Portsmouth leader says the new authority name would be 'unacceptable' without city included

Local leaders have debated what the name of the new council covering Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham and Havant should be.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) seeks to replace the two-tier system, where county and district council share services, with larger unitary authorities that provide services to populations of around 500,000.

As a result of LGR, Portsmouth has been grouped into the South East Hampshire authority, along with Gosport, Fareham and Havant as well as the villages south of Buster Hill currently within East Hampshire, and the Newlands area of Waterlooville currently within Winchester council.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, argued that Portsmouth’s name will need to be included in the new authority to help stamp its identity.

It follows recent calls made by Cllr Sarah Bogle, the leader of Southampton City Council, who wishes for the city to be reflected in the new South West Hampshire authority.

Cllr Pitt said it’s “important” that Portsmouth and Southampton “as the major drivers of economic growth in the region are named in the local authorities”.

“The government was very clear to us that the importance of the cities is recognised, if you look at the joint committees being set up Portsmouth has eight votes out of 16 and a casting vote.

“They want the cities to be the driver of growth therefore not to have the city’s names in it is unacceptable.

“If this mess if forced through then of course we will work collaboratively with the three boroughs who we’re very close to but the identity of the city must be protected.”

In response, Cllr Simon Martin, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “The proposed new council must be clearly understood as a brand-new authority serving the whole of south-east Hampshire, not an extension or rebranding of any one existing council.

“South-East Hampshire is already a clearly defined and widely recognised area, with a projected combined population for April 2028 of around 582,137 people across Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth. A little over a third live in Portsmouth.

“Our new area will have many distinct communities from Warsash to Clanfield, and a number of economic drivers. It needs to feel like home to all of its residents as we move away from two tier local government.

“Taking all of this into account, I firmly believe that the name must reflect the wider geography we all share. “South-East Hampshire” provides a neutral and inclusive identity for a new authority. By contrast, incorporating the name of a single existing council suggests an expanded legacy or takeover, rather than a genuinely new organisation built on equal partnership.

“We are committed to working constructively with our neighbouring councils and recognise the important role our cities play in the regional economy. However, our new authority must represent all communities fairly, and its identity should reflect that balance from the outset.

“Our focus in Fareham remains on creating a new council that delivers effectively for residents and businesses across south-east Hampshire, with a structure and identity that reflects the whole area it serves.”

Cllr Zoe Huggins BEM, leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: “The name of a new council is one of many matters we will need to agree collectively. All of our areas have their own distinct identity, heritage, and needs, and my priority is ensuring Gosport, its residents, and its communities are appropriately represented within any new organisation.

“It is equally important that Gosport’s economy is able to prosper within this framework, with clear recognition of its maritime strengths and its wider creative, cultural, and heritage assets, which are central to its future growth and identity.”

Cllr Gillian Harris MBE, leader of Havant Borough Council, said: “The council’s new name is still being discussed, and a decision will be made collectively to ensure that all residents and areas are represented.”