Southampton, along with a group of other councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has launched a survey on local government reorganisation options (LGR).
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The government has invited councils in two-tier and small-unitary areas to submit proposals by November, with new unitary authorities expected to come into effect from April 2027.
Although already a unitary authority, Southampton is involved as part of wider devolution plans to join a combined authority and gain extra powers and funding.
LGR involves restructuring local councils by replacing the two-tier system (county, district and borough councils) with a single unitary authority responsible for all services in each area.
Twelve of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have launched a survey to gather public views on LGR options.
The survey is available here, where you’ll also find background information and FAQs about the process.
While LGR is about council structure, devolution deals (such as elected mayors) focus on shifting powers from Westminster - though the two are taking place concurrently, which can be confusing.