HAMPSHIRE County Council has paid out more than £1.2m in personal injury compensation in the last year, according to new data.

A total of 217 personal injury claims were submitted to the local authority between April 2022 and April 2023, including those caused by a fallen tree, slippery surfaces or potholes. 

A list, uncovered by legalexpert.co.uk during a Freedom of Information request, also included flooding, obstructions, damage by street furniture, defective premises including drains, manholes and wires, violent incidents and slip, trip and fall accidents.

The claims also related to sunk protruding or uneven ironwork, abuse, damaged kerbs, chemicals, vegetation obstruction, non illuminated signs or bollards and inadequate equipment. 

Overall, £1,256,506.82 was paid out in damages by Hampshire County Council during the period from April 17 2022 to the same date this year.

It comes as the county council faces bankruptcy within the next few months because of unprecedented financial pressures. 

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A spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "Hampshire County Council is one of the largest local authorities in the country delivering hundreds of local services each day to a population of over 1.4 million residents.

"Any incidents are of course very unfortunate; occasionally however issues do occur.

"Every case is assessed individually, on its facts and legal basis, and compensation (where payable) varies, depending on the level of injury sustained."

Hampshire County Council has a duty of care to make sure that any premises, spaces, highways or equipment they control are safe for employees and visitors, so far as is reasonably possible for them to do so.

Some of the payments may relate to historic claims.

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Hampshire County Council governs 11 of the 13 districts located within Hampshire, excluding those covered by the unitary authorities of Southampton and Portsmouth. 

As one of 24 county councils in England, it acts as the upper tier of local government to approximately 1.4 million people and is made up of 78 elected councillors who meet in Winchester. 

Since 1997, the council has been controlled by the Conservative Party with Rob Humby elected as leader a year ago. Last November, Cllr Humby said the county council could face bankruptcy due to austerity cuts.