Elderly people are to be asked what services they need to live independently after a campaign backed by charity, Age Concern.

County councillor, Alan Dowden, won cross-party support for his call for public consultation at a full council meeting last week.

The Lib Dem's plea came after government inspectors found the Tory-controlled council was underspending by 26% - or £26m - on care of the elderly.

The Social Services Inspectorate said it operated "a strict rationing of services" and supported fewer old people living at home.

While some of the most needy were well supported at home, others were only helped if resources were available.

This meant people were admitted to care who could otherwise have stayed at home because of lack of help with bathing, cleaning, shopping and cooking.

Mr Dowden, whose campaign was backed by ex-Saints boss and vice-president of Age Concern, Laurie McMenemy, said he hoped the consultation was "the first step".

He added: "I've been fighting since I was first on the social services committee and the Conservatives raised the eligibility criteria."

He urged people to answer the survey in the council's magazine, Hampshire Now. "I believe the results will be revealing and we can then put pressure on the council to do something."

Said Mr McMenemy: "One of the biggest problems for elderly people is having to give up their own homes. If there is a way to prevent that, I am all for it. It is not a party political issue, but common sense."