Our focus is on residents as Hampshire reorganisation remains uncertain

EHDC will continue to deliver the very best services for residents while decisions on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hampshire are being made. 

The Government has announced that it remains committed to LGR but is taking additional time to review the proposals, with an outcome expected early 2027.

Until those decisions are made, we will continue to commit time and resources to the immediate challenges facing the council and its communities.

We remain focused on our core priorities – delivering vital services, supporting residents most in need, balancing the budget and ensuring East Hampshire continues to be well run.

EHDC remains committed to its preferred proposal for three mainland unitary authorities.

Changes to how planning applications are decided 

Planning rules changed on 31 October

Under new rules, introduced by the Government, more straightforward, technical and smaller-scale applications will be decided by professional planning officers rather than councillors.

The changes are intended to create a faster, more consistent planning process and help reduce costly appeals and legal challenges.

Planning applications will continue to be assessed by officers against national and local planning policies. Residents will still be able to comment on applications and their views will continue to be taken into account.

Councillors will continue to play a vital role in considering larger, more complex proposals through the planning committee process.

The changes are intended to speed up decisions on routine applications while allowing councillors to focus on proposals with the greatest impact on local communities.

New campaign helping people understand the simple steps they can take to prepare for emergencies and disruption to essential services.

Severe weather and other emergencies can sometimes affect things we rely on every day, such as electricity, water, phone services and the internet.

Being prepared to manage for three days can help you cope until services are restored or support is available.

The new Be Ready campaign focuses on simple and affordable things you can do in advance, such as keeping a small supply of non-perishable food and bottled water at home.

It also asks people to check whether they, or someone they know, are eligible for the Priority Services Register, which helps utility companies identify customers who may need extra support during gas, electricity, or water outages.

The Be Ready website also includes a useful checklist, information about volunteering, and advice on different types of emergencies. As well as, links to the latest weather warnings.

Celebrating the people giving back to their local communities 

More than 150 people have signed up to volunteer with community groups and charities following a series of festivals held across the district.

Eight volunteer festivals, celebrating the outstanding community spirit that exists across the district, showcased the wide range of organisations, projects and volunteering opportunities available to local residents.

The festivals, organised by local groups, town and parish councils and community organisations were held at the end of September in Alton, Petersfield, Bordon, Horndean, Four Marks, Froyle and Grayshott.

The events, supported by EHDC, connected residents with a wide range of volunteering opportunities, highlighting the many ways people can get involved and make a positive difference in their communities.

By bringing together people with a shared commitment to supporting their communities, the festivals helped strengthen local networks and raise awareness of the excellent work taking place across East Hampshire.

Food waste recycling service provides new local jobs

East Hampshire’s new food waste collection service has created 25 permanent jobs at East Hampshire Norse.

Since launching on 5 October, the service has deployed seven new vehicles each staffed with three-person crews, combining experienced employees with newly recruited team members.

The new weekly collection service is already proving successful, collecting around 316 tonnes of food waste in the first five weeks. That’s roughly 5.5kg per household.

Fantastic facilities funded by local development

Two Liphook play areas have had brilliant makeovers!

Funded in-part from developer contributions, more than £174k was used to revamp two tired play park facilities in Bramshott and Liphook.

Newly enhanced play facilities at The Lyndons and Admers Crescent are now officially open and ready for local families to enjoy, following a significant programme of improvements delivered through a partnership between East Hampshire District Council and Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council.

Both areas are now vibrant, inclusive spaces with a fantastic range of new sports and play equipment that reflects the needs and wishes of the local community, offering something for all ages and interests.

The improvements provide modern, safe and stimulating spaces that encourage active play, social interaction and healthy lifestyles, while giving families even more opportunities to enjoy time together outdoors.

Leaves, breezes and repairs!  

Small steps that could save you money and help save the planet!

Make a difference with help from our Green Steps newsletter.

We’re taking green steps on our journey to carbon neutrality and we want your help to keep the district moving in the right direction.

Sign up to our monthly Green Steps email newsletter and we’ll send you hints, tips and money-saving ideas on how to cut your carbon footprint.

This month we’ve got information on leaf mould, draught-proofing and giving old items a new lease of life.  We hope you find it useful!

Take a look at our latest newsletter.

No more guessing your bin day! 

Check your next bin collections with our handy search.

If you’re not sure when your next bin collections will be for food waste, recycling, refuse, glass or garden waste (if you use the service) you can now find your next collection dates on our website.

Still need a calendar? 

Calendars to cover November 2026 to October 2027 are now available.

If you know which calendar relates to your address, you can find it listed on the page. If not, you can use the address search at the bottom of the page.

Please note that we’ve reduced the number of calendars from 20 to 10, so your recycling, refuse and glass calendar number may have changed.

Win-win with our latest Super Draw!

Start supporting the East Hampshire Community Lottery Fund today and you’ll be entered in the November Super Draw, giving you the chance to win an incredible PS5 Pro Gaming Bundle, or choose £1,000 cash alternative and spend it your way!

The bundle includes a PS5 Pro 2TB console with disc drive, extra controller, Pulse headset and 50″ smart 4K TV – a gaming set-up made for a spectacular Christmas surprise!

Tickets cost just £1 a week, helping a cause you care about while giving you the chance to win weekly cash prizes of up to £25,000. Play weekly, or just play the Super Draw!

Get your tickets before Saturday 28 November 2026 to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic bonus prize. Buy more tickets for more entries.

Sign up to play and support your favourite good causes today.

and finally…

Housing transfers, organic farming and healthy lifestyles in Summer 95

We’ve been publishing early editions of East Hampshire ‘Partners’ magazine. This month we’re heading back to Summer 1995 to recall some of the key topics from the era.

Our former printed council magazine, was delivered twice a year to every address in the district in the 90s, up to 2020 – informing our residents and businesses about council services and activities around the district.