Council mergers a 'threat', Portsmouth leader says

The planned local government reorganisation poses a "huge threat" to the financial security of Portsmouth, its council leader has warned.

Steve Pitt said any new unitary authorities in Hampshire would stand to inherit a large portion of the county council's £136m deficit.

City councillors met on Tuesday, followed by cabinet on Wednesday, to discuss the proposals.

Devolution would shift powers and funding from central government to a strategic mayoral authority, while the current two-tier system could also be replaced with larger unitary councils.

The reorganisation could involve Portsmouth joining up with neighbouring boroughs such as Fareham, Gosport and Havant.

Ministers say it will make councils simpler and more efficient, and make mayors champions for their regions.

But Mr Pitt, a Liberal Democrat, said Portsmouth could be forced into an unwanted unitary structure.

He said the city was "perfectly stable and financially sound" and Hampshire's debt was a "huge threat to our financial security".

Conservative group leader Simon Bosher called the plan a "complete and utter mess".

He cited concerns from the council's finance director that it would "undoubtedly have an impact" on Portsmouth's budget.

John Woods, chair of Portsmouth City Unison, told councillors staff should not be expected to take on extra work, comparing it to "turkeys peeling the potatoes, setting the oven to roasting temperature and making their own stuffing".

He warned if Unison members were forced into additional work, the union could consider industrial action.

The council's submission to government is due on 21 March.

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