FRONTLINE services at Hampshire County Council will remain protected as new measures are taken to mitigate the effects of threatened government public spending cuts.

Members of the efficiency panel met recently to consider how the county council will deliver an extra £15 million of recurring savings to prevent taxpayers from feeling the burden.

Vital services including social care for the elderly, care for vulnerable adults and young people and the quality of life for all who live in the county are all hoping to be protected by the cuts.

Chairman of the efficiencies panel, Cllr Colin Davidovitz, said: “As more and more of Hampshire’s households tighten their belts through this recession, the county council recognises the importance of providing more for less, particularly because of the forecast of a downturn in public spending, which will inevitably mean a smaller grant to the council from national government.

“It’s about giving best value for money at the least cost to the council taxpayer and diverting more money to meet frontline service pressures.”

Last year the council made £20.5 million savings, result-ing in the lowest council tax rise in 40 years at 1.9 per cent.