Public called on to help Hampshire County Council bridge £132m budget shortfall

A PUBLIC consultation is to be launched on how Hampshire County Council can slash costs amid a predicted £132m budget shortfall.

This was revealed in Cllr Rob Humby’s leader’s speech at HCC’s recent annual meeting, writes Natalia Forero of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The meeting also saw Cllr Patricia Stallard elected chair of HCC, while Brockenhurst Conservative Cllr Keith Mans was named vice-chair.

In the speech, Cllr Humby recognised the council’s challenges as a consequence of the financial crisis.

He said: “Hampshire council tax and business rate income are not sufficient to meet the growing demand, and inflation cost we face each year.

“By 2025/26, our forecast predicts a budget shortfall of around £132m on top of the savings we already made today.

“The extent of our budget pressures means that we will soon be undertaking a public consultation looking at options for detailed saving proposals to attempt to close the predicted budget gap before the decision on the next steps this autumn.

“Members will receive a briefing pack a week in advance of the launch of the consultation, followed by further details at noon on Monday 12th June.

“In the meantime, I remain committed to keeping up the momentum in the coming months and continuing to make a strong case to MPs and ministers for urgent action on funding the local government.”

Cllr Humby also highlighted in his report the appointment of Cllr Kirsty North for inclusion and diversity: “The more inclusive and diverse we are as an employer, the more effectively we will be able to work with and serve all communities,” he said.

In addition, he announced the appointment of Councillor Arun Mummalaneni as a new champion for inclusion and diversity.

In his role, he will endorse and protect people’s rights, focusing on anti-racism matters and, alongside Cllr North, will ensure all members deliver the county council’s inclusion strategy.