HAMPSHIRE County Council has reassured the public that it will not be swayed by financial incentives when it comes to fracking on its land.

The council has responded to recent reports that local authorities would be able to receive 100 per cent of business rates collected from shale gas schemes.

The Government has long asserted that controversial inland shale gas extraction would boost the economy and generate jobs.

Recently the Prime Minister said local authorities in England should "get on board" with shale gas, saying it is "part of our country".

But Mel Kendal, executive member for income and capital receipts at Hampshire County Council, told the Bordon Herald that the benefits associated with schemes were not a factor during applications.

"Any financial element is irrelevant as a planning application would need to go through the normal planning process," he said.

"In Hampshire, we have a robust Minerals and Waste Plan in place, formally adopted last year.

"It provides a robust planning framework against which any proposals for oil and gas development will be judged."