Decisions due this autumn on future services

The local authority will hold seven Select Committee meetings this month to scrutinise proposals developed off the back of the findings of the Future Services Consultation (www.hants.gov.uk/future-services-consultation) held at the start of the year. Over 14,400 people responded to the consultation which asked for the public’s views on 13 options to change and reduce some local services to help make savings towards an annual £132 million budget shortfall that the County Council originally anticipated it would face from 2025/26 onwards and a focus on core service delivery so the Authority can live within its means and prioritise providing the essentials when serving the people of Hampshire.

However, since that time, because demand and costs have continued to rise so much more than we could have anticipated in children’s and adults’ social care, special educational needs and school transport, our overall financial shortfall from 2025/26 onwards is now expected to go up from £132 million to at least £175 million – that is, if there is no further grant funding announced by central Government for adult social care this autumn.

At each Select Committee, County Councillors from across the local authority’s political parties will examine the consultation results and savings recommendations, together with analysis of the potential impact on residents of the proposals if they go ahead. It’ll then be for the County Council’s Cabinet to carefully consider the officers’ recommendations in the context of the consultation responses, the feedback from the Select Committees and any deputations in determining a collective final decision on 14 October.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King said: “This autumn is a pivotal point for the County Council, as like many local authorities nationally, our budgets are under huge strain, now and in the foreseeable future, and now at an increased level that we could not have anticipated. Despite the pressures we face from having less money to do all the things we have done previously my Cabinet colleagues and I remain positive for Hampshire and optimistic that we can find a solution to this challenge - by looking at every possible way to help keep balancing the books, as well as continuing to press our case to central Government for crucial additional funding and most importantly greater decision-making powers, so Hampshire County Council can continue to serve our residents in a sustainable way.

“Our strong track record also stands us in good stead – with over a decade of experience of innovative practice, operational efficiency, and resource-sharing with other public sector organisations to help make the most of taxpayer’s money. We have also carefully managed our financial reserves to act as a crucial buffer against budget shortfalls, albeit those reserves set aside for this purpose are now almost all used up. Faced with higher costs, growing demand in key areas like social care, and fewer financial reserves to plug any future budget gaps, we recognise the scale and complexity of the task that lies ahead but we are determined to confront the issue head-on for the benefit of Hampshire’s residents. We remain resolute in our firm commitment to the delivery of vital social care services such as safeguarding vulnerable children from harm, abuse, and neglect; providing school transport for children with disabilities and additional needs; and supporting older people and adults with complex care needs and disabilities.
 
“I wish to thank Hampshire residents for having provided their feedback on potential ways to make some of the overall savings, and I would like to assure people that we have heard very clearly, their comments and concerns. We know that things like the retention of HWRCs (household waste recycling centres) and school crossing patrols, maintenance of vital community transport routes and the continued provision of homelessness grants to the end of their planned contract term are important to both the public and our partners, and we are keen to now also hear the views of Select Committees on these areas, and on all of the other savings options following their deliberations this month.
 
“Before making any decisions, my Cabinet colleagues and I will carefully consider the officers’ recommendations in the context of the consultation responses, the feedback from the Select Committees and any deputations made to us. In our challenging financial position, I understand why officers are making the recommendations in the reports but I wish to emphasise that the proposals are just recommendations at this stage and that the Cabinet are open to considering other options that may evolve through this process and that, should we be minded, we can choose different solutions and timescales at the point of our decision-making in the autumn.”

Dates of the Select Committee and Cabinet meetings

The Select Committee and Cabinet meeting dates, which will be held at Hampshire County Council’s headquarters building, Elizabeth II Court in Winchester, are listed below.

The reports that will be considered at these meetings will be published approximately one week prior to each session and can be viewed via the County Council’s online Calendar of Meetings – accessible via www.hants.gov.uk.