New Forest District Council Leader, Cllr Jill Cleary
New Forest District Council (NFDC) Leader, Cllr Jill Cleary, has issued a video update to residents outlining the council’s work following the government’s decision on local government reorganisation (LGR).
In the video, Cllr Cleary explains how NFDC is now focused on influencing implementation arrangements and making the case for the strongest possible safeguards for residents, communities and local services as plans for the new councils move forward.
The Council continues to believe the government’s decision is the wrong outcome for the district. However, following detailed consideration of legal advice,
Cabinet at their meeting on 3 June concluded that pursuing legal action would not be in the best interest of residents, given advice on the limited prospects of success.
Attention is now focused on shaping the arrangements that will support the creation of the new councils and protect the interests of local communities during the transition.
The Council has written to the Secretary of State calling for stronger protections for local services, adequate funding to support implementation, recognition of the unique needs of the New Forest National Park and surrounding communities, and meaningful opportunities for residents and communities to influence future arrangements.
Alongside this, NFDC is playing an active role in developing the arrangements needed to establish the new councils, alongside Hampshire County Council as implementation lead, and all local authority partners across the county.
This includes contributing to the Structural Changes Order, helping shape interim electoral arrangements for the first shadow authority elections in 2027 and participating in the establishment of the two Joint Committees that will oversee initial implementation planning before the new councils are formally created.
In the video, Cllr Cleary says: “Many people have asked what action the Council is taking following the government’s decision on local government reorganisation.
“While we remain strongly opposed to the decision to split the district […] our focus now is on doing everything we can to protect the interests of residents and communities, […]
[…] We must now focus our efforts where they can make the greatest difference, helping to shape how these changes are implemented and ensuring the interests of our residents are properly represented.
If central government chose not to listen to local opinion when making its decision, it is even more important that local voices are now heard during implementation.
My commitment remains to work hard on behalf of residents, protecting the services people rely on, represent our communities and help shape the future arrangements in the best interests of the district.”
The Structural Changes Order is expected to be considered by Parliament later this year, with the new councils due to be established from April 2028.
Future decisions about local representation will be shaped through elections to the new shadow authorities in May 2027.
