Welcome to the 18th issue of Hampshire Now – the magazine produced for Hampshire residents by Hampshire County Council
We’ve come out on top again! But this time, instead of being rated ‘excellent’, we’re a four-star authority. It may sound like a grade of petrol or a hotel rating, but four stars is our grading from the Audit Commission and it’s the highest level possible that any local authority can achieve as part of its annual performance assessment.
Our top marks come despite a new, tougher assessment which demanded even higher performance levels to prove we are delivering quality services and value for money. This is the fourth consecutive year that we have achieved the highest rating which places us in a select group of top performing councils in England. I can assure you that we will not become complacent but continue to improve services and ensure that Hampshire remains a place where we all want to live. Find out exactly how well our services are performing in our special pull-out supplement – How well are we doing? Our services under the microscope.
We know a lot of you feel very strongly about the future development levels of housing in Hampshire and so do we. Holding out for the quality of life that we all enjoy in Hampshire is exactly the message we are sending to the Government as part of the development of the South East Plan. We have told the South East England Regional Assembly that we cannot support the proposed level of housing without guarantees of funding for further infrastructure.
The South Hampshire Rapid Transit Scheme – the tram scheme linking Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth – would have improved infrastructure and transport links in an already densely populated part of the county. But at the end of last year the scheme was turned down. I am astounded that the Government has said ‘no’ especially when it expects us to manage its ambitious house-building figures for the South East. Our fight to find ways to reduce congestion in south Hampshire will continue.
By now you should have received your council tax statement with our information leaflet. We are already making year on year savings through efficiencies as we continue our drive to provide even greater value for money, but we are also facing considerable pressure on services. Services that affect children, vulnerable adults, older people and the state of the roads – services that you’ve told us are important to you. The cost of providing these is rising faster than inflation yet the Government has only given us an effective grant increase of below 0.2%. Against this background of budget pressures, inevitably, tough choices had to be made. Read on for an update on council tax issues and the County Council’s budget.
This edition is packed full of interesting articles about the County Council’s varied services and activities. Plus check out our what's on listings for lots of activities and events happening throughout Hampshire. And if you fancy spending a weekend of luxury at one of Hampshire’s top hotels, then don’t forget to enter our hotel competition.
It is important that you tell us what you think about our services, as your views help us to decide on future improvements. You can do this by calling our freephone information line on 0800 028 0888. Or, if you would like to comment on Hampshire Now, write to or email the Editor.
Councillor Ken Thornber CBE
Leader of Hampshire County Council