Hampshire council reorganisation paused; EHDC seeks costs back
The Government has paused plans to replace Hampshire's 14 councils from 2028, and East Hampshire District Council wants its costs covered.
East Hampshire District Council said on 7 September that the Government had paused local government reorganisation in Hampshire, and on 11 September it called on the Government to cover the council's costs.
What was paused
According to the council, the Government announced in March 2026 that 14 councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight would be dissolved and replaced with new unitary authorities from 2028. On Monday 7 September all councils were notified that the process was being suspended. The council's 11 September release says Secretary of State Angela Rayner announced the pause to ensure the process was robust and legally sound.
For Horndean area residents, the practical point from the council's releases is that the existing structure, with East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council, remains in place for now. The council's releases do not set out a new timetable.
The council's response
East Hampshire District Council said it spent nearly £300,000 over 18 months on the abandoned plans and argues the Government should reimburse it. Council Leader Cllr Richard Millard said: "This is not 'EHDC money' that has been lost – it is public money. It belongs to the people of East Hampshire."
The council also said it would carry on with its own planning work regardless. In a separate release the same day, Cllr Millard said: "We will not sit back while Whitehall works out what it is doing."
Where to read more
The council's statements are on its website: the announcement of 7 September and the 11 September call for costs to be covered. Further Government announcements on the review would be the next thing to watch.