Have your say on major changes to the way local services will be provided in the future.
The government has asked councils to look at how local government is organised, as they believe this will improve services and make better use of public money.
We are part of a group of 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire who are working together on options for reorganisation.
We want to build on what makes our communities unique – while making services more efficient and future-proof.
The options we are looking at
We’re considering options to replace the current 15 councils in Hampshire with four new unitary councils, plus the Isle of Wight.
The unitary council, which would include Aldershot and Farnborough, would cover north Hampshire. It would replace Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke and Deane councils, plus the services currently provided by Hampshire County Council.
We believe this model would allow for councils that are big enough to deliver well, but local enough to understand our communities and their needs.
Maps showing the three options
In all three of the options, Rushmoor is part of a new council covering the area of Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke and Deane councils.
Have your say
We want to hear from you. What matters most to you and your area? Your views will help us shape how local councils work in future to make sure they reflect our towns, priorities and people.
Our Place, Our Future
As part of our engagement work with the other councils in Hampshire, we have put together a survey to ask for your views.
This survey is open until Sunday 27 July.
North Hampshire councils survey
We have also been working with Hart and Basingstoke and Deane councils on more local engagement on the north Hampshire option.
The closing date for this survey is Sunday 17 August.
Proposals for parish or town councils
Because any new unitary council would be bigger than Rushmoor, we are considering what, if any, local arrangements should be put in place to make sure residents' voices are heard on local decisions.
This could be new parish councils, town councils or something called neighbourhood area committees.
We've launched a consultation to find out what local people want. You can find out more and take part in the survey on our Your community, your say page.
Drop-in events
We have organised a series of events where you will be able to come along and find out more, have a chat and give your views in our survey.
These events will start on Sunday 13 July at Moorfest, held at Moor Road Recreation Ground, in Farnborough, from 11am to 3pm, where we will have a stall and can talk to you about the proposed changes to local government.
Other opportunities to talk to us and give your views in our survey will be:
- Tuesday 15 July - Farnborough Market, from 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Wednesday 16 July - The Queen Hotel (JD Wetherspoon) in the High Street, Aldershot, from 5pm to 7pm
- Friday 18 July - Garrison Community Hub, in North Camp, from 10am to 2pm
- Saturday 19 July - Aldershot town centre, from 10am to 2pm
- Tuesday 22 July - The Teashop Around The Corner, in Camp Road, Farnborough, from 10am to 2pm
- Wednesday 23 July - The Village Hotel, in Pinehurst Road, Farnborough, from 5pm to 7pm
- Thursday 24 July - Aldershot Market, from 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Friday 25 July - Aldershot Lido, from midday to 4pm
- Saturday 26 July - Farnborough town centre, from 10am to 2pm
We will also be handing out leaflets promoting the survey at railway stations and you may see our posters and leaflets in local public buildings such as our offices and in shop windows.
Background to local government reorganisation
The government has said it wants us to explore local government reorganisation in our area. The aim is to simplify the way councils are organised and make them more sustainable.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has wrote a letter to all councils in Hampshire in February, explaining the process in more detail about how we should develop proposals for reorganisation.
A proposal to create new unitary councils across Hampshire and the Solent was given unanimous support by our cabinet on Thursday 20 March when councillors approved an interim plan, prepared by all 15 councils in Hampshire. This was then submitted to the government on Friday 21 March.
The interim plan sets out the principles which would guide the next stage when decisions would be made on the new council structures and boundaries, including economic geography and sense of place, identity and local connections.
What this means for Rushmoor Borough Council
At the moment nothing is changing for us. We’ll continue to provide the services you receive from us and it is business as usual.
We will continue to update this page as planning progresses.
Devolution in Hampshire – creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority
Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils and the Isle of Wight are included in the government’s priority programme for devolution.
The proposed changes would create one large strategic authority for the whole of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, led by an elected mayor.
This would mean a transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. There would be greater control over important areas for our region, such as:
- Economic growth
- Transport planning
- Infrastructure investment
- Skills development
The government decided that this year's Hampshire County Council elections are postponed until 7 May 2026, when the mayoral elections are also expected to be held.
Our council leader, Councillor Gareth Williams has welcomed the government’s proposals on devolution, and you can read more about this on our February statement on devolution. He is continuing to meet with leaders of other Hampshire councils to discuss devolution and local government reorganisation.
Consultation on the proposal for a Mayoral Combined County Authority
The government recently held a public consultation on proposals to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for Hampshire, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, and Southampton.
The deadline for this consultation has now passed. For more information please visit the Hampshire and the Solent devolution consultation website.
You can visit the Local Government Association website for more information about the overall proposals.
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