Last month the Government confirmed that Hampshire has been included in the Devolution Priority Programme. Meaning an elected Mayor by May 2026 and moving some powers with the money to enact them from central government to a new Mayoral Combined Authority. At the same time the government are requiring wholescale reorganisation of Local Government. I described in my column last month that being part of Devolution Priority Programme would be least-worst option and so it has come to pass. We get the main prize of devolution but crucially, it means TVBC will continue to exist for what I assume will be at least another three years before we move to a system of larger unitary authorities.
My main concern with getting rid of the two-tier system is that district and borough councils like Test Valley have previously been protected from the huge cost pressures that affect upper tier authorities. Currently, the rising cost of adult social care and children’s services makes up around 85% of Hampshire County Council’s budget. This has led to Hampshire having to make significant cuts to other services. Once unitarisation happens this will mean cost pressures and the risk of cuts on all local services. This is particularly galling considering the recent external review by the Local Government Association that describes Test Valley as a ‘high performing’ authority and commending us on our ‘place-based’ and ‘collaborative approach’ between councillors from different political parties.
Although I believe reorganisation is an unwelcome distraction, the government has been clear that we don’t have a choice but to accept these changes. I am, therefore, of the view that it is incumbent on me and all councillors to try and make the best of the situation for the benefit of local residents. For me, that means ensuring that culture of place-based working, collaboration, agility and flexibility is at the heart of any new local authority – and recognising that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to delivering efficient and effective local services. We have seen in other parts of the country that super unitaries created on huge geographies have struggled financially and in some cases have then had to be broken up to become smaller again. Whilst it’s important we work within the government’s criteria – which means bigger units of local government – there needs to be an option to form a new council that is at the lower end of that.
Finally, the 8th of May 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. To help communities mark the occasion, Test Valley has launched a VE Day 80 Grant Scheme, which will enable event organisers to apply for up to £500 towards local celebrations to mark this historic event. Voluntary groups, not-for-profit organisations, clubs and societies, parish and town councils and schools can all apply. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 25th of April and all activities must take place within two weeks of the 8th of May 2025. The council has also agreed to waive the fee for road closures for these events. For more information, or to apply for a grant or road closure, visit: testvalley.gov.uk/VEDaygrant.
Cllr. Phil North
Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council
