Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

All Members were present and no apologies were noted

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.

Councillor Heron declared a personal interest in the Waterside Transport Strategy Update (Minute 248 refers) by virtue of being a Cabinet member at New Forest District Council.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 9 February were reviewed and agreed.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

No deputations were received on this occasion.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Leader welcomed recent falls in the rate of Covid-19 infection and transmission in Hampshire and was hopeful that the summer would see relaxations in social distancing and the opportunity to re-open non essential retail and hospitality. He also updated Cabinet on ongoing discussions relating to proposed developments at Barton Stacey and Southampton airport.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive regarding the County Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Cabinet received a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the County Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.

The Chief Executive and the Director of Public Health highlighted a number of key developments set out in the report relating in particular to the Health Protection board, the use of testing in schools, the role out of the vaccination programme, the temporary mortuary and plans for the forthcoming County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

The hard work and commitment of County Council staff throughout the crisis was recognised and thanked.

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care regarding Health and Social Care System Resilience during COVID-19.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care regarding Health and Social Care System Resilience during COVID-19.

In introduction of the report it was highlighted that 8000 people had been supported out of acute care during the Covid-19 crisis and some of the changes to systems and discharge procedures that had been implemented to facilitate this were detailed. The benefits to both the NHS and to residents were highlighted and it was noted that uncertainty remained as to whether the national discharge funding that had enabled these changes would be extended or replaced.

The report was welcomed and the success of the project in reducing bed blocking recognised. Cabinet noted that the new model was closer to the original intention of how social care and health care should work together and hoped that it could be both continued and expanded.

The recommendations set out 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 2019-20,

“Tackling environmental factors is vital to address obesity in

Hampshire”.

Cabinet considered the annual report of the Director of Public Health 2019-20,

“Tackling environmental factors is vital to address obesity in Hampshire”.

The Director of Public Health introduced the report, highlighting the seriousness of obesity as a public health issue in Hampshire. His report set out how tackling this should move from an individual to a community approach.

Recognising that obesity could reduce life expectancy by 9 years, Members noted a number of initiatives to encourage healthier lifestyles, particularly in children, including the provision of green spaces for exercise and control over the location of takeaways.

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider a an annual Public Health strategy update from the Director of Public Health.

Cabinet considered a Public Health strategy update from the Director of Public Health

It was noted that due to delays caused by the Covid-19 crisis, the report covered a two year period. Key areas in each section of the strategy were highlighted to Members who commended the department for continuing to deliver against it, alongside taking a lead on the response to Covid-19. The benefits of digital technology and strong working relationships with partners and in support of young people were noted.

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding the Waterside transport strategy.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding the Waterside transport strategy.

With reference to the report, the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment gave an update on the strategy for transport in the Waterside area. Progress on the Freeport application and the importance of transport to its success was highlighted, as were a number of implications of development of the Waterside line. Proposals to support the Hythe and Gosport ferries were drawn to Cabinet’s attention and supported on the basis that support would be match-funded.

Members noted the significance of the Freeport and the importance of the County Council taking a leading role in it through a multi-modal transport strategy, to mirror the transport package that supported Farnborough International in the north of the County. It was recognised that this also positioned the County Council to take a lead on post-Covid economic recovery.

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. Councillor Heron abstained from voting due to his Personal Interest in the item (Minute 240 refers). A decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding the Salix grant for double glazing replacement.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding the Salix grant for double glazing replacement.

The need for top-up funding to allow the project to be completed was explained. Members recognised the County Council’s success in grant applications were pleased to note that the top-up would allow all schools to be updated.  

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.