A major survey has been launched to help shape the future of local councils.

Eastleigh Borough Council has teamed up with 11 other local councils from around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to ask residents how they want local government to operate in coming years.

This initiative is part of a government scheme aimed at creating simpler structures by introducing 'unitary' councils responsible for most local services in one area.

Currently, Eastleigh is one of the areas where services are split between borough/district and county councils.

The move would not affect parish and town councils who would continue to provide services at a very local level.

The government hopes the proposed unitary councils will ensure more efficient service provision to local communities.

The preferred model would see the current 15 councils replaced by four new unitary councils on the mainland while the Isle of Wight would remain unchanged.

Eastleigh has already expressed concerns about the feasibility of a Southampton-Eastleigh unitary, which it feels would not meet financial and service requirements.

Eastleigh Borough Council leader, Councillor Keith House, said: "This is the biggest shake-up of local councils in 50 years, and it’s being driven from the top down.

"But we’re determined to make sure that local voices are heard."

To ensure residents' views are considered, an independently run survey will be open for public participation from June 30 until July 27.

The survey is an opportunity for residents to express their opinions on various aspects including local identity, service provision, and decision-making processes.

Cllr House said: "We’ve been clear we won’t back a model that puts short-term savings over local identity or service quality.

"Bigger doesn’t always mean better.

"What matters is that the new councils reflect real places and work for the people who live there.

"Now we need residents to get involved.

"Whether you care about where decisions are made, how your bins are collected, or what happens to local parks, this is your chance to help shape the future."

The survey, accessible to all residents aged 16 or older, takes around 10 minutes to complete, and can be found at ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is.