Our local government reorganising and devolution update
Your monthly briefing for March
I originally launched this publication to focus on business news to showcase local companies (and create a portfolio as a Freelance Journalist), but last year it felt right to evolve into covering deeper topics for our area.
In doing so, I’ve found a love of investigating local issues and even political stories. And I have some fab content planned for the next few months.
So, in this edition I’m sharing news on the local government reorganisation and devolution as well as a roundup of what has happened in the New Forest recently.
Enjoy!
Kerri L Watt
Editor
What’s happened in the New Forest recently…
Hampshire County Council confirm more than 90% of Year 6 pupils in Hampshire were offered their first preference secondary school.
Lime Wood Hotel, Chewton Glen Hotel and New Park Manor have been named in The Times top 100 places to stay in the UK, with New Park Manor also named ‘best family-friendly hotel’.
Junior Park Run launches at Gang Warily, Sunday’s 9am.
Carey’s Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst has reportedly been sold (they have been approached for comment).
Nearly 40 rare species have been recorded in a report by Wild New Forest.
The New Forest Show launches new premium tickets for summer show.
New Forest Jazz and Arts will be hosting local artist and musicians at Meridian Lounge, Hythe in April.
Butcombe Brewing Co (chain that owns The Fish Inn, The High Corner Inn, Ringwood, and The Mayflower, Lymington) named the official beer partner for The New Forest Tour 2025 cycling event in September.
Local government reorganising and devolution update
Fifteen councils across Hampshire and the Solent, including New Forest District Council, have developed an “interim plan” in response to a local government reorganisation invitation from the government.
An anonymous survey of 186 council leaders, from 150 of the 317 councils across England, by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) revealed:
Fewer than one in four think the reorganisation would improve council finances.
One in five officials believe the timescales for reorganisation are deliverable.
Fewer than one in five believe that there has been sufficient clarity thus far.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “Our number one priority is to ensure that whatever local government structure is in place in the years to come, the needs of residents are front and centre of everyone’s thinking.”
New Forest District Council Leader, Councillor Jill Cleary, said: “If local government reorganisation is unavoidable, I believe the best model for the forest is a rural-focused unitary council, bringing together the New Forest area with mid-Hampshire to form a sustainable and balanced authority that respects our heritage, supports our economy, protects our unique environment and can deliver high-quality local services building on our strengths in partnership working.”
“We will not support any option that splits our historic communities or forces us into an urban-led model."
Cllr Jill Cleary, NFDC Leader
Councillor Jill Cleary will be recommending the interim report for council consideration to the Cabinet on 21 March.
Final reorganisation proposals are to be submitted to the Government by September 2025, although our authorities are seeking an extension to 28 November.
Click here to have your say in the open consultation (closes 13 April): www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hampshire-and-the-solent-devolution
Upcoming business-y events…
Networking breakfast
20 March, 7.15-9.00am. Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst. Hosted by Lymington Chamber of Commerce. £19.50. Click to book.Business skills workshop on AI
20 March, 9.00am-12.30pm. Carey’s Manor Hotel, Brockenhurst. Hosted by New Forest Business Partnership. £24. Click to book.Business breakfast
26 March, 7.30-9.30am. Chewton Glen Hotel, New Milton. Hosted by New Forest Business Partnership. £33. Click to book.
‘LinkedIn Local’ networking and gin tasting
01 April, 5.00-7.00pm. Shallowmead Nurseries, Lymington. Hosted by New Forest Business Partnership. £19. Click to book.
New Forest Walk and Work
08 April, 9.30-11am. The Haven, Lymington. Hosted by Oakhaven Business Club. £15. Click to book.Business breakfast
08 April, 7.30-9.30am. Chewton Glen Hotel, New Milton. Hosted by New Forest Business Partnership. £33. Click to book.Coffee morning
10 April, 10.30-11.30am. The Quench Coffee Shop, New Milton. Hosted by New Forest Business Partnership. £5. Click to book.
Coming in the next edition…
An update on the Hythe Ferry and Pier
If you have any stories to share or issues you’d like a journalist to dive into, email editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.