Hampshire Liberal Democrat MPs react to Local Government Reorganisation authority boundary announcement

Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament Alex Brewer MP, Danny Chambers MP, and Liz Jarvis MP have reacted to the announcement that Ministers have chosen the ‘Option 1A’ proposal which will create five unitary councils and will begin delivering services from 2028. Local government in Hampshire and the Solent area currently includes 15 district, county and unitary councils. 

Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said:  

“While this reorganisation process has been imposed by the Government against the wishes of local people, we felt strongly that any future proposal for local government in Hampshire must work in the best interest of our constituents, delivering services and leadership this is genuinely local, while being tailored to the needs of our communities. 

“Local government reorganisation will not fix local government finance, nor address Hampshire County Council’s huge budget shortfall and risk of bankruptcy. The Government must now provide a sustainable funding model that addresses the financial pressures caused by adult social care and SEND provision. What matters most to residents is that the core services are delivered efficiently and our towns and villages benefit.”