Petitions prompt Havant to examine creating parish councils as residents fear losing their voice
Plans have been unveiled to spend £350,000 on giving communities in Havant more of a voice by forming parish councils.
Following a lively and contentious debate, Havant Borough Council has agreed to spend thousands on a review to determine whether Emsworth and Hayling Island residents want their own parish councils.
Borough councillors approved the budget and a timetable for exploring new community representation following petitions from residents in Emsworth and Hayling Island.
At the meeting on November 5, councillors heard from residents of Emsworth, Hayling Island, and Waterlooville.
Residents spoke of the future “negative impact” of “their diminished democratic voice” on issues in the places they live in, as “huge unitaries” representing populations of 500,000 are set to be created under the government’s local government reorganisation (LGR) plans.
Chair of Hayling Island Residents’ Association, Anne Skennerton, said: “The petition reflects the Islanders’ strong desire for this review. No one can escape the realisation that smaller communities like Hayling’s will have a radically reduced democratic voice in the newly created huge unitary authority.”
Dwynwen Stepien, from the Emsworth Residents Forum, added: “Vital services could feel a bit distant to smaller communities like Emsworth.”
Emsworth ward councillor, Grainne Raison (Green), said: “LGR has catapulted people into action.”
She added: “One characteristic of Emsworth people is that they are very thoughtful, careful, and considerate when they make decisions; nothing is done without thorough examination.”
Members were divided over supporting the review and its cost.
Councillor Jonathan Hulls (Green, Hayling West) said there are 246 parish councils across Hampshire, while Havant borough does not have any.
Cllr Hulls said: “LGR means there will be fewer ward councillors in the future, and it is inevitable that representation will become more stretched.
“Without a parish council, Hayling Island risks having less of a voice, not more, in decisions that directly affect it.”
Chairman of the Governance Committee, Cllr Paul Gray (Independent, Hayling West), said it was important to support the community governance review process because it was the residents’ democratic right to explore other forms of community representation.
Councillor Gillian Harris (Lab, Havant St. Faith’s) suggested alternatives that would cost less, such as the formation of community assemblies or boards that had existed before.
Spending £350,000 from reserve funds was so contentious that a named vote was put in place to register how councillors voted. The budget was approved with 20 in favour, 11 against, and one abstention.
A council spokesman said a public consultation will start from January 5.
If it shows clear public interest to continue exploring options, then a decision by Havant Borough Council will be made on any new form of governance by September 2026.
Relevant elections would then start for the new councils in May 2027.