Fareham council responds to review of Hampshire reorganisation
Fareham Borough Council has responded to the Government's decision to withdraw its Local Government Reorganisation decision for Hampshire and review the programme.
Fareham Borough Council issued a statement on 7 September 2026 responding to the Government's decision to withdraw its Local Government Reorganisation decision for Hampshire and undertake a further review of the programme following legal advice.
The council said it now awaits urgent clarification from Government on what the review means for Hampshire and on the timetable for future decisions. The statement does not set out what any future structure would look like.
The council's position
Leader of the council, Councillor Simon Martin, said he had consistently called for the Government to delay reorganisation for at least 12 months so that the change could be properly considered and based on sound evidence. He said the announcement would create further uncertainty for residents, elected members and council staff, and that councils need clarity so they can focus on delivering services.
The council said it will await further details from Government and continue to work constructively with its Hampshire partners so that the interests of Fareham residents remain central to future decisions.
What it means for residents
The council's statement does not announce any change to services, council tax or elections. The council has said it is awaiting further information from Government.
The full statement is on the Fareham Borough Council website.