Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Rob Humby.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2024 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

On 1 April, the functions of Local Enterprise Partnerships covering the county council geography were officially transferred to Hampshire County Council, and staff who joined the County Council from the Enterprise M3 LEP were welcomed.  A single Joint Leaders Board would be developed to ensure the involvement of every District Council in Hampshire, alongside a new Prosperity Partnership Board, which would enable direct engagement with the County Council.

In February, Leaders in Hampshire met with representatives of Southern Water to hear what the company was doing to improve its services and infrastructure and ensure reliable water supplies for Hampshire residents.

A new SEND Youth Forum had launched, creating opportunities for young people with special educational needs or disabilities across Hampshire to share their views and experiences directly with council decision-makers on issues that affect them – such as education, training and employment.

At the Hampshire Association of Local Councils’ annual conference the previous month, Councillor Humby spoke about the Hampshire 2050 Vision emphasising the crucial role parish and town councils would play in ensuring successful delivery.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

There were no deputations.

To consider an update report of the Director of Hampshire 2050 on the state of Hampshire’s economy and to highlight latest developments on sub-national economic policy making, recognising the importance of a strong and prosperous economy on wider long-term outcomes across the county.

Cabinet considered an update report of the Director of Hampshire 2050 on the state of Hampshire’s economy and highlighted latest developments on sub-national economic policy making, recognising the importance of a strong and prosperous economy on wider long-term outcomes across the county. During the discussion it was noted that Hampshire benefitted from positive statistics in terms of a healthy workforce, tracking above the national average.  The Growth and Prosperity Board would enable a more joined up approach and provide autonomy and control of investment across the Hampshire area.  Opportunities for alignment of skills in the area for businesses now and in future and matching to jobs in the area was important as part of the County Council’s new governance and accountabilities.  It was confirmed that the Growth and Prosperity Board would be aligned with the County Council’s democratic decision-making timelines to ensure timely consideration of Board recommendations.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider the annual report of the Director of Public Health regarding childhood weight and obesity.

Cabinet considered the annual report of the Director of Public Health regarding childhood weight and obesity.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Jackie Porter addressed Cabinet.  She welcomed the report and suggested including children and their parents in discussion on how to make changes to promote more active lifestyles and encourage more walking to school.

During the discussion it was noted that collaborative work with stakeholders including schools, planning and healthcare was good.  It was suggested that there was not sufficient understanding of the long terms effects of obesity and Cabinet heard that work was underway on improving communication to encourage behaviour change.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health proposing County Council support to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health proposing County Council support to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control.  Responding to questions, the Director explained that support to the County Council’s workforce would include smoking and vaping cessation advice and would also offer pharma support such as nicotine patches.

In discussing the report, Cabinet expressed concern at the rise of young people using e-cigarettes.  It was noted that e-cigarettes were a useful tool in helping to reduce or stop smoking cigarettes, but that it was otherwise inadvisable to use them.  It was also noted that advice had been provided to schools.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.