News

View tonight's committee meeting

[Jul 07, 2026]

Licensing Committee meeting on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 6.30pm

Basingstoke Festival 2026 closes with a splash

[Jun 29, 2026]

This year’s Basingstoke Festival might be drawing to an end but there are still lots of acts to enjoy across the borough before the curtain comes down.

Even more festival fun this weekend

[Jun 25, 2026]

There's more fun from Basingstoke Festival this weekend, as acts appear in Basingstoke town centre, Popley and Beggarwood.

Basingstoke Festival is back and bigger than ever

[Jun 15, 2026]

Basingstoke Festival returns next week and is pulling out all the stops as it celebrates 15 years of art, culture, heritage, community and outdoor arts, with performances full of fun, energy and more opportunities to take part than ever before.

Music, magic and myth at Basingstoke Festival’s opening parade

[Jun 11, 2026]

Basingstoke Festival, the award-winning free annual celebration of outdoor arts and community, starts with the Parade of the Mythical Beasts on Friday 19 June.

Free event to help first-time buyers explore their home ownership options

[Jun 10, 2026]

First-time buyers in the borough are being invited to a free event to help them find out more about the different routes into home ownership and the support available locally.

Residents invited to help make the magic of Basingstoke Festival’s parade

[Jun 09, 2026]

People across the borough are being invited to contribute their skills and creativity to make the Basingstoke Festival parade more vibrant than ever.

Mayor’s flag raising service to launch Armed Forces Week

[Jun 08, 2026]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Jacky Tustain will lead the borough's tribute to the armed forces on Monday 22 June 2026 from 10am outside the Civic Offices by War Memorial Park.

Council sets out ambitions to meet government’s ‘challenging’ waste targets

[Jun 02, 2026]

A draft action plan to halve the amount of waste thrown away by households in Basingstoke and Deane and double what they recycle will be discussed by the borough council's Cabinet on Tuesday 9 June.

Nature to take centre stage for Green Week’s 14th year

[May 29, 2026]

Free events, live performances, workshops and hands-on activities all about nature will take over the borough in June as Basingstoke Green Week returns for its 14th year.

Competition to design star of this year’s Basingstoke Festival parade

[May 13, 2026]

People across the borough are being encouraged to unleash their imaginations to help create a brand-new mythical creature that will take centre stage at this year’s Basingstoke Festival opening parade.

New northern Hampshire unitary council to serve residents from 2028 announced

[Mar 25, 2026]

The government has announced that a new northern Hampshire unitary council will serve residents in Basingstoke and Deane from April 2028, in the biggest change to local authorities in Hampshire in 50 years.

Basingstoke Festival celebrates 15 years of art in unusual places

[Mar 24, 2026]

Basingstoke Festival is back and this year it’s bigger and bursting with more creativity as it celebrates 15 years of bringing free outdoor arts, culture and community together across the borough.

Plans for new and improved sports facilities are set to become a reality thanks to council support

[Mar 24, 2026]

Over £1.2 million will be ploughed into helping to deliver new or upgraded sporting facilities in the borough, thanks to developer funding allocated by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Major funding boost supports borough’s businesses and community organisations

[Mar 24, 2026]

Over £1.5 million of funding has supported projects and initiatives to strengthen local communities and support the borough’s economy.

Funding to support community and voluntary groups

[Mar 23, 2026]

Community and voluntary groups across the borough are set to benefit from more than £130,000 in funding, following the launch of this year's council grant scheme designed to provide more targeted activities, services and support for residents.

New scheme set to strengthen work with housing associations

[Mar 23, 2026]

A new scheme that aims to drive up housing standards and strengthen support for residents has been launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

More infrastructure work needed before borough’s plan for new homes can progress

[Mar 20, 2026]

Concerns about water supply issues for new homes needed in Basingstoke and Deane in the future, raised by the council, have now been supported by the Environment Agency and Natural England in a consultation on the borough’s draft Local Plan.

