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New Forest residents urged to have their say on major council change
People can put forward their opinions on local government reorganisation in the New Forest District Council area.
People living in the New Forest District Council (NFDC)area have until 27 July to have their say on a once-in-a-lifetime change to local authorities.
As part of the government’s ‘Local Government Reorganisation’, there will be a new council for the New Forest from April 2028 – larger than New Forest District Council but smaller than Hampshire County Council.
The new council will provide all local government services including planning, housing, environmental health, highways, and licensing.
A total of 12 councils, including NFDC, have worked together on three potential options for how future councils could be shaped. Each option would replace the current two-tier system with four new unitary councils on the mainland and retain the Isle of Wight Council as its own unitary authority.
There are three options:
Option 1: A single new council for an aligned rural area, serving residents and businesses of New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and East Hampshire.
Option 2: A single new urban-dominated council serving residents of New Forest, Southampton and Eastleigh.
Option 3: Some current New Forest areas including Hardley, Holbury, Fawley, Calshot, Hythe, Marchwood, Eling and Totton displaced to be part of a new council serving residents of Southampton and Eastleigh.
Cllr Jill Cleary, leader of New Forest District Council, said: “We believe that option 1, a rural council for mid-Hampshire, is the best way to protect what makes this area so special and keeps the Forest whole. Our rural character, heritage, and the distinct identity of our communities.
“The Forest is not an afterthought or an outlier, it is a unique place with unique needs. We need this reorganisation to deliver a council that allows services to be designed and delivered by people who understand this place, its landscapes, livelihoods, and local values.
“The other options would see our district split or absorbed into larger, more urban-focused councils. That risks weakening the voice of our communities and undermining the tailored, local approach our residents deserve.
“Now is the time to make your voice heard. If you care about how services are delivered locally, and want to protect the district’s future, take part in the survey. This is your chance to help shape what happens next, and to stand up for a future council that keeps the Forest whole.”
NFDC will use the results of the engagement, alongside data and evidence, to decide which option to submit to the government in September.
Have your say on https://www.newforest.gov.uk/lgr.
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