Local government reorganisation (LGR) is set to bring an end to the current mix of council structures through the creation of larger local authorities delivering all services.
Leaders in Hampshire are awaiting a decision from government ministers on how existing councils will be merged.
The impact of LGR was raised during discussions on the city’s early years and childcare provision at the children and families scrutiny panel meeting on Thursday, January 29.
Cllr Ginnie Lambert asked officers if they had considered what level of service will be inherited under the future merger.
At present across the county outside of Portsmouth and Southampton, the local authority function in the sector is handled by Hampshire County Council.
Darrin Hunter, service manager for early years and family hubs at Southampton City Council, said LGR was “very exciting”.
The panel heard that the city council viewed its role in the sector as one of “market facilitator and “enabler”, ensuring sufficient spaces are provided and childcare across Southampton remains sustainable.
Mr Hunter said: “Hampshire and the surrounding areas do not offer the same level of offer that we offer here in Southampton.
“That isn’t necessarily funding. They actually have more money, but the range of interventions, programmes and support that’s available is not as extensive.
“We have had issues before of Hampshire settings wishing to buy into the support from our service but Hampshire were not keen on that, if that makes sense.”
“Interestingly, it will be a positive one when those boundary changes are made because I’ve no doubt that providers will very much like the support that’s available within Southampton because the breadth of our support is huge.
“It’s not just about making sure we offer a breadth, it’s about making sure that we offer the right support at the right time in the right way.”