Create and Discover programme to offer the chance to enjoy something new

[Mar 20, 2026]

A playful new challenge is set to launch this spring across Basingstoke and Deane, inviting people to try new creative and cultural activities and unlock rewards as they go.

Summer sun to power council community centres with free electricity

[Mar 19, 2026]

Over 400 brand-new solar panels will help to power more of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s community centres with zero-emission electricity this summer.

New sessions to encourage people to get on their bikes

[Mar 18, 2026]

Free sessions to help people living in Popley in Basingstoke to build their confidence when cycling will start this summer.

Progressing plans for bold partnership to unlock major investment

[Mar 17, 2026]

An ambitious search for a partner to fast-track improvements in Basingstoke town centre and Basing View is set to get underway.

Council teams up to tackle bike security

[Mar 17, 2026]

The council’s bicycle security event will return on Monday 30 March between 2pm and 6pm in the area between Central Car Park and Festival Place in Basingstoke town centre.

Borough’s children encouraged to get creative to help reduce littering

[Mar 16, 2026]

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is asking children in the borough to draw upon their artistic skills and design a poster to encourage people to put their litter in the bin.

Residents encouraged make their gardens more wildlife-friendly this spring

[Mar 16, 2026]

People across Basingstoke and Deane are being encouraged to book a free home visit from eco experts to get top tips for making their gardens more wildlife friendly.

Explore Basingstoke and Deane’s library of local stories during English Tourism Week

[Mar 12, 2026]

Residents and visitors can turn a new page and discover rich history, vibrant performances and unforgettable experiences in Basingstoke and Deane this spring.

Council declares rights for rivers in Basingstoke and Deane

[Mar 12, 2026]

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has strengthened its commitment to protect rivers and streams in northern Hampshire.

Work begins to declare Old Down a local nature reserve

[Mar 11, 2026]

Work is now underway to make Old Down in Basingstoke the borough’s newest local nature reserve.

Vision for new landmark leisure destination unveiled

[Mar 10, 2026]

The first look at the new energy-efficient water and leisure complex to replace the Aquadrome in Basingstoke has been revealed.

Borough’s biodiversity strategy benefitting nature two years on

[Mar 06, 2026]

Over 10,000 hours of volunteer conservation work and a new nature reserve headline the ramp-up in local nature recovery efforts since the borough’s first biodiversity strategy was approved two years ago.

Borough’s residents recycling more

[Mar 06, 2026]

Following the start of the council’s new weekly food waste recycling collection service last October, the amount of rubbish being put into residents’ grey bins is reducing.

Hundreds of new native trees for Crabtree Plantation

[Mar 05, 2026]

Over 800 native tree saplings are now being planted at the Crabtree and Dickens Lane plantations in Old Basing as part of a woodland restoration project.

Borough council pledges continued support for Citizens Advice

[Mar 05, 2026]

Residents facing money worries, housing issues and other challenges will continue to benefit from free and confidential advice, following a package of support from the borough council.

Council support to help residents be more active

[Mar 02, 2026]

Working with partners, the borough council is offering sessions to support residents to access opportunities to work on their wellbeing.

Councillors agree plans for additional investment in services

[Mar 02, 2026]

Spending plans to strengthen frontline services during the next year have been backed by councillors at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Listen Up returns for live music showcase

[Mar 02, 2026]

Live music fans are in for a treat this month, as Listen Up returns to Basingstoke’s Top of the Town for the fourth time on Saturday 28 March from 2pm.

Your Place residents' magazine out now!

[Mar 02, 2026]

The spring 2026 edition of the council’s magazine Your Place will be delivered to homes throughout the borough from Monday 2 March.

Residents to help shape improvements to more council play areas

[Feb 23, 2026]

New equipment is planned for four more play areas in the borough, thanks to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s play area refurbishment scheme.

Sadness at death of former Mayor Sean Keating

[Feb 20, 2026]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore has paid tribute to Sean Keating, a former Mayor and borough councillor, who died earlier this month.

