FURTHER to the recent article about the provision of social care in Hampshire (June 22, ‘Adult social care ‘disaster’’), we would like to assure your readers that the county council continues to invest substantially in services to support the most vulnerable, despite the significant and ongoing financial pressures we face.

In adult social care, the funding provided by the county council is absolutely in line with that recommended by the Association of Directors of Adults Social Services, with more than £300million to be spent in 2018/19 on support for the elderly, people with learning and physical disabilities, and those living with mental health issues across the county. While in Children’s Services, we will be spending over £167million supporting our most vulnerable children and young people, together with an additional £13.5million commitment for forecast growth in children lookedafter numbers.

How we spend the money available to us requires careful decisions as demand for care and support continues to grow, but at all times we seek to ensure that essential services are maintained while we invest in new ways to provide the assistance that people need.

This includes making the very best use of new technology in every aspect of our work, from delivering services to the elderly, alongside more traditional forms of care, to working more efficiently and making it easier for people to deal with us.

Additionally, we continue to work closely with the voluntary sector on a wide range of projects and initiatives so that people of all ages can be supported appropriately, within their communities, and are developing new ways for people to find information and advice about support and services available locally.

Specifically, in relation to youth support we have awarded funding to over 40 voluntary and community organisations from our 0-19 Children’s Services grant fund, including over £164,000 for Hampshire Young Carers Alliance — to support activities across all Hampshire districts.

Furthermore, we have maintained our investment in the school nursing service.

The challenges facing local government are unprecedented, but we can assure Mr Gregori and all Hampshire residents that we remain unswerving in our determination to ensure that those with high levels of need receive our help, care and protection.

Hampshire County Cllrs Keith Mans, deputy leader and executive lead member for children’s services and Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and health