Hampshire County Council gave out £765,046 in bonuses to staff in 2022, as revealed by our investigation. 1,092 bonuses were handed out, meaning that the average bonus was worth around £700. This is despite the council warning of financial difficulties.
Speaking to the Hampshire Chronicle, which published the findings, our investigations campaign manager Elliot Keck said:
"Local taxpayers will be shocked at these findings.
"These figures only add to the sense that the council has not got a grip on its spending.
"The council should urgently review this scheme for the next calendar year."