Rock into spring at Mayor’s show

[Feb 19, 2026]

Music fans in the borough are in for a treat next month as three renowned bands come together for one night only at The Anvil.

Get ready for play time with improvements to more council play areas

[Feb 17, 2026]

Two more play areas have been transformed with new and inclusive play equipment, thanks to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s play area refurbishment scheme.

Creative pop-up to shape borough’s UK Town of Culture bid

[Feb 17, 2026]

Residents are being invited to shape the borough’s bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture, as part of a special pop-up event in Basingstoke town centre next weekend.

Growing better facilities at council’s allotments

[Feb 11, 2026]

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is set to invest just under £300,000 to help improve allotments for the borough’s green-fingered residents.

Little Pen Wood declared a local nature reserve

[Feb 11, 2026]

An ancient woodland has become Basingstoke and Deane’s newest local nature reserve.

New creative projects supported by fund to boost borough’s cultural community

[Feb 09, 2026]

New imaginative experiences, art and performances will take centre stage following a funding boost for innovative cultural projects aimed at bringing people together and strengthening the local creative sector.

Vital public transport link saved for borough residents

[Feb 04, 2026]

Part of a bus route to Newbury that was stopped last August is now being served by a community taxishare service, thanks to funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Award-winning Let’s Glow returns to brighten up February

[Feb 04, 2026]

Basingstoke’s popular free Let’s Glow event returns to brighten up the darker evenings in Basingstoke’s Top of the Town and War Memorial Park this February.

Twilight service to recognise victims of genocide

[Jan 23, 2026]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane will lead borough's tributes at an annual service to honour and remember the victims of the Holocaust and other acts of genocide, later this month.

Mayor pays tribute to former Mayor Martin Biermann

[Jan 06, 2026]

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore has paid tribute to Martin Biermann, a former Mayor and borough and parish councillor, who died just before Christmas.

Crabtree Plantation nature improvement project begins

[Jan 05, 2026]

More than 800 native tree saplings, including English oak and common beech, will be planted at the Crabtree and Dickens Lane plantations in Old Basing later this year.

Christmas opening hours

[Dec 24, 2025]

The council offices is closed from 4.30pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 until 8.30am on Friday 2 January 2026. You can report non-urgent issues via our report it page. For emergencies call 01256 844844 to speak with the out-of-hours service.

Information events about council’s plan for new homes and places to work

[Dec 22, 2025]

Residents will be able to discuss the draft plan that will guide where future new homes, employment land and infrastructure should be planned for iat drop-in events being held in January.

Councillors vote to say borough council elections must go ahead

[Dec 19, 2025]

Basingstoke and Deane borough councillors have voted to tell the government that scheduled elections should go ahead as planned next year.

Work to declare Old Down a local nature reserve announced

[Dec 19, 2025]

The process of declaring Old Down in Basingstoke as a local nature reserve is set to start in the new year, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet has announced.

Changes to bin collections over Christmas

[Dec 18, 2025]

With the festive season fast approaching, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hart District Council have released the revised collection schedule for rubbish and recycling over Christmas and New Year.

Community comes together as Night Light Winter Shelter reopens its doors

[Dec 15, 2025]

The Night Light Winter Shelter has reopened to offer warmth and support for those with nowhere else to turn this winter.

Council committed to make a difference to streets in need of extra attention

[Dec 15, 2025]

More areas across the borough are benefiting from two Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council teams that carry out intensive tidy and clean ups in areas that need them.

More major makeovers for council’s play areas

[Dec 10, 2025]

Four play areas in need of replacement are being transformed as part of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s drive to provide play spaces that are well maintained and inclusive.

Tourism awards shine a light on popular event

[Dec 10, 2025]

Basingstoke’s popular Let’s Glow event dazzled judges to win an award from Tourism South East against tough competition.

Borough’s net zero strategy updated as council nears carbon neutral goal

[Dec 10, 2025]

A refreshed plan for how Basingstoke and Deane takes action on the climate crisis and reaches net zero by 2045 has been approved.

