Pay more, get less

Conservatives set out their shocking vision for Hampshire

Conservative-run Hampshire County Council has set out shocking plans to hike Council Tax by almost 5% while slashing local services.

The Conservative-run Council's Balancing the Budget consultation proposes deep cuts to vital local services across the county.

Options that the Conservative Council is considering to plug its estimated £80m black hole include:

• CLOSING libraries
• TURNING OFF street lights
• REDUCING the number of roads gritted in winter
• SLASHING domiciliary care for vulnerable people
• CHARGING for non-household wood waste (fence panels etc)

But despite the savage cuts to local services, the Conservative Council is still planning on the basis of HIKING Council Tax by 4.99% - the maximum allowed by law without holding a local referendum.

Cllr Abul Koher Chowdhury said, "These Conservative plans represent appalling value for money for local people who will have to pay more but get less.

"Some of the proposed cuts to adult and children's social care will hit some of the most vulnerable people in our society."

Cllr Alain Dekker said, "These Conservative cuts hurt local people who are left to pick up the pieces - with higher taxes for fewer services. One local example is a proposed residents' parking scheme on Somerset Road which the Conservative County Council say must be funded by residents.

"Brexit will wreck the national finances and make things worse. Only the Lib Dems have credible plans to stop Brexit, grow the economy and improve services."

You can read the Council's plans at www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/balancing-the-budget - the consultation is open until 17 July