Reorganisation: the merger decision was withdrawn and is under review
Uncertain · High attention
The decision to merge the council was withdrawn on 7 September 2026. No new timetable has been published.
- Sep 2025Councils submit business case
- Jan 2026Consultation closes
- Mar 2026Government decides to merge
- 7 September 2026Decision withdrawn
- Not publishedReview outcome
Status of the government-directed merger that would have abolished the city council. Portsmouth and neighbouring authorities.
Source: MHCLG · 7 Sept 2026 · programme under government review
Checked 23 September 2026
Source: MHCLG consultation
What happens next
The outcome of the government's review of the whole reorganisation programme — no timetable published. May 2027 council elections go ahead on existing boundaries
What isn't published
Not published: When the government's review will report, and what options it will consider, is not published.
Not published: No published estimate of transition cost for the South East unitary that was decided and then withdrawn.
Not published: No published analysis of what reorganisation does to Portsmouth council tax bills — Band D is £1,908 for 2026-27.
Not published: No independent verification of the £63.9m annual saving; it is the proposing councils' own figure.
Not published: How debt held by each merging authority will be apportioned is not published.
Not published: Outcome and current status of the judicial review not confirmed here.
Overview checked 27 August 2026. Additional figures have their own dates in the evidence explorer. Further context on UK Stat Pack.