Hampshire County Council Propose Huge Cuts!

1st March, 2024

Did you know that Conservative led Hampshire County Council are proposing massive cuts in funding for services including school crossing patrols, household waste recycling centres and support for the homeless?

As part of their Future Services review Conservative led Hampshire County Council are proposing the following cuts, in order to reduce their £132m budget shortfall projected for 2025:

School Crossing Patrols: Potential removal of 26 School Crossing Patrols – Including Wildern Lane, Maunsell Way/Marlborough Gardens and Hobb Lane in Hedge End

Round Lollipop signs which say stop used for school crossings

Passenger Transport: Removal of County Council bus service subsidies – which may result in some services being withdrawn (Especially in rural areas), removal of non-statutory concessionary bus travel subsidies for older/disabled people, removal of support for “Connect” services (Dial-a-Ride, Call and Go, Taxishares, Group Hire Services) and the Wheels to Work Scheme

Highways Maintenance: less spending to maintain or already failing road network

Highways Winter Service: Fewer roads treated, leading to higher risk of accidents

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs): potential closure of up to 12 HWRCs – Including Hedge End

A sign attached to a green lamppost which says Household Waste Recycling Centre

Homelessness Support Services: Removal of the £2m support that HCC currently provides – putting homeless people at risk

Adult Social Care Grants Schemes: Removal of all grants – which will impact (and possibly close) several voluntary organisations and Citizen’s Advice Centres

Competitive (one-off) grant schemes: Removal of all funding – resulting in potentially reduced community services

Hampshire Cultural Trust Grant: Probable closure of 4 museums/cultural sites – possibly more

Rural Countryside Parking: Charges for car parks that are currently free

Reduction of street lighting: leading to risk of accidents and a less safe environment for residents (especially shift/early morning/late night workers)

Reduction in library stock: less access to community educational, IT and well-being resources

Adult Social Care Changes: increased burden on those in need, especially those on low incomes

Hamble Valley Labour will be fighting against many of these proposed cuts and will seek to offer alternative proposals.

Have your say at: https://hampshirecc.welcomesyourfeedback.net/FSC SURVEY NOW CLOSED