Behind the headlines

Southampton's media office is committed to giving journalists as much information as possible to help them inform their audience about the facts behind the headlines. Below you will find links to detailed information and key messages about some of the important issues affecting Southampton at the moment.

Response to Echo story on privatisation, selling artwork and council pay

Southampton City Council's Chief Executive has issued a statement in response to the front page story in today's Southern Daily Echo. This clarifies the council's position on suggestions of radical plans for privatisation, the selling off of the art collection and the ongoing suggestion that chief officers are to receive a 13% pay rise.

Chief Officer's pay - clarification on stories in the news

There have been several stories in the local and national media recently regarding Chief Officers pay. Much of the information is factually incorrect so we want to rectify this.

Changes in residential care homes

You may have seen stories in the press recently about Southampton City Council’s plans to close two of our residential care homes, Birch Lawn and Whitehaven Lodge. At this stage these closures are just a proposal and a decision on either home has yet to been made.

Money from parking services

Recent media coverage has focussed on the income Southampton City Council and other local authorities generate from their parking services. Find out here why this is and how the money is spent.

Concessionary bus passes - a rebuttal

Some misleading comments have been made by local MPs about the delay in issuing National Concessionary Bus Passes in Southampton. The city council would like to give the public the facts.