PLANS to save millions of pounds in Hampshire by slashing funding for vital services and potentially increasing council tax could be given the green light today.

Councillors at Hampshire County Council are to discuss proposals to make savings in a bid to address an anticipated budget shortfall of £140m by April 2019.

The proposal suggests millions could be conserved by cuts to social adults’ health and care services (£56m), children’s services (£30m) and and school crossing patrols (£1.2m).

Subsidised bus services and community transport could also lose their entire funding pot to save £4m, while up to a half of the county’s recycling centres could be closed and the hours of the rest amended in a bid to save £1.2m.

The authority will also look at raising council tax by the maximum amount allowed without having a referendum.

If the proposal is given the go-ahead, funding to support organisations and charities who provide youth and support services to children and young people could also be cut.

The whole children’s social care operating model could also be reshaped. The authority aims to reduce by 410 the number of children going into care by the year 2021 and develop a new social care IT system.

The savings plan was backed by cabinet members last month when concerns were raised about the impact the cuts would have on vulnerable people and those with mental health issues and disabilities.

At the time, council leader Roy Perry asked officers to look into whether there were other ways of achieving some of their proposed economies but stressed the need to find a way forward to deal with the pressure coming from reduced grants from the government, rising inflation and increases in the number of adults needing care.

Now all county councillors will discuss the proposal during a meeting at The Castle, Winchester at 10.15am. Further consultations will then be conducted where necessary.