We have already published what will undoubtedly be but the opening salvo in HCS’s deliberations over the Government’s English Devolution White Paper. While the intention to devolve some central government powers to regional authorities led by Mayors was included in the Labour Party manifesto for the recent general election, further local government reorganisation was not. … Continue reading A Democratic Deficit?

This account of the first Full Council meeting of the year is of particular interest given the curious reluctance of the council to engage with the public on the subject of Devolution and, more particularly, Local Government Reorganisation. It wasn't even on the agenda of this Council meeting and the Leader's update to his report, … Continue reading First full Council meeting of the year – 15 January 2025

On 16 December, the government published its English Devolution White Paper which, at a stroke, called time on both Havant Borough Council (HBC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) as we know them today. It is quite clear now that both authorities have been locked in discussion on this particular commitment in the Labour Manifesto since … Continue reading Breaking the silence on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Looking back at 2024 We began last year with a newly established Havant Borough Council executive team in place.  After five years of stagnation, characterised by a lack of engagement from the previous East Hants District Council executive team and a tired elected council that appeared to rubber-stamp, unchallenged, questionable initiatives by its cabinet, the … Continue reading After a bright year in 2024, the outlook for 2025 is worrying