Hampshire County Council (HCC) has launched a Consultation to understand the views of residents and stakeholders across Hampshire on options to help deliver a balanced budget up to 2021/22. By planning ahead and through careful use of reserves, HCC has successfully found ways to deliver services differently and more efficiently, securing savings of £480 million over the past 11 years.
However, due to growing demand for council services, further reductions in Government funding, rising costs and inflation, HCC faces a further estimated budget shortfall of £80 million by April 2021. This means more decisions will need to be made about what HCC can and cannot provide in future.
Opportunities for reducing costs are getting harder to find, which is why it is important that HCC hears the views of residents, many of whom are likely to be affected by the outcomes.
The Balancing the Budget consultation runs until 11:59pm on 17 July 2019.
HCC would like to hear from as many residents and stakeholders as possible. Feedback will help to inform areas where the County Council could focus on balancing its budget up to 2021/22. No prior decisions have been made regarding the proposals.
You can find out more and take part in the Consultation via www.hants.gov.uk/balancingthebudget/, by requesting an Information Pack on the proposals from insight@hants.gov.uk or by calling 0300 555 1375. Information will also be available in Hampshire libraries.
