A COUNCIL has remained tight-lipped about whether it will be handing out free Covid-19 tests.

The government will bring an end to free lateral flow tests to members of the public, as of April 1.

Measures will still be in place for health and social care workers to obtain tests.

Now, Hampshire County Council has been asked if they will be handing out free Covid tests past that point – like some other councils – but did not receive a clear-cut response.

A spokeswoman for the county council said: "Government-funded free testing for those with and without symptoms of the virus is due to finish at the end of this month.

"We will continue to closely monitor outbreaks, take necessary action as required and will await further national advice on the additional mechanisms for testing that may be available from April.

"This will enable us to continue protecting our most vulnerable populations within Hampshire, as the need arises."

Hampshire County Council recently confirmed budget cuts of £80m, which will be made before April 2023.

The county council did not answer the question of whether such a scheme would be too expensive.

Portsmouth City Council, one of the authorities to confirm it will be giving out free tests, said it would cost between £316,000 and £365,000.