Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth)
• Isle of Wight (remaining as a standalone unitary council)

These proposals are based on extensive data analysis, community feedback, and public sector insight – to create a model that is fair, financially sustainable, and fit for the future.

Leader of East Hampshire District Council, Councillor Richard Millard said:

“Local government plays a crucial role in people’s everyday lives, from emptying the bins and educating children right through to protecting our most vulnerable residents.

“That’s why it’s vital that residents, businesses, community groups, sports clubs, councillors and all other stakeholders have their say on shaping how these services are delivered in the future.

“With pressure growing on public finances and the Government urging councils to reinvent themselves, we need a model that delivers excellent services in a way that’s financially sustainable and easier to access. These proposals aim to reduce bureaucracy, deliver excellent value for money and improve service provision.

“This is your chance to help us reshape local government in a way that reflects modern needs while protecting the services you rely on so please tell us what you think.”

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “Government wants all areas of the country to become unitary councils, and we have a duty to secure the best possible future for the people we serve through councils that work efficiently and effectively. Working closely with East Hampshire District Council colleagues, we’ve carefully examined the evidence, listened to local voices, and developed proposals that strike the right balance – protecting local identity, simplifying how local government works while protecting essential services, and ensuring every community is heard.

“These plans would not only make councils easier to access and more responsive but also deliver around £50 million in annual savings – money to help protect vital services, especially for those in greatest need.

“This is a pivotal moment for our area. We want to hear from residents, businesses, communities and organisations we work with across Hampshire and the Solent area.

“Your views will help shape a model of local government that is simpler, stronger, and secure – the best possible design that’s built to last and built for you.”

Why this matters

The proposed changes would:

• Save money – fewer councils, costing less to set up and quicker financial returns
• Protect local identity – councils shaped around real communities across rural and urban areas, empowering local voices
• Deliver better value – proven systems, fairer services, and less duplication or disruption
• Strengthen services – one-stop access, faster help, and joined-up support
• Secure the future – stable finances and long-term savings

How to have your say

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the public engagement process which runs between Monday 21 July and Sunday 17 August 2025.

You can give your views on our ideas for Local Government Reorganisation, including providing suggestions for the name of the new local authorities, by completing the survey.

For a copy of the information or survey in another language or format (e.g. paper, Braille) or if you have any queries, please contact insight@hants.gov.uk or call 0300 555 1375 (calls from a landline will be charged at the local rate. Mobile phone charges may vary.)

Next steps

The responses and feedback gathered during this public engagement will be carefully analysed and used to shape East Hampshire District Council’s final proposal for local government reorganisation.

This updated proposal will then be considered by EHDC’s Full Council and Cabinet in September 2025. If approved, it will be submitted to central Government which will then review all submissions and carry out its own public consultation before making a final decision on the future structure of local government in our area.

Other ideas

12 other councils in the Hampshire and Solent area are also asking people what they think about their different ideas for how local councils could be run in the future. These will all be sent to the Government later this year, and Ministers will decide which one to take forward.

Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council’s proposal is different. It recommends creating four unitary councils across the area. It has also been developed by looking carefully at the facts and figures and considering what would actually work best for residents in real life. The aim is to come up with a plan that’s fair, makes sense for both towns and countryside, keeps services running smoothly, and uses public money wisely - helping to build a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.

ENDS

If you would like to download a poster to share in your community then please choose from these links:

• A3-size poster for printing
• A4-size poster for printing
• A4-size digital poster

Damian Hinds MP, East Hants MP, Sarah Quarterman, CEO of Basingstoke & Alton Cardiac Rehab Centre, and Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity

The next Rural Grant Scheme is open!

EHDC has opened its Rural Grant Scheme to projects that promote local tourism and support our local communities.

Applications for grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 will be accepted until 27 August 2025.

More information and an application form can be found on our website below

The Rural Grants scheme, now in its third year, was launched at a breakfast meeting at Basingstoke & Alton Cardiac Rehab Centre, where CEO Sarah Quarterman spoke about her successful Rural Grant application and the difference it has made to the visitors to the centre.

Sarah said: “We now have air conditioning in our meeting room, which means we can welcome more health and community groups to host events here, and the new outside exercise area provides us with more space to help our clients rebuild their strength and gain the support they need to lead more active and healthy lives.”

Sarah was handed a Rural Grant plaque by Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Prosperity. Cllr Mocatta has seen the successful grant applicants from previous rounds use their funds to great effect for the community.

A huge range of projects have been supported by Rural Grants over the last two years

He said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the outcomes these grants have delivered – from a community kitchen which has decreased loneliness in and around Passfield to this example of partnership working which will benefit so many residents requiring support as they regain their health from not just heart problems or strokes but also debilitating viruses like Long Covid.”

The morning also launched a programme to help employers with recruiting, interviewing and retention strategies; AI training to make businesses more resilient and strategically agile, and supporting local people into the job market through Kickstart and Fedcap’s employment programme.

Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, opened the breakfast event and said: “Four years ago the government set up the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund – and all of these great programmes which are being supported by these funds show how determined the businesses and community groups in East Hampshire are to make the most of every opportunity out there.”

For more information on any of these programmes please email: business@easthants.gov.uk

EHDC's Business Breakfasts are a great opportunity for the business community to meet up and share ideas and opportunities over a cup of tea - Download our photos