South Central Ambulance Service could face a £1million fine because of poor performance.

A trust boss has revealed that the service has been given a penalty notice for not meeting the eight-minute response target for life-threatening emergencies.

Sue Byrne, SCAS chief operating officer, said: "We work hard not to be in this situation. It isn't acceptable when we don't reach patients in time.

"The amount is down to the commissioners, but it could be £1million. It will have to be paid if we don't improve. It's a very challenging environment."

Ms Byrne said the trust was now working to create an action plan to improve the service and avoid being targeted by the hefty fine.

Low staffing issues were also highlighted as a concern to be addressed by the service.

The SCAS ambulances will need to reach at least 75 per cent of life-threatening emergency calls in eight minutes by the end of the year to get the penalty lifted.

Currently the service said they were reaching 72 per cent in the time limit.

The ambulance services serves Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.