Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Prad Bains, Juliet Henderson, Wayne Irish, Mel Kendal, Rupert Kyrle, Lesley Meenaghan and Elaine Still, and from Honorary Aldermen Chris Carter, Jane Frankum, Andrew Gibson and Roy Perry.

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 Non-Pecuniary 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 meeting held on 9 November 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 9 November 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There are no deputations on this occasion.

There were no deputations on this occasion.

To receive such announcements as the Chairman may wish to make to the Council.

The Chairman opened her announcements by referring to a recent decision by the Conduct Advisory Panel in response to a County Council Resolution:

At the County Council’s AGM last year, the County Council received an exceptional All-Party Notice of Motion proposing a number of anti-racism actions which were unanimously agreed by the County Council.  One of these actions was to request the Conduct Advisory Panel to consider amending the County Council’s Arrangements for dealing with complaints against Members to include reference to the Council’s ability to invite a Member to resign as part of an action of censure determined by the Council in accordance with those arrangements when a Member is found to have expressed racist and or unlawfully discriminatory beliefs publicly. 

The Conduct Advisory Panel met on 30 January to consider the County Council’s request and the proposal that a Member may be invited to resign in the circumstances specified in the resolution.  The Panel considered the lawful powers of the County Council in relation to the sanctions that it might impose where a Member has been found to have breached the Code of Conduct and took into account the desirability of avoiding confusion regarding these.  The Conduct Advisory Panel also considered the role of the Hearing Panel in determining whether a Member has breached the Code of Conduct.  The Conduct Advisory Panel approved revised wording for the arrangements to give the Hearing Panel, in the circumstances specified in the County Council’s resolution, an opportunity to express a formal view that the Member concerned ought to consider resigning from office.  In this way, the seriousness of the misconduct would be underscored for the benefit of Members of the County Council when deciding whether to resolve to censure the Member concerned as well as for the benefit of Hampshire’s residents but the risk of confusion arising concerning the lawful powers of the County Council would be lower.

The Chairman was pleased to report on the first Hampshire Business Awards held on 30 November 2023, celebrating the significant achievements and successes of businesses across Hampshire and the positive impact on the communities within which they operate.  The Awards attracted 262 nominations which demonstrated the strength, variety, and pride in Hampshire businesses, and their importance in driving the future economic success of Hampshire.

The Chairman also reported on several civic events attended:

·           Act of Remembrance (11 November 2023)

·           Apprenticeship Awards (22 November 2023)

·           Visit to Staunton Farm & Country Park (29 November 2023)

·           Staff Carol Concert (7 December 2023)

·           Unveiling of Licoricia statue information board (14 December 2023)

·           A Service of Welcome to the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen as the 98th Bishop of Winchester (13 January 2024)

·           Launch of Winchester Studies: Prehistoric, Roman and Post Roman Winchester
(7 February 2024)

·           HRH Princess Royal visiting Ordnance Survey (15 February)

It was with much sadness that the Chairman reported on the passing of former County Councillor and Honorary Alderman Marilyn Tucker.  Marilyn represented the Tadley and Baughurst electoral division between 2005 and 2013.  As an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 201.

To receive such reports as the Leader of the Council may wish to bring before the Council.

The Leader opened his report by wishing His Majesty the King a swift and full recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis.

Turning to matters of business, the Leader reminded everyone that the County Council’s Future Services Consultation is open for responses until 31 March.  The consultation seeks Hampshire residents’ views on proposals that could help lower costs in 13 service areas in future, and what it might mean if the County Council were to deliver these services differently after April 2025.  All residents are encouraged to take part, especially those living in the district council areas of Basingstoke & Deane, Gosport, Havant and Rushmoor, where the County Council is keen to hear from more people.

To mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the County Council will fly the Ukrainian flag outside the Great Hall on Saturday, as a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The Leader was pleased to report the success in Hampshire of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with more than 1,784 Ukrainian families, made up of nearly 3,500 individuals, having re-settled in the county in the last 24 months.  Working closely with district and borough councils and community partners, a wide range of services and support is available to help Ukrainian guests rebuild their lives.  The Leader thanked County Council officers, especially officers in the Children’s Services Directorate, for their hard work together with a heartfelt thank you to the Hampshire residents who continue to host Ukrainian families, and volunteer for local charities and community groups supporting families in Hampshire and Ukraine.  In recognition of this support, Hampshire hosts receive a monthly thank you payment of £700 until the end of March this year - £200 a month higher than the current rate set by the government -.

The Leader also reminded anyone who is interested in hosting a family from Ukraine to register on the Government’s Homes for Ukraine website – more prospective hosts coming forward to offer their support is always welcomed.

The Leader was pleased to see the recent Home Office announcement that a Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme would be open from next year to enable families from Ukraine to apply for a further 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK when their current visa expires.  Under the new Extension Scheme, it will be crucial that local authorities continue to receive grant funding from central government to keep providing essential support to Ukrainian families and their hosts.  The Leader looked forward to working with other Council Leaders to have those discussions with Ministers in due course.

Hampshire County Council welcomes the Government’s announcement to protect the health of children and young people through a ban on disposable vapes and a restriction on vape flavours and marketing.  The resolution on Underage Vaping passed by Full Council last year highlighted the environmental harm caused by disposable vapes, as well as their potential to harm children and young people through nicotine addiction, negative effects on brain development, and other unknown long-term effects  ...  view the full minutes text for item 202.

