News

We’re all now embracing autumn’s longer nights, crisp days (and our gardens are no doubt welcoming the accompanying rainy weather!)

Here’s a short round-up of news from the County Council as we move towards the end of the year.

£100,000 Funding Boost for Mental Health Support in Hampshire’s Primary Schools!

More children across Hampshire will benefit from better mental health and wellbeing support, thanks to a new £100,000 investment from Hampshire County Council.

The funding expands the successful ‘My Happy Mind’ programme to primary schools in North-East Hampshire — opening the door for all schools in the county to take part.

Children learn to understand their emotions, build confidence, and face life’s challenges — all through fun, whole-school activities like classroom games, assemblies, and even playground sessions.

Families can join in too, with access to online tools and live coaching support!

Good mental health is the foundation for a good life. This programme helps children better understand themselves and create a supportive environment to thrive.

With one in six children aged 5 to 16 now likely to have a diagnosable mental health condition, early support is more vital than ever. This funding ensures no child is left behind — and every school has the chance to make well-being a priority.

This initiative is a big step forward in creating happier, healthier schools across Hampshire.

Hampshire Chronicle Local Government Reorganisation Article
Our thanks go to the Hampshire Chronicle for asking us to contribute our thoughts on LGR.
You can read it online here.

Hampshire Day Celebrations
This summer, we marked Hampshire Day—a moment to celebrate the rich heritage, vibrant communities, and enduring spirit of our county. Held annually on 15 July, Hampshire Day coincides with St Swithun’s Day, honouring the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral and offering a chance to reflect on the past while looking ahead to the future.
Across Hampshire, flags were raised, stories shared, and communities came together to recognise what makes our county so special. From the rolling hills of the South Downs to the bustling ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, Hampshire’s diversity is its strength. It’s a county steeped in history—home to literary giants like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens—and one that continues to evolve through innovation, resilience, and community spirit.
At Hampshire County Council we’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the energy and dedication of our residents. Whether its volunteers supporting local charities, parish councils organising community events, or families simply enjoying the beauty of our countryside, Hampshire Day reminds us of the values we hold dear: pride in place, commitment to one another, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
This year’s celebrations also come at a pivotal time for local government in our region. The Government has asked councils across Hampshire and the Solent to consider proposals for reorganisation—moving from the current two-tier system to a streamlined model of unitary authorities. It’s a significant moment, and one that invites both opportunity and challenge.
Hampshire County Council has put forward a proposal for four unitary authorities, designed to balance financial resilience, service quality, and local identity. The suggested configuration includes a North and Mid Hampshire authority (covering areas like Winchester, Basingstoke and Deane, and East Hampshire), a South-West authority (including Southampton, Test Valley, and New Forest), a South-East authority (encompassing Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, and Havant), and the Isle of Wight as a standalone unitary.
This model is grounded in rigorous analysis and aims to protect vital services—particularly for our most vulnerable residents—while delivering long-term savings and stability. But it’s important to acknowledge that this is not the only vision. Other councils have expressed concerns about scale, identity, and democratic accountability. Some fear that larger authorities may feel remote or disconnected from the communities they serve.
Let us be clear: there is no single “right” answer. Each proposal has merit. Each reflects a different emphasis—whether on place, efficiency, or local voice. What matters most is that we approach this process with openness, respect, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our residents.
This is not about winning an argument. It’s about shaping a future that works. That means listening to feedback, engaging with communities, and ensuring that any new structure is built on solid foundations—financially, operationally, and democratically. After all, it is the Government is now deciding the outcome, not us.
Hampshire Day reminds us of who we are. The reorganisation conversation asks us who we want to be. Let us honour our past while embracing the possibilities ahead—with humility, ambition, and a deep respect for the communities to which we all belong.
Hampshire Police warn of Quad Bike Thefts Across Hampshire’s Rural Communities
Hampshire Police have seen a sharp rise in the theft of quad bikes and ATVs this summer throughout the countryside. These vehicles are often targeted for use in further crimes.
Hampshire Police’s Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force is actively investigating all reports to identify patterns and suspects. We need your help to keep our countryside safe.
**How You Can Protect Your Quad or ATV**:
– Take clear photos from all angles, including serial numbers
– Security mark your vehicle with your postcode and property ID
– Register at (https://www.immobilise.com)
– Store vehicles in locked outbuildings with CCTV and lighting
– Use wheel clamps, ground anchors, and GPS trackers
– Remove keys when not in use
Seen suspicious activity? Quad bikes in convoy or late-night driving?
Call 101 or report online at www.hampshire.police.uk
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
If a crime is in progress, always dial 999
Let’s stay vigilant and protect our rural areas together!
Temporary Hosepipe Ban for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Due to the driest spring and summer in over a century and the hottest June on record, river levels across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight reached critical lows—down 24% compared to seasonal averages.
In response, and with the Environment Agency’s declaration of “prolonged dry weather” across the Solent and South Downs, Southern Water introduced a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) for all Hampshire households.
We were urged to conserve water usage to prevent a spike in demand and ease pressure on our endangered chalk streams, including our own local Whitewater River.
Did you know? One hour of hosepipe use = 1,000 litres of water—the same amount a person typically uses in an entire week!
Switch to watering cans or buckets to help conserve water. Every drop saved supports local wildlife, including the rare Atlantic Salmon and Southern Damselfly, and protects our globally significant chalk streams—described as the “Amazon Rainforest” of freshwater habitats.
For full details on exemptions and water-saving tips, visit southernwater.co.uk

General Updates from HCC:

Hampshire County Council to confirm appointment of new Chief Executive
Hampshire County Council confirmed the appointment of its next Chief Executive at a meeting of the Full Council on 17 July.

Kick the single-use plastics habit to save money and help the planet
In Plastic Free July, Hampshire County Council is invited residents to explore simple ways to reduce single-use plastic waste and make choices that are better for the environment – which can save money too

Could you help change a child’s life, one unforgettable moment at a time?
From cosy family movie nights and graduation day, to riding a bike for the very first time – foster carers get to be there for the most precious moments in a child or young person’s life

Hampshire County Council’s country parks regain prestigious Green Flag status
Once again, five of Hampshire County Council’s country parks have gained prestigious Green Flag status, recognising they offer the highest standards in visitor experience, park management and environmental care

Hampshire County Council Cabinet backs preferred model for future local government
Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet has agreed to move forward with a preferred model for how local government could be reorganised across Hampshire – marking a key milestone towards shaping a simpler, stronger, and more secure future for council services

So there you have it—if you have any queries on any of the topics outlined above or indeed any other county council matters please email me on jonathan.glen@hants.gov.uk.
Look forward to hearing from you.

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