MINISTERS faced a grilling from business, public sector and charity leaders after the Cabinet’s regional meeting in Southampton.

They were quizzed by 200 invited guests on topics ranging from business rates to farming, local government targets and domestic violence.

At the City Cruise Terminal transport minister Goeff Hoon pledged a review of the Government’s funding of free bus travel for over 60s. Mr Hoon promised to look again at making sure it was shared out in the fairest way.

Fareham Borough Council leader Cllr Sean Woodward, demanded assurances from Jacqui Smith on the continuation of a grant for police community support officers.

She said the funding for the officers would continue for the period of the comprehensive spending review up to 2011.