Merging Southampton, Eastleigh, the New Forest waterside and lower Test Valley

New council for Southampton, Eastleigh, the Waterside and Lower Test Valley confirmed for 2028

The Government has today confirmed that a new council will be created bringing together Southampton, Eastleigh, the New Forest waterside and lower Test Valley, with the new authority set to launch in April 2028.

This decision forms part of the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation programme, which will see the current 14 councils in Hampshire replaced by four new unitary authorities on the mainland plus the Isle of Wight.

The aim is to simplify local government for residents—removing the complexity of the two-tier county/district model that exists outside Southampton and Portsmouth—and to create stronger, more financially sustainable councils by reducing duplication and improving efficiency. 

Southampton City Council has welcomed the decision as a major opportunity to strengthen local services, accelerate economic growth, and bring together communities that already share deep social and economic connections.

The new authority will unite key industries—including the port, airport and maritime sectors—under one council and better reflect how local people live, work and travel. 

Over the coming months and years, the council will work closely with residents, businesses, community organisations, neighbouring councils and the New Forest National Park Authority to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Our focus will be on delivering improved services, a stronger local economy, and ensuring the new council gives residents a clear and influential voice in shaping local decisions. 

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: 

“This is the right decision for our area. Bringing together Southampton, Eastleigh, the Waterside and lower Test Valley creates a council that reflects the areas people already travel, work and build their lives in. It unites our port, airport and maritime industries, strengthens strategic planning, and ensures a balanced, diverse and sustainable population across the new authority. 

“Now that the Government has made its decision, it’s right that we come together and seize this opportunity to build a new council that delivers excellent services and improves the lives of local people.” 

The Government’s decision means that from April 2028 four new unitary councils will be created covering the existing council areas of:  

• Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor.
• The majority of New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and East Hampshire.
• Southampton, Eastleigh, the New Forest waterside and lower Test Valley.
• Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Havant and southern East Hampshire and Newlands ward. 

Preparations will now begin in earnest.

Elections to Southampton City Council will take place in May 2026 as expected while elections for the new council will be held in May 2027, giving residents the chance to choose the councillors who will shape the future of the new authority.

From May 2027 to April 2028, newly elected members will be responsible for establishing the systems, governance and structures needed for the new council to assume full responsibility for services in April 2028. 

The ministerial statement can be viewed at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-03-25/hcws1455