Reports of Government plans to overhaul councils branded ‘insane'

The Sunday Times reported ministers want to get rid of some smaller authorities currently in a two-tier structure in favour of bigger councils.

Southampton City Council would be unaffected by any such proposals as it is a unitary authority. However, Eastleigh, the New Forest, and Fareham could be affected.

District councils have been blamed for building up cash reserves and not improving public services and are seen as “blockers” to growth, the Times reports.

It comes as separate move has seen Southampton council's leader Lorna Fielker call for devolution in Hampshire, which could pave the way for a regional mayor.

Southampton Civic Centre (Image: Chris Yandell) Conservative councillor Jeremy Moulton, ward member for Millbrook, said any move to do away with district councils would “water down democracy”.

He said: “They don't have to wholesale restructure local government. It will be hugely expensive, will upset local communities, and will be a big distraction to government.

“Pretty much everything this government has touched so far has been a disaster and I fear this will be one more.”

Cllr Fielker said that such decisions should be “made at a local level” rather than at Westminster and added: “It will be interesting to see the details of the proposals.”

'Speculation' 

The Times reports that Labour has identified ten areas of the country that are open to reform, and that Government would only reorganise those who are willing.

READ MORE: City council leader gives update on devolution talks

However, New Forest District Council said such reports are “speculation”.

A white paper on English devolution will be published in the coming weeks.

'Not in the Government's sights'

Eastleigh Borough Council said very little detail is available until the publication of the white paper, and it remains “business as usual” for the council.

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Leader Cllr Keith House said: “Abolishing Hampshire County Council, the two cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, and the eleven districts does not appear to be in the Government’s sights.

“Districts are the most efficient tier of local government and are genuinely local.

“The real challenge here is that Hampshire County Council is nearly bankrupt through its own actions and national underfunding of adult care and education, not an expensive reorganisation of local councils.”

Steve Broomfield, Conservative councillor for Fair Oak and Horton Heath, said local government finances should be a priority.

He said: “I understand that it is hoped to get these reforms through in the lifetime of the current Parliament, so things might start happening quicker than expected.

“It could be an interesting period.

“Whatever happens, central government must sort out local government finances.”