Hampshire and Kent Leaders Sound Alarm Over Local Government Financial Crisis
Hampshire and Kent County Council chiefs have launched a desperate plea to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, warning of a looming financial disaster. In a bluntly worded letter, Councillors Rob Humby and Roger Gough reveal that if urgent government action doesn’t come soon, both councils could face bankruptcy within the next year.
Budget Deficits Threaten Vital Services
Rob Humby, Hampshire’s Council Leader, said: “We’re high-performing councils, but inflation and demand for social care are spiralling out of control. After 12 years of austerity cuts and being tied down by outdated laws, our budgets are at breaking point.”
He warned that without government help, they will have to slash services supporting the most vulnerable.
“We won’t be able to keep delivering critical services if forced to cut to the bone,” said Humby.
Council Tax and Business Rates Can’t Plug the Gap
Kent’s Roger Gough hammered home the financial squeeze: “The extra money from council tax and business rates barely covers inflation, leaving urgent social care needs grossly underfunded.”
He insisted that one-off handouts won’t fix this crisis.
“We need a complete overhaul of local government funding or risk collapse of key services,” Gough said.
Calls for Long-Term Funding Overhaul
- More annual funding for social care and special educational needs.
- Legislative reforms to ease council obligations.
- Greater freedom to set council tax and charge for services.
Both leaders urge urgent talks with government ministers before year-end to avert disaster.
Humby added: “We have a duty to protect services residents rely on. The government must step up now.”
