Hampshire set for council shake-up with four new authorities

Government confirms sweeping reorganisation merging existing districts, while the Isle of Wight remains independent

Author: Maya George, LDRSPublished 25th Mar 2026

The Government has made its decision on how councils in Hampshire will be reorganised.

Four new councils will be created across the county, merging existing local authorities.

Eastleigh, Southampton, the Waterside area of the New Forest and southern parts of Test Valley will form one council.

The remaining area of the New Forest will be paired with the rest of Test Valley and East Hampshire areas, while Fareham will join Gosport, Portsmouth, Havant and southern parts of East Hampshire.

The Isle of Wight will remain a standalone local authority.

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