Eastleigh to become part of new South West Hampshire Council

Eastleigh is set to become part of a new South West Hampshire unitary council as part of the biggest change to local government in Hampshire for decades.

The Government has confirmed that the current two-tier system of Hampshire County Council and district and borough councils will be replaced by new unitary authorities.

Eastleigh will form part of the new South West Hampshire Council alongside Southampton, with some neighbouring communities from the New Forest and Test Valley also joining the new authority.

The new council will take responsibility for services currently delivered by both Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, creating a single council responsible for local government services across the area.

The first elections to the shadow new unitary council are due to take place in May 2027. Councillors elected then will initially form a shadow authority, working to establish the new council ahead of it taking over full responsibility from April 2028.

For residents, this means the elections in May 2027 will be particularly important. Voters will choose the councillors who will help shape the new council and decide its priorities for the future.

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats will be working hard to make sure the new South West Hampshire Council puts local communities first, protects vital services and gives residents a strong voice in decisions affecting their everyday lives.

The transition will be a major undertaking, but it also provides an opportunity to build a modern, effective local government structure that works for the communities it serves.