Havant Borough Council (HBC) is undertaking Community Governance Reviews (CGRs) for the areas of Emsworth and Hayling Island. This follows the receipt of a valid petition from electors in Hayling Island, and the application from the Emsworth Neighbourhood Forum.

These reviews are a statutory process that allow the Council to consider whether changes are needed to the way local communities are represented and governed.

The reviews will look at whether new parish councils should be created for Emsworth and/or Hayling Island, whether alternative forms of community representation would be more appropriate or whether no change to local governance is preferred.

Consultation launches on 5 January

Consultation on the Emsworth and Hayling Island Community Governance Reviews (CGR) launches on Monday 5 January 2026 - residents, workers and visitors to both areas are encouraged to have their say on the future of community governance in these areas. 

Full information on the consultation and CGR process can be found on our Go Vocal platform (links below):

Find out more about the Emsworth CGR

Find out more about the Hayling Island CGR

These links will also direct to the online survey once this is launched on Monday 5 January 2026. 

We recommend reading through the information available to view on the above pages before completing your response to the consultation.

Come and speak to us

We are running a programme of events to support the first stage of CGR for Emsworth and Hayling Island. These drop-in style events give you the chance to find out more about CGR, speak to our officers about the reviews and have your say.

These events are taking place as follows:

  • Tuesday 10 February, 3pm to 7pm, Emsworth Baptist Church
  • Thursday 26 February, 3pm to 7pm, Hayling Island Community Centre
  • Tuesday 10 March, 3pm to 7pm, Emsworth Baptist Church
  • Thursday 12 March, 3pm to 7pm, St. Andrews Church, Hayling Island

Next Steps

The first stage of consultation is open until Monday 23 March 2026. Once this stage of consultation has closed, the Council will consider the results and make recommendations, based on feedback from residents and stakeholders, that will inform the next stage of the reviews. If there is appetite for parish councils or alternative arrangements to be introduced in either Emsworth and / or Hayling Island, there will be a second stage of consultation in mid-2026.

Sign-up to our CGR mailing lists below to receive latest updates on the progress of the reviews.

Also interested in

Sign up to Hayling Island CGR mailing list
Sign up to Emsworth CGR mailing list