Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

All Cabinet Members were in attendance.

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 Local Regeneration and Growth partnerships with District Local Authorities (Minute 52 refers) by virtue of his role as Leader of a District Council.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2022 were reviewed and agreed.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

A deputation was received from Mark Peters (Chairman of the Winklebury and Manydown Action Group) relating to the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health (Minute 54 refers). Mr Peters expressed his concern about the health care provision in Winklebury, in particular that the proposed new health centre would be of insufficient capacity and poorly located with limited accessibility and the potential to cause traffic congestion. Highlighting the recommendation of the Director of Public Health to work with partners, Mr Peters proposed that the former Fort Hill school site would a better location for a number of reasons and asked Cabinet to work with Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council to review the plans with this in mind.

The Leader thanked Mr Peters for his comments and confirmed they would be brought to the attention of relevant partners and that congestion concerns would be looked into.

It was noted that Councillors Porter and Mummalaneni would speak on various agenda items with the agreement of the Leader.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Leader highlighted the tragic and horrifying situation developing in the Ukraine. He praised the strength of the Ukrainian people and hoped that the conflict could end as soon as possible. He welcomed the support that was being given to the Ukraine and the ability to support refugees seeking safety. He confirmed that left over funding from the Members’ devolved grants budget had been topped up to £100,000 and designated to provide support in particular via housing and education for those affected.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive regarding the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and work on economic recovery.

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and work on economic recovery.

In introduction to the report, an overview of economic recovery and progress on the County Deal was given. It was noted that Covid rates were again increasing nationally and locally, although testing had reduced. Hospitalisations had not yet increased as a result of this increase. Cabinet heard that the vaccination programme had slowed, but a fourth dose was likely to be offered to some groups from April and eligibility to children under 12 would be extended. The use of office space and the relative impact on local economies caused by home working versus the environmental benefits were discussed. It was acknowledged that hybrid working had become normal practice and had many benefits in some circumstances, however face to face working was important to service delivery and overall there had been a definite increase in office use. Cabinet welcomed the focus on making best use of existing facilities and finding opportunities to improve engagement with the public.  

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 Economy, Transport and Environment regarding Local Regeneration and Growth Partnerships with District Local Authorities.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding Local Regeneration and Growth Partnerships with District Local Authorities.

The report was introduced and the multi-disciplinary approach building on existing relationships with District partners was set out, with consistent County Council representation across each partnership via the Executive Lead Member for ETE. The benefits of a consistent, but also flexible approach to facilitate partnership working were recognised and Cabinet welcomed the focus on supporting residents through a focus on post Covid economic recovery. The importance of being able to support delivery of the priorities for each District as well as the inclusion of Towns and Parishes was noted and the strength of two tier working was highlighted.

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 Economy, Transport and Environment providing an update on the Hampshire School Streets Pilot.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment providing an update on the Hampshire School Streets Pilot.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor Porter addressed Cabinet. She welcomed the progress of the pilot and asked whether it could be connected to walk to school week, air quality be monitored and a secondary school added for greater comparison. She also suggested that alternative models be considered to reduce the reliance on volunteers and that children’s views be given more prominence.

With reference to the report, Cabinet heard that the pilots had been successful, with high community support and a reduction in car traffic around schools. Noting that one school had dropped out due to a shortage of volunteers, the proposal to extend the pilot in the remaining schools was highlighted and it was confirmed that alternative models would be considered, but cost and practicality needed to be taken into account.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and recognising the difficulties of sustaining a volunteer network, supported continuation of the pilot. It was noted that outcomes could be compared with alternative 20mph trials in the future.

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.

Cabinet considered the annual report of the Director of Public Health.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor Mummalaneni addressed Cabinet. He welcomed the report and noted the importance of mental and physical health provision. With reference to the deputation received earlier in the meeting, Councillor Mummalaneni confirmed that his Division included Winklebury and Manydown and gave a brief overview of the development planned in the area. He noted that the area was deprived relative to other parts of the County and the importance of adequate healthcare provision. He suggested that the Fort Hill school site would allow sufficient space for a suitable health centre and asked that the County Council work with Basingstoke and Dean in line with the Director of Public Health recommendations to ensure that provision would meet need.

The report of the Director of Public Health relating to the impact of Covid on mental health was introduced and the recommendations in it highlighted to Cabinet. Members welcomed the report and the Director’s recommendations, acknowledging the importance of the issue and of mental health support provision.

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 Children’s Services regarding decision making arrangements for decisions relating to school organisation.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding

decision making arrangements for decisions relating to school organisation.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor Porter addressed Cabinet, highlighting that any decision to close a school should not be taken lightly and suggesting therefore that there was a benefit in retaining this as a Cabinet responsibility.

With reference to the report it was confirmed that there was no requirement for Cabinet to make these decisions and that the current process was inconsistent with similar processes that had similar effective outcomes, such as amalgamation. Alignment of the process to make all such decisions the responsibility of the Executive Lead Member for Children’s services would not reduce transparency, or the ability of the public to have their say.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision

record is attached to these minutes.