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As we turn the page on 2025 and look ahead to the promise of 2026, I want to begin with a simple thank you. Public service is a team sport, and nothing we achieve in Hampshire happens because of one person, one department, or one council chamber speech. It happens because residents, volunteers, community groups, officers, councillors, and countless unsung heroes quietly get on with the business of making our county a better place to live. If there’s a theme that has run through this past year, it’s that Hampshire works best when Hampshire works together.

And what a year it has been. We’ve opened new school places, expanded support for children with special educational needs, and continued the long, patient work of improving the services families rely on. We’ve pushed forward on infrastructure—sometimes celebrated, sometimes cursed when it involves roadworks—but always with the aim of keeping our county moving. Best illustrated by the fantastic work ongoing at the moment to build the new underpass at Junction 10 of the M27 in Fareham. Standing watching the work earlier this week was a reminder that progress is rarely glamorous, but it is always worth it.

Of course, 2025 wasn’t without its challenges. Local government continues to face financial pressures that would make even the most seasoned accountant reach for a strong drink. Yet despite the strain, we’ve kept our focus on what matters: delivering essential services, protecting the vulnerable, and planning responsibly for the future. Hampshire has a long tradition of resilience, and this year proved once again that we don’t shy away from difficult decisions when they are the right ones.

I’m hopeful for 2026—not because the challenges have vanished, but because our capacity to meet them has never been stronger. We will continue to push for sustainable funding for local government, because residents deserve services that are secure, reliable, and fit for the future. We will keep investing in the infrastructure that underpins daily life. And we will carry on championing the values that make Hampshire a place people are proud to call home.

Thank you for your support, your patience, your ideas, and your commitment to our county.

Election Postponements

You may have seen reports suggesting that next year’s Mayoral elections will be postponed for two years, until 2028.

It is massively disappointing. It’s important to note that this does not affect the County Council and other local elections which will still go ahead on May 7th 2026.

It is important to separate two distinct issues here. While the election of a Mayor may be delayed, the creation of the Combined Authority — and the transfer of powers and funding from Westminster that comes with it — remains vital.

We have been reassured that this process will continue as planned, and that the delay to the Mayoral election will not affect the establishment of the Combined Authority, the commencement of devolution, or our ability to begin exercising those powers for the benefit of Hampshire and the Solent.

Of course, it is disappointing that the Mayoral election has been postponed — not least for those candidates who have already declared. But the real prize here is devolution, and that must be delivered next year. I therefore await confirmation in the coming days of both the statutory instrument to create the Combined Authority and the announcement of the infrastructure funding that will underpin it.

Where the delay to the Mayoral election intersects with the creation of the Combined Authority is in our ability to influence national policy. The Mayor would normally sit on the Council of Nations and Regions. Given the size and importance of Hampshire and the Solent, it is vital that whoever chairs the Authority should take that seat until such time as a Mayor is elected.

Our economy contributes as much to the UK as Wales, and our population is comparable to Northern Ireland. We deserve — and must have — that influence and voice at the national level as soon as possible. While it is deeply regrettable that this role will not initially be exercised by a directly elected Mayor, the council leaders who will form the Combined Authority board are equally capable of representing our area until the election is held.

We have been clear that County elections are vital for local democracy and accountability. They ensure strong local representation for our 1.4 million residents across Hampshire in how we use over £3 billion of public funds to serve our local communities each year.

The Government has set the timeline for Local Government Reorganisation, it is they who need to decide whether their plans can be delivered to that schedule. We have not, and will not, ask for an election postponement. We are working towards our elections taking place, as planned, in Hampshire on 7 May 2026.”

Securing a Greener, Healthier Hampshire

Recently we launched Hampshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy — a shared blueprint for restoring and protecting the natural environment that makes our county such a special place to live.
Like the rest of the UK, Hampshire has seen a significant decline in biodiversity over the past 50 years. This strategy brings together the expertise of partners across the region and sets out practical steps to reverse that decline and ensure that at least 30% of our land and sea is secured for nature by 2030.

