Local Government Organisation

Test Valley is set to join Winchester, New Forest and East Hampshire to create a new Mid-Hampshire unitary council, but its communities in Chilworth, Nursling, Rownhams and Valley Park will join South West Hampshire.

Hampshire County Council will also be abolished and its functions incorporated into the new authorities.

That was the announcement from the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP who today (Wednesday 25 March 2026) set out the new unitary authorities for the county and the Isle of Wight.

Currently, in most of Hampshire, council services are split across two tiers of government.  

The new unitary authority will replace the existing borough, district and city councils, and Hampshire County Council, to create a single layer of councils responsible for all services in their area.  

Based on the model for five unitary councils put forward by 11 councils in the area, including Test Valley, the government will create the following new councils that will go live on 1 April 2028:

There are also boundary changes affecting New Forest, Winchester and East Hampshire, which mean that some of their communities will join neighbouring unitary councils.

The government’s announcement follows consultation with the existing councils, key partners and the public.

Test Valley Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Andy Ferrier, said: “We note the government’s decision on the future structure of local government in Hampshire. This will see the creation of a Mid-Hampshire unitary council which we have supported from the beginning of the LGR process. While it was not our preferred option as it means the parishes of Chilworth, Nursling, Rownhams and Valley Park will become part of a new South West council with Southampton, Eastleigh and the Waterside, it does result in the vast majority of Test Valley remaining intact. It’s worth noting that by taking part in the process we were able to resist proposals from some councils to include Romsey, North Baddesley and Braishfield in the new South West unitary.

“We have no doubt that some of our residents in those communities affected by the boundary change will be deeply disappointed by the news, and their concerns will not be ignored as we work to plan for the transition ahead.

“This represents a significant change for all councils involved. Throughout the process, our focus has been on maintaining continuity of services and supporting our communities, and that will remain our priority.

“We will continue working closely with partner councils as we move into the next phase. There is a considerable amount to do, but we will approach this collaboratively and with a clear commitment to keeping residents and businesses informed along the way. Our aim is to help shape a new council that is resilient, efficient and able to provide high-quality services for the future.”

Councils will now work together to build the new unitaries and prepare for the shadow council elections in May 2027.  

The shadow authorities are temporary councils that will plan and prepare the new unitary council before it officially starts work on 1 April 2028.