Plans progress create new parish councils in Emsworth and Hayling Island
Plans are progressing to create new parish councils
People who live, work or visit Hayling Island and Emsworth are being encouraged to give their views on the next stage of proposals to introduce parish councils in these areas.
This second phase of consultation follows an earlier consultation held in early 2026 where more than 80% of people who responded supported the idea of creating new parish councils as a way of improving local governance.
The findings from the first phase were shared with Havant Borough Councillors, who agreed to continue the Community Governance Review (CGR) process. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to share their views before a final decision is made later this year.
The second phase sets out more detailed proposals, including:
- How many councillors there would be
- How the areas could be divided into wards
- An estimate of how much the parish councils would cost through council tax.
You can take part online by going to: www.havant.gov.uk/cgr and you you can also attend one of the following public events:
Hayling Island Community Centre - Station Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0HB
- Monday 1 June 2026, 3pm – 7pm
- Thursday 11 June 2026, 10am – 2pm
Emsworth Community Centre - North Street, Emsworth, PO10 7DD
- Monday 8 June 2026, 10am – 2pm
Emsworth Baptist Church - North Street, Emsworth, PO10 7BY
- Wednesday 17 June 2026, 3pm – 7pm
Councillor Philippa Gray, Cabinet Lead for Finance and Resources at Havant Borough Council, said: “As we move into the second phase of consultation, it’s important we hear what people think about these proposals.
“Your feedback will help shape the final decisions on what parish councils could look like in Hayling Island and Emsworth, and the difference they could make for people who live, work, and visit these areas."