Hampshire Councillors Lag on Updating Gift Registrations

Nearly one-third of councillors at Hampshire County Council (HCC) have not updated their public registers of gifts and hospitality for 2025. This lack of updates has raised concerns, especially since some declarations date back as far as 2021. While HCC maintains that its practices comply with existing regulations, this approach differs significantly from other local authorities that now mandate more frequent updates.

Hampshire County Council councillors are required to amend their gift registers within 28 days of receiving any gift or hospitality valued over £50, or when their interests change. They receive an annual reminder but are not obligated to submit a “nil return” if no new gifts or hospitality have been received. This contrasts with guidance from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which recommends that councils update and publish their registers at least quarterly to ensure transparency and reassure residents.

According to data reviewed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, approximately 29 percent of Hampshire councillors have not submitted any updates this year. Among those who did update their registers, only two councillors reported receiving gifts or hospitality exceeding the £50 threshold in 2025: Cllr David Harrison (Totton South & Marchwood) and Cllr Zoe Huggins (Leesland & Town).

Councillors’ Compliance and Historical Data

Around 60 percent of councillors updated their registers in 2025, but many declared no gifts or hospitality. Those who submitted updated “nil” returns include council leader Nick Adams-King, cabinet member Roz Chadd, and several others. However, some councillors have not made any changes since 2021. This includes deputy leader Jan Warwick (2024), cabinet member Lulu Bowerman (2021), and others such as Ann Briggs, Peter Chegwyn, and Rod Cooper.

A spokesperson for HCC stated that councillors are adhering to the rules set forth in the code of conduct, which requires updates within 28 days of becoming aware of any new disclosable pecuniary interest or changes to existing interests. They noted, “Some councillors may not have updated their register simply because no new disclosable pecuniary interests have arisen, and no qualifying gifts or hospitality have been received. This is fully in line with their obligations.”

While annual reminders are issued, the responsibility for maintaining an up-to-date register lies with each councillor. The monitoring officer provides guidance to all new councillors, issues annual reminders, and ensures that all declarations and updates are published on the county council’s website.

The varying practices among local authorities highlight a potential gap in transparency. While HCC maintains its compliance with existing rules, the absence of a more rigorous updating process raises questions about the effectiveness of its oversight and the potential impact on public trust.