I’m incredibly grateful to all the organisations, landowners, community groups and residents who helped shape this plan. It reflects the views and ambitions of people right across Hampshire.
As part of our Hampshire Pledge, we’re committed to looking after and enhancing our rich natural environment — and making sure our countryside remains open and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

But this is something we can only achieve together.

• Making nature friendly choices at home
• Getting involved in local conservation
• Simply spending time outdoors and valuing the landscapes around us

Every action, big or small, helps build a greener Hampshire.

This strategy will guide landuse decisions, support planning, and encourage investment in nature based solutions to challenges like climate change and flooding. Most importantly, it gives us a clear, shared path to restoring habitats, reversing wildlife decline, and protecting Hampshire’s natural heritage for future generations.

Together, we can make Hampshire a place where nature thrives and people thrive with it.

County Councillor Grants
The County Councillor Grant scheme is operating once more, with a lesser amount of £5,000 and new criteria as follows:

Hampshire County Councillor Grants – Updated Criteria (September 2025)
Following a comprehensive review, Hampshire County Council has revised its County Councillor Grants Scheme to reflect budget constraints and improve effectiveness. Key changes include:

• Reduced Allocation: Each County Councillor now has an annual grant budget of £5,000, down from £8,000.
• Eligibility Restrictions:
• Grants are only available to organisations, not individuals.
• Organisations cannot apply for the same project in consecutive years. Applications must demonstrate community benefit, especially if from religious or statutory bodies.
• Funding Limits:
• A maximum of £1,000 per project is now in place.
• Grants for seasonal or time-specific events must be awarded before the event date.
• Transparency and Branding:
• All funded projects must acknowledge County Council support in promotional
  Application Assessment:
• Previous grant awards (from the last two years) will be considered during evaluation. Preference may be given to organisations without access to other funding sources.

These changes aim to ensure the scheme remains fair, transparent, and aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities while managing financial pressures.

As ever, please get in touch if you have any questions or issues that you want to bring to my attention.
Roll on the good weather!

HCC Member for Odiham, Hook & The Western Parishes
Councillor Jonathan Glen
Email: jonathan.glen@hants.gov.uk

General Updates from HCC:
Could you give a child a safe home this winter?

This winter, Hampshire County Council is calling on residents to open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children through its new fostering campaign, which highlights the life- changing impact fostering can have – not only for children in care but for the families who welcome them
Standing strong for Hampshire’s most vulnerable residents
Children and adults at risk of harm in Hampshire continue to be protected and well cared for, thanks to the County Council’s strong safeguarding practices.

Securing a greener, healthier Hampshire for everyone – County Council launches new blueprint for nature recovery
A thriving natural environment is at the heart of Hampshire’s future, supporting the wellbeing of residents, strengthening communities, and ensuring that wildlife and green spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come

Have your say: Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan updates
Hampshire County Council and partner authorities responsible for Hampshire’s Minerals and Waste Plan are inviting people to have their say on proposed modifications to the Plan

Tips for staying healthy this festive season
Whatever your plans this festive season, Hampshire County Council has practical advice to help our whole community stay well and make the most of the celebration

Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of councils across the Hampshire and Solent area
There are still a few weeks left for people to take part in central Government’s public consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Hampshire and the Solent area

One week to go: drivers reminded to plan ahead as final preparations underway for major M27 closure
With just one week to go before the full closure of the M27 motorway between Junctions 9 (Whiteley) and 11 (Fareham), Hampshire County Council is reminding drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys over the Christmas and New Year period to avoid severe delays and disruption

Hampshire County Council welcomes national funding to improve bus travel
People across Hampshire are set to benefit from a funding boost to bus travel, following the Government’s announcement of the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG)

Final decision to be made on future of Smannell and Enham Church of England Primary School, Andover
A final decision on the future of Smannell and Enham Church of England Primary School on the edge of Andover is due to be made later this month.