A proposal to create new unitary councils across Hampshire & the Solent is to be discussed by councillors next week. One of the options under discussion is for a new unitary council covering the districts of Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke & Deane.
Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet will consider a report and an interim plan at its meeting on Thursday 20 March.
Councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have until 21 March to submit initial plans and until later in the year to submit a full proposal.
Since the news that all councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including Rushmoor Borough Council, had been selected to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme, Rushmoor Borough Council has been working closely with partner councils to bring forward local government reorganisation.
The local government reorganisation programme for Hampshire sits alongside the government’s intention to devolve some powers and funding to a new strategic authority under an elected Mayor, making decisions across the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight area.
Currently out for consultation, the proposals would see the authority setting the key strategic vision for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region, with unitary councils delivering services closer to residents.
The Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Gareth Williams, said: “We have been working closely, since the government announcement, to explore how future unitary councils will work across Hampshire and the Solent, and today’s interim plan is an important first step.
“Creating a single unitary council in our area will bring important services, such as Adult Social Care, Special Educational Needs provision and road maintenance, closer to local control and influence, while achieving efficiency savings that will benefit residents. We are committed to continuing to deliver excellent local services and remaining deeply connected to the communities we serve.
“There is much work and detail still to be worked through, and we will continue to develop our proposals, working collaboratively with our partner councils, stakeholders, businesses and, importantly, our residents.”
For more information: www.rushmoor.gov.uk/devolution
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