Council approves motion to reject reorganisation
By Connor Steel
GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL have outlined their formal opposition to plans for local government reorganisation as they issued an “hands off” warning to Labour MPs in Westminster; the Town Hall choosing to approve a motion brought by the Liberal Democrats following a “full meeting” of councillors which was held last Wednesday evening (February 5).
A white paper was published in December 2024 setting out all plans to spread devolution to more areas across the UK including Hampshire & Solent; which would move into the establishment of a new ‘strategic mayoral authority’ covering Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Four yearly elections should start in May 2026 for the mayors.
This reorganisation would hope to transfer powers and resources from the national government to the local authorities; which would allow councils to collaborate on main areas such as transport, housing, skills, and economic development. It could then signal more funding and other benefits, which have been listed on the Hampshire County Council website.
However the ‘controversial’ plans indicate that local decisions could be decided by a single body for a big population of 500,000 residents, therefore potentially losing a sense of accountability. Their implementation also means that planned elections for Hampshire County Council have been “postponed” for May 2025, leading to a furious reaction from voters.
After a debate this motion was approved by a large Liberal Democrat majority with no ‘cross party support’ as all of the ten Conservative councillors present abstained; as did the two Labour representatives in the Chamber. Local residents are further set to be consulted on the plans during an 8 week timeframe which is likely to be confirmed by Westminster.
Readers may read the full comments by Council Leader, Councillor Peter Chegwyn, using this online link; whilst further details on Labour’s plans for local council reorganisation and proposed strategic mayoral authorities may be seen here.
PICTURED BY ALAMY (D0W9TE): Gosport Town Hall was scene of the approval of motion against Government plans.