Hockey club back home for Christmas after blaze

[Dec 09, 2025]

Basingstoke Hockey Club's members can now use some of the facilities at the Maidenwell Pavilion following a fire at the building in Down Grange Sports Complex.

Hundreds of new solar panels for council’s community centres

[Dec 08, 2025]

Work has started on a new project to fit hundreds of new solar panels on community centres owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

First Homes scheme delivers new affordable home options for first-time-buyers

[Dec 05, 2025]

More residents wanting to buy their own home can get a helping hand following the launch of a new affordable housing scheme in Basingstoke and Deane.

Repair work in final phase as part of major investment in Basingstoke’s flagship cultural buildings

[Dec 04, 2025]

Essential repair work is almost complete at two of the borough’s popular cultural venues ahead of the busy Christmas period, as part of the council’s commitment to arts and culture.

Ambitious plans to accelerate Basing View and town centre regeneration

[Dec 03, 2025]

Plans for a ground-breaking partnership to fast-track improvements at Basing View and Basingstoke town centre have been unveiled.

New home for golf facilities set to be considered by councillors

[Dec 01, 2025]

Proposals for a pod-style driving range and adventure golf course at Basingstoke Leisure Park will be taken forward as part of plans to reprovide facilities currently at Basingstoke Golf Centre.

New consultation on borough’s plan for new homes

[Nov 28, 2025]

Residents can now have their say on the draft Local Plan that will guide where new homes, employment land and infrastructure should be planned for until 2042.

Infrastructure work lay the ground for new homes at Manydown

[Nov 27, 2025]

Essential work that will unlock the first new homes at Manydown is underway, as part of a bold infrastructure-first approach to creating vibrant new communities at the site.

More wildflower meadows to boost biodiversity in Basingstoke and Deane

[Nov 26, 2025]

Bell orchids and kidney vetch are among the thousands of wildflowers set to spring up in Basingstoke and Deane over the coming years after two acres of new meadows were planted earlier this month.

Council serves up tennis court refurbishment

[Nov 26, 2025]

Over £50,000 of improvements have been served up at Basingstoke Indoor Tennis Centre in War Memorial Park as part of the council’s investment in sport.

Public electric vehicle chargers now live across Basingstoke and Deane

[Nov 25, 2025]

Drivers can now plug in and power up their electric vehicles at public charging points in every ward of the borough, thanks to another six chargers the council has installed since the start of the year.

Your Place residents' magazine now out!

[Nov 24, 2025]

The winter 2025 edition of the council’s magazine Your Place will be delivered to homes throughout the borough from Monday 24 November.

One thousand households given free money-saving energy advice

[Nov 20, 2025]

One thousand households in Basingstoke and Deane could now be saving hundreds of pounds on their energy bills every year, thanks to a local team of money-saving energy experts.

Government consultation launched on major shake up of Hampshire councils

[Nov 19, 2025]

Residents, businesses and groups across the borough can have their say on options for the unitary council that will deliver all services across Basingstoke and Deane in the future, in a government consultation.

Significant savings for low-carbon taxis

[Nov 17, 2025]

Hundreds of pounds of support will be introduced for low-carbon cab owners in Basingstoke and Deane next year.

Get prepped for Christmas and shop local with free parking offer

[Nov 17, 2025]

Shoppers can kick-start their Christmas shopping on Small Business Saturday, with free parking on offer in council-operated car parks in Basingstoke town centre.

Supporting businesses to expand outdoor seating as part of café culture ambition

[Nov 13, 2025]

Measures to support the growth of café culture in the borough, by making it easier and more affordable to create outdoor seating areas to serve food and drink, is being proposed by the council.

Community invited to have their say on plans to keep investing in council services

[Nov 12, 2025]

Residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to share their views on the council's spending plans to strengthen the delivery of frontline services over the next year.

