Hampshire County Council announces extraordinary meeting to discuss English Devolution White Paper which threatens NFDC’s future
HAMPSHIRE County Council has announced an extraordinary meeting to discuss the government’s devolution plans which would see the end of New Forest District Council.
As reported in the A&T, the government’s landmark English Devolution White Paper confirms proposals to abolish the two-tier local government system, with every region of England covered by new “strategic authorities”, similar to those which currently have elected regional mayors.
This would mean thousands of local authorities, including NFDC, would be scrapped.
HCC leader, Cllr Nick Adams-King told the A&T: “The government has asked for a response to the proposals they have put forward in the white paper by 10th January.
“I believe it’s absolutely right that all county councillors have a say on Hampshire’s response, and that’s why I have asked for an extraordinary meeting on 9th January.”
However the Lib Dem opposition says the white paper’s proposals will “radically change” the face of local government across Hampshire and significantly impact the New Forest district, which has the largest area geographically and the second largest by population in the county.
Party members met on Monday evening to discuss a strategy ahead of the county council’s meeting, and say they are “deeply concerned” there is no consultation planned with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders on the best local government model for the “unique” area.
A spokesperson said: “The timeline for this significant change is very challenging and appears rushed with no time for proper appraisal and impact.”
Lib Dem leader Cllr Malcolm Wade added: “Our absolute objective is to get this right for our residents and businesses.
“They have to have the service levels they need and deserve from the re-engineered local government system to work for them at all levels.”
Meanwhile the mayor of Lymington and Pennington says the town hall could be lost if plans to axe NFDC go ahead.
Cllr Jack Davies said the town council was exploring “every option available” to keep the building in public use and has written to Cllr Nick Adams-King, urging him to push the government for a bespoke deal.
He said: “I am 100% certain that whatever new super-council replaces New Forest District Council – I’m now hearing rumours we will be lumped in with Eastleigh and Southampton into a South West Hampshire authority – the town hall in Lymington will be a casualty.
“There’s no way a council based in Southampton will want to maintain an asset in far-flung Lymington.”
Cllr Davies claimed the extraordinary meeting in January will recommend pursuing “fast track” devolution.
He added: “Elections in May will be cancelled [which] suits the Conservatives fine – they were worried about losing.
“So far, it looks very much county-led, with the districts having plans imposed upon them. I have written to the leader of Hampshire County Council urging the New Forest to be given a bespoke deal which reflects our position on the south-west periphery and recognises our unique history and identity.”
A spokesperson for HCC said: “We are considering the government’s English Devolution White Paper and will publish a report with recommendations in due course, ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the council.
"Final decisions will be made by Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet on 10th January. It would not be appropriate to comment ahead of publication of the report.”
