New Forest District Council will next week consider its final proposal for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hampshire and the Solent, with a strong recommendation to support a model that keeps the New Forest whole within a new Mid Hampshire unitary authority.
The report and appendices to be discussed at the Special Council meeting on Thursday 25 September recommends Option 1, the creation of four new unitary councils across mainland Hampshire, with the New Forest joining Test Valley, Winchester, and East Hampshire in a Mid Hampshire authority. This option reflects the clear preferences expressed by residents, communities, and partners during extensive engagement earlier this year which saw over 3,000 New Forest residents, partners, businesses and community groups give their thoughts.
Cllr Jill Cleary, Leader – New Forest District Council said:
“The message from our communities, businesses and stakeholders has been consistent throughout this process, the New Forest must be kept whole, and kept rural. The Forest is a unique place with a coherent rural identity, and our residents have told us overwhelmingly that it should not be fragmented or merged into an urban structure. Whilst local government reorganisation is not supported by this council, we believe Option 1 delivers a balanced, sustainable model that protects the Forest while giving us the scale and resilience to serve our communities into the future.
“This is about ensuring high quality services, protecting what makes the New Forest special, and securing a strong voice for our rural and market town communities as part of the new Mayoral Strategic Authority. It is the right option for our residents, for our environment, and for the long-term resilience of public services in the area.
“Option 1 is a financially sustainable and publicly supported option. It avoids disruptive boundary changes, and safeguards the unique heritage and environment of the New Forest. It enables the future council to continue providing vital services that our residents deeply value, in a way that understands their needs, wants and aspirations.”
The proposal has been developed collaboratively with 11 other councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, building on a shared evidence base and detailed analysis of options against the government’s six tests for reorganisation, including effective governance, financial resilience, and strong community identity. A detailed appraisal of the government’s criteria is included in the report.
Extensive public and stakeholder engagement informed the proposal, with residents, town and parish councils, businesses, and community groups giving strong backing for keeping the New Forest whole and for Option 1 as the preferred model. A summary of the engagement undertaken by the council can be found at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/LGRengagement
Following the Special Council meeting, the report will go to a Special Cabinet meeting on Friday 26 September for final NFDC approval, before the proposal is then submitted to government by the national deadline on 26 September.
If approved, government will consult later this year on the proposals it receives, before deciding in spring 2026 which option to take forward.
