Portsmouth City Council has formally agreed to reject government proposals for local government reorganisation, confirming its intention to remain a standalone authority.
National plans suggest replacing county–district structures with larger unitary councils, each serving around 500,000 residents.
However, Portsmouth Council leader Steve Pitts argued the current authority is ‘financially stable’ and ‘delivers strong local services to residents.’
A poll with nearly 4,000 respondents also revealed that 82% objected to Portsmouth being forced into local government reorganisation and having to merge with other councils.
By agreeing this position, the council will now write to ministers to request an exemption from the reorganisation process.
As part of its resolution, the council also noted a fallback position: if ministers refuse an exemption, it would consider a merger with neighbouring authorities Fareham, Gosport and Havant.
