Transport and school crossings in Hampshire council cuts plan

Cuts to public transport and school crossing patrols are set to go ahead as part of plans to slash a council's spending.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) has outlined measures to reduce its £132m budget gap forecast by 2025/26.

The authority said cuts would affect all sectors with services reduced to "bare minimum levels".

It said it would work with external bodies to consider how the impact could be minimised.

Hampshire has already warned it was among the local authorities facing intense pressure on budgets and having to make difficult decisions on spending.

Local government leaders warned last week that one in 10 county councils in England is facing effective bankruptcy - putting vital services at risk.

HCC identified £90.4m could be generated through the savings proposals, of which £75m is expected to be delivered by 2025/26, leaving a forecast unmet budget gap of £57m in 2025/26.

Increases in fees, changes in how services are offered as well as more use of smart technology are planned as part of the budget-cutting measures.

The council also said it would continue to use its reserves, which have dropped by £38m since 2021/22.

As part of the plans, school crossing patrols would be removed from routes considered "safe" or where other pedestrian facilities could be installed in order to save £1.1m.

All non-statutory local bus and community transport services would also be suspended and highway maintenance spending reduced.

The council said 60% of almost 3,000 respondents to a public consultation in the summer agreed with its financial strategy.

The budget will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday before a further round of public consultation.

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