HAMPSHIRE County Council received just over 10 per cent of its expected delivery of face masks.

In an email sent by Deborah Harkin, assistant chief executive, seen by the Chronicle said the authority received a further delivery of PPE from the Government on Monday, April 27.

The council expected to receive 55,000 face masks but only 6,000 were delivered.

The lack of PPE follows weeks of the council stating that “a lot of effort is being made to source adequate supplies of PPE”, with the council currently holding a minimum of 72 hours supplies.

This has sparked Lib Dem councillor Martin Tod to criticise the Government on its promise to provide the much-needed equipment.

He said: “If the Government promises PPE, it should deliver. PPE for carers and care homes is absolutely essential. They need to get a grip on this.”

The authority has said that county council care homes have been able to operate within the required guidance from Public Health England, which has evolved as the pandemic has progressed.

Ms Harkin added: “Pro-active work is being undertaken to source supplies, for internal needs, as well as those of the wider care sector in Hampshire (where individual homes / providers are unable to obtain deliveries through their own usual supply chains).”

But the council is still involved in a campaign to collect PPE for Hampshire key workers.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is coordinating the local campaign.

They are asking companies to donate any spare PPE (such as nitrile gloves, plastic aprons, eye protection, face masks, alcohol gel and cleaning wipes). Companies who are able to help are asked to email COVIDdonations@hantsfire.gov.uk