Events programme helps boost town centre visitors

[Nov 11, 2025]

Over 150,000 people were attracted to Basingstoke town centre events, run or supported by the borough council, in the last year, boosting visitor numbers to support traders and keep the area thriving.

Council sets sights on new look flagship park

[Nov 11, 2025]

Work to explore improvements to enhance and upgrade the facilities at Eastrop Park is being planned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Have your say

[Nov 10, 2025]

Tell us about your experiences with physical activity, leisure and wellbeing in your area to help develop a new Active Wellbeing Strategy for the borough.

Festive Friday kicks off Christmas in Basingstoke

[Nov 05, 2025]

Love Basingstoke will be spreading seasonal cheer and kick-starting the festive period at the Top of the Town in style on Friday 14 November.

Community urged to support project to boost shower facilities for those without a home

[Nov 05, 2025]

Residents, businesses and community groups are being urged to get behind an appeal to deliver better access to facilities for people facing homelessness in the borough.

Community drive to collect essential items for victims of domestic abuse

[Nov 04, 2025]

People across the borough are being encouraged to donate essential items for women fleeing domestic abuse as part of a community appeal launched by the council and Festival Place.

Remembrance services set to honour sacrifices of the armed forces

[Oct 30, 2025]

Services to remember and honour the sacrifices of the armed forces will take place next month led by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore.

New hub to unlock opportunities for young job seekers

[Oct 29, 2025]

Young people across the borough will benefit from help and support to get back into employment and training, following the launch of a new hub in Basingstoke.

Frightfully free fun in Basingstoke town centre this half-term

[Oct 28, 2025]

A frightfully fun programme of activities is being crafted for children this October half-term as the Love Basingstoke team returns to Basingstoke’s Top of the Town and Cross Street.

Putting safety first this Halloween and bonfire season

[Oct 27, 2025]

People enjoying Halloween and Bonfire Night are being urged to think of others by the council as part of a campaign to help residents feel safer as the evenings get darker.

Sowing the seeds for a wilder spring

[Oct 24, 2025]

Together with the council’s rangers and Natural Basingstoke, hundred of local nature volunteers are tackling conservation to protect, restore and enhance green spaces and habitats across the borough.

Government urged not to ‘water down’ North Wessex Downs protection

[Oct 20, 2025]

The council’s leaders are urging the government to keep a planning rule that helps to protect England’s national parks from new development.

New fund set to drive opportunities for artists as part of borough’s creative community

[Oct 15, 2025]

Artists and organisations in the borough are set to benefit from a new fund aimed at supporting new original creative work.

Council is reaccredited for work to reduce violence against women and girls

[Oct 14, 2025]

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been recognised for its commitment to ending violence against women and girls by being reaccredited by White Ribbon UK.

Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership marks 10 years of tackling homelessness together

[Oct 10, 2025]

A partnership that has transformed the borough’s approach to homelessness and rough sleeping has marked 10 years of delivering vital support to vulnerable people across Basingstoke and Deane.

It’s time to GO for weekly food waste collections!

[Sep 30, 2025]

Residents in Basingstoke and Deane and Hart can now start separating their peelings and scraps from their rubbish, ready for the start of weekly food waste collections.

Energy-saving experts to help residents cut bills

[Sep 29, 2025]

Households in Basingstoke and Deane are being invited to book a free home energy survey that could help them save hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills.

Rare insects and over 80 new plant species found in local nature project

[Sep 29, 2025]

A pioneering nature project has led to the flourishing of rare insects and 85 new plant species across two Basingstoke neighbourhoods.

Majority of Hampshire councils unite behind plan for local government reorganisation

[Sep 26, 2025]

We've submitted our joint business case to government proposing the creation of four new unitary authorities for mainland Hampshire, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent island unitary council.

Listen Up for even more ear-resistable live music in Basingstoke

[Sep 23, 2025]

A treat for music fans is on the line up, as Listen Up returns for its third live event on Saturday 27 September, across five venues in Basingstoke’s the Top of the Town.

