A Hampshire delegation met members of parliament last week hoping to protect frontline services in the county in the face of government’s plans to slash public debt by £6billion this year.
Joined by key local partners including NHS Hampshire, police and the armed forces, council leader Ken Thornber met eleven Hampshire MPs and a number of Government Ministers including Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
The event was sponsored by North West Hampshire MP Sir George Young and also wanted to ensure Hampshire is in a strong position to inform and help shape major government reviews including long term care for the elderly and local government finance.
Council leader Ken Thornber commented: “We took this early opportunity to talk to our MPs, including our newly elected MPs, on how best we can work together to ensure Hampshire’s experiences of providing excellent services, such as out Children’s Services and those provided by Adult Social Care, can inform parliamentary debate and future Government legislation.
“Several Hampshire MPs hold positions in the new coalition government and we are delighted that two members of the cabinet and give government ministers were able to join us. The event marks the beginning of a strong and effective dialogue with the new Parliament. We want Hampshire residents to be assured that this government is listening to the county council and its partners, as it seeks to address mounting pressures with ver greater innovation and efficiency.”
The Secretary of State praised Hampshire county council for its forward thinking.
He commented: “Putting it bluntly, I am a fat man in a hurry. This government is not about restructuring local government, it’s all about delivery.”
