New Forest District Council is inviting local businesses to take part in a short survey to share their views on proposed changes to how councils are structured across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The government’s Local Government Reorganisation proposals would replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils with new, larger unitary authorities. These changes will affect how services are delivered to businesses and communities in the New Forest.
New Forest District Council supports the creation of a new rural council for mid-Hampshire that includes the whole of the New Forest. This option is believed to be the best option to protect the district’s identity, keeps communities together, and ensure services are designed by people who understand the area.
For businesses, this could lead to: A council that reflects the needs of the rural economy; Better support for local enterprise, tourism, and green growth; Services shaped around market towns, villages, and business hubs; A stronger voice in future investment and planning decisions.
Cllr Jill Cleary, Leader of New Forest District Council, said: “New Forest businesses are vital to our local economy, and their voices must be heard in shaping the future of local government. By supporting a rural council that keeps the Forest whole, we can work to ensure services and investment reflect the needs of our business community. I strongly encourage all local business owners and leaders to take part in this survey—your feedback is essential to help us make the strongest possible case to government.”
The Council is encouraging business owners and directors to take part in the survey to help shape the future of local government in the New Forest.
The survey is hosted on the Go Vocal platform. Signing up or logging in is quick and easy.
Take the survey at https://newforest.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/your-business-your-voice-help-shape-the-future-of-the-new-forest
Learn more about Local Government Reorganisation: www.newforest.gov.uk/lgr
