Purpose

To consider the report of the Chief Executive containing the final proposal for local government reorganisation from Southampton City Council.

Decision

(i)  To consider any recommendations from Council and Governance Committee and resolve the Council’s submission of the Local Government Reorganisation proposal for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to government as per the statutory invitation dated 5th February 2025

(ii)  To confirm support for the main case for change and Option 1A (which is Option 1 as the core option but wholly conditional upon a formal request to Government as part of the Council’s submission to undertake a modification to permit option 1A) as outlined in the proposal documents.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Executive after consultation with the Leader of the Council to agree any minor and/or technical changes to ensure the submission is legally compliant and accurately reflects the support of each of the 12 councils.

Reasons for the decision

The Council along with all Hampshire authorities has been invited by Government to submit a proposal for the Southampton City Council LGR submission by 26th September 2025.

Alternative options considered

Not to submit a proposal. It is not considered in the best interests of the city or region to not submit a proposal. Whilst the final decision is that of Government the Council would lose its ability to influence the outcome.