Hampshire County Council has opened a public consultation to gather views on its budget for the 2027-2028 financial year.
The council is facing a significant funding gap of approximately £198.9 million for the 2027-2028 period.
This shortfall is largely due to rising demand for essential services, particularly for vulnerable adults, children, and school transport, combined with higher costs for energy, supplies, and contracts.
To address this gap, the council is considering several options and is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, and organisations across the county.
The options being explored include:
- Improving operational efficiencies to reduce costs without cutting services.
- Lobbying the Government for increased funding and legislative changes.
- Generating extra income through assets such as land or buildings.
- Introducing or increasing charges for some services, such as parking or ceremonies.
- Reviewing service delivery models to find more cost-effective ways to provide support.
- Delaying non-essential spending, such as certain building maintenance and equipment replacements.
- Exploring the use of reserves or borrowing to manage immediate pressures.
The council also notes that while they currently forecast a Council Tax increase of 4.99% for 2027-2028, they are also considering the impact of potential further increases.
Residents are encouraged to review the full consultation information pack to understand how these options might impact their communities.
The consultation will remain open until 11.59pm on 13 December 2026.
Residents can share their views in three ways:
Online: Using the consultation response form at https://hampshirecc.welcomesyourfeedback.net/2026-budget-consultation
Email: By emailing insight@hants.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Budget Consultation’
Post: By writing to Freepost HAMPSHIRE, marking the back of the envelope with ‘Budget Consultation, B026R’. No stamp is required.
For more information, please visit the Hampshire County Council website.
