County Treasurer's

Councillor Ken Thornber talking about the tough decisions that have been made this year.

Tough choices in hard times

"As Leader of Hampshire County Council, I’ve been faced with some of the most difficult decisions ever in setting the budget and the council tax this year.

I’ve had to make some very tough choices in hard times.

Tough choices because this year Hampshire was given a derisory financial settlement from the Government.

Once again we have one of the lowest grant increases from Government, less than 0.2%, well below the rate of inflation, and Government intends to take more money.

This at a time when demand for our services has never been greater.

More people are living longer, and more children are being born with complex disabilities who need our care permanently.

You’ve told us that the frail elderly and vulnerable young should always be a priority for the Council.

And you want us to make our communities safer.

My dilemma this year has been how to pay for this level of care that you demand and deserve, yet still keep the council tax rise to a minimum.

We’ve already made over 10 million pounds of efficiency savings and we are committed to giving you value for money.

But the pressure on social care, in particular, is so great that we been faced with tough choices and we’re having to do things differently.

We’re looking at modernising the way we deliver care – supporting elderly people at home for longer and encouraging the use of Direct Payments so that you can buy what you need – allowing you more independence and choice.

For those unable to live at home we will continue to ensure there is a range of care available including our flagship nursing homes.

Unfortunately, hard times mean that we will also have to ask those of you who can afford to - to make more of a contribution to the cost of your care.

As Leader of Hampshire County Council I am proud that we are one of the top rated authorities with one of the lowest council taxes in England.

This year I would have liked to have done more for you but the Government gave us the second lowest social care grant in the country and we’ve been forced to make tough choices.

Nevertheless my promise to you is that the elderly and vulnerable will always be a priority for this Council.

And you have my assurance that I shall continue to take our fight to the heart of Government and demand a fair deal for the council tax payers of Hampshire. A fair deal so that we can give the people of Hampshire the quality services that they deserve. Thank you".