Hampshire County Council is waiting to hear if the government will let it put up its council tax bill by 15 per cent in 2025-26 - the second highest proposed increase in the country.

It would generate £84 million towards plugging the council’s £182m budget deficit as it looks to make more cuts.

Fifteen per cent equals £229.84 for households in a Band D property.

The cabinet will consider the budget on February 4, with a final decision by full council on February 13.

East Hampshire District Council’s Liberal Democrat group deputy leader Cllr Ginny Boxall said: “Hampshire County Council wants yet more money to fill its black hole of over £175m caused by the previous Conservative government’s refusal to support county councils in covering spiralling social care costs.

“The cuts to local services will keep coming and Labour’s local government reorganisation will add uncertainty into the mix.

“Liberal Democrats are fighting to fix the social care crisis which is pushing councils to the brink.”