Hampshire's tips to undergo cost saving review

There could be new charges, altered opening hours or even closures

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 14th Nov 2023

A review's set to be carried into Hampshire's 24 household recycling centres.

The County Council says it'll look at tip opening hours, new charges and some sites may even be closed.

The authority is having to save £132 million by 2025.

Hampshire County Council leader Rob Humby wants more government funding:

"You've Westminster told us a sustainable long-term national funding solution to fix the financial pressures that councils like Hampshire face in the future, but we can't sit back and wait for that to happen."

And Councillor Humby says the review of tips is part of a larger plan to keep services running:

"We've had to take very difficult decisions this Autumn, to prepare and ensure there's enough money after April 2025 to help protect and support the most vulnerable children and adults in Hampshire."

A consultation on the plans is expected to take place in the New Year.

The household recycling centres have been subject of local discussion for a little while, with customers questioning why a booking system, put in place during Covid, was still in effect.

Council bosses in Hampshire insist the booking system at their dumps has proved popular despite frustration over availability.

The authority says it's helped to reduce queues and they've not seen an impact on flytipping as a result.

Bosses also confirm bookings can be made at any time subject to availability and going twice in a day is allowed, if there's an empty slot.

Although this doesn't apply to the tip at Somerley near Ringwood, which experiences poor Wi-Fi connectivity.

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