Land deal set to secure home for Basingstoke Community Furniture Project

[Sep 22, 2025]

A charity that provides low-cost household furniture and items, boosts recycling and provides training opportunities is set to benefit from improved facilities.

New star rating scheme for animal establishments

[Sep 19, 2025]

Pet owners in the borough will be able to find the best possible care for their animals, thanks to a new star rating scheme for animal establishments.

New lease set to unlock further improvements at ice rink

[Sep 12, 2025]

An empty unit at Basingstoke Leisure Park is set to get a new lease of life as part of a major refurbishment of Basingstoke ice rink.

Emergency alerts test - Sunday 7 September at 3pm

[Sep 05, 2025]

The government will be testing its emergency alerts system designed to warn people about life-threatening emergencies on Sunday 7 September at 3pm.

Community encouraged to step up to help tackle homelessness

[Sep 04, 2025]

This September local people are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and take part in Walking for Real Change, a community challenge to raise funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness.

Proposal for new unitary councils

[Sep 03, 2025]

Our joint proposal to government to create new unitary councils for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been published. The proposal from 12 of the 15 councils in the county, will be considered by borough councillors at three meetings in September.

Musician Rick Wakeman to headline Mayor's Variety Show

[Sep 02, 2025]

Music and comedy lovers are in for a treat next month as the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s new-look variety show gets ready to raise the roof at The Anvil.

Photo credit SME

Councillors set to discuss new plan for where homes could be built in the future

[Aug 27, 2025]

A new proposed draft strategy setting out where homes and places to work could be built over the next 15 years will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday 4 September.

Council leaders slam plan for River Test drought order

[Aug 20, 2025]

Plans that would threaten wildlife by allowing Southern Water to remove water from the River Test when flows are lower have been slammed by council leaders.

Community invited to share their views on golf facility relocation proposals

[Aug 18, 2025]

Users of Down Grange will get an opportunity to find out more and share their views on initial proposals to relocate golf facilities in areas around the sports complex.

Bicycle security event set to ride into town

[Aug 12, 2025]

Bike owners in the borough will have the opportunity to have their cycles marked, registered and pick up a free bike lock at drop in event next month.

Memorial bench to offer place to remember everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

[Aug 08, 2025]

A dedicated memorial bench is set to be unveiled in Basingstoke next week to remember everyone in the borough affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Views sought on borough council’s play spaces

[Aug 04, 2025]

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on play spaces in the borough.

Free family fun across Basingstoke and Deane this summer

[Jul 29, 2025]

Families can discover everything the borough has to offer this summer as part of a month-long programme of free activities being held across Basingstoke and Deane.

Discover the borough’s wild side at BioBlitz

[Jul 24, 2025]

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to discover the borough’s wild side at next weekend's BioBlitz, a three-day celebration of local wildlife at Mill Field Nature Reserve in Old Basing from Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August.

Coveted Green Flag Award for three borough council parks

[Jul 21, 2025]

Three popular parks in Basingstoke and Deane have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag, putting them among the very best parks in the UK.

Extensive refurbishment of Basingstoke hostel moves a step closer

[Jul 17, 2025]

Plans for the major transformation of a Basingstoke hostel that provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness are being firmed up after the council agreed to purchase the building.

Free trombone-riffic tunes for outdoor music lovers this summer

[Jul 15, 2025]

The popular Summer Bands concerts returned last weekend and, for the first time, this year’s series will take place across two beautiful locations in Basingstoke.

Get set for food waste collections from October

[Jul 14, 2025]

Residents in Basingstoke and Deane and Hart will be able to recycle more and reduce how much they waste when new weekly food waste collections are introduced in October.

Borough to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day with service

[Jul 14, 2025]

Residents and armed forces veterans from across the borough are being invited to join the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore at a special ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Borough’s carbon falls by a quarter since 2018

[Jul 10, 2025]

Carbon emissions fell more quickly from 2018 to 2023 in Basingstoke and Deane than anywhere else in mainland Hampshire, new government figures reveal.