To deal with questions pursuant to Standing Order 16.1.1.  Where a member has submitted more than one question, their second and subsequent questions will not be answered until all members’ first questions have been dealt with.

Executive Members responded to questions submitted, as published, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.1, with the exception of questions 8 and 9 for which a written response would be provided in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.5.

To consider a report of Cabinet proposing updates to the Constitution, including an amendment to Standing Orders on accessibility for Members with disabilities.

The Council considered the report of Cabinet regarding a proposed change to Standing Orders to enable the Chairman to agree reasonable adjustments to Standing Orders to facilitate the participation of Members and others with disabilities (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) in County Council business, and to update the Protocol for Member Officer relations.

In presenting the report, the Leader confirmed that he would not be moving recommendation b) to allow officers to carry out further work on the Protocol for Member Officer Relations.  Accordingly, there was no debate on that part of the report.

During the debate Councillor Kim Taylor asked if a wider review of the Constitution’s Standing Orders could be considered regarding disability and access.  In response, the Leader confirmed he would discuss the request with officers however, the additional Standing Order proposed gave a Chairman absolute discretion to make adjustments in this regard.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council agrees:

a)        That the proposed changes to Standing Orders set out in Appendix 2 of the Cabinet Report are approved.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive to make any Member appointments or alterations as required to the membership of committees and standing panels of the County Council, to statutory joint committees, to other proportional bodies the County Council is represented on, or to any other bodies which are not subject to proportionality rules.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive as presented by the Leader of the Council.  For clarity, it was noted that in regard to recommendation j) the positions would be carried as vacancies.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approve the appointments set out in the report.

To consider the report of Cabinet recommending the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2024/25 and Capital Programme 2024/25 to 2026/27.

The Council considered the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2024/25 and the Capital Programme for the period 2024/25 to 2026/27.

In presenting the report the Leader opened by thanking the Hampshire MPs and many others from County Councils who had lobbied the Government in January for additional funding, which secured an additional £10m for Hampshire County Council. 

The Leader also extended thanks to the Chief Financial Officer and his team for the work they had done for what had been a very difficult task.

To illustrate the sheer enormity of the position the County Council faces, the Leader compared the budget position in 2011/12 to that of 2024/25 to highlight the stark comparisons:

·           the net budget along with the level of council tax has gone up by 50% in that time however,

·           the adult social care budget has doubled (£300m to over £600m)

·           school transport costs are two and a half times what they were 13 years ago, an (increase of over 260% over £65m for 24/25)

·           children’s social care is over three and a half times more – the County Council spent just over £70m on looking after vulnerable children in 2011/12 and next year it will be over a quarter of a billion pounds – an increase of over 360%

·           these three services alone accounted for 57% of the net budget in 2011/12 and now they represent 87%

·           in 2011/12 the County Council provided an allowance of £10m for adults’ social care growth on top of approximately £15m inflation given to services; in 2024/25 provision for £81m growth and £71m for service costs, which are subject to market forces, will be required, totalling £152m.

Regarding the County Council’s finances the Leader reflected on some key areas he is often questioned about, namely: making the council more efficient, lobbying for more funding and recent activity in this regard, selling assets to raise money, increasing income generation and use of reserves.  The questions and detailed responses are appended to these Minutes.

In looking to the budget and council tax for next year, the Leader recognised the pressure on stretched household budgets, however the Council had no choice but to increase council tax by the maximum amount permissible to avoid worsening the Council’s challenging financial position, as had been detailed.

In reflecting on cost and growth pressures and the problem this creates for the County Council, the Leader highlighted that it also translates into another vulnerable person requiring help, whether it be a child with special educational needs being transported to school, an older person requiring domiciliary care to help them live independently or a child being taken into care to protect them from harm.  The Leader was therefore proud that the County Council had prioritised its funding to services to protect the most vulnerable people in society.

The Leader commended the budget to Members and moved the recommendations.

The Chairman invited questions only at this point of the proceedings.

Regarding Revenue Budget recommendation A m) Councillor Kim Taylor asked for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 206.

To consider a report of the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee recommending Hampshire County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2024/25.

The Council considered a report of the Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee, as presented by Councillor Kirsty North in her capacity as Chairman of the EHCC Committee, seeking approval of the County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2023/24 as set out in the Report and Appendix A to the Annex.

There were no questions or debate.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approve the Pay Statement for 2024/25 as detailed in the report to the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee (Annex and Appendix A to the Report), and agrees that the EHCC Committee remains the appropriate Committee to agree Chief Officer remuneration for Chief Officers above Grade K, including individual salary offers in respect of any new Chief Officer appointments, any changes to Chief Officer salaries after appointment and any severance packages for Chief Officers leaving the County Council, in accordance with the Pay Statement.

To consider a report of Cabinet and its recommendations regarding the Local Transport Plan 4.

The Council considered the report of Cabinet seeking approval of the updated Local Transport Plan 4.

In presenting the report the Leader confirmed the Cabinet had recently considered the draft update to the Local Transport Plan, following initial engagement on the draft Plan in 2021, and a full public consultation in 2022.  During its deliberations on the draft Plan, the Cabinet requested an additional reference to legislative changes arising from the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, as set out in the report.

The Chairman invited questions.

In responding to questions on the level of operational training received to ensure maximum benefits were derived from the Plan; integration with the rail network, and reference to the parking policy and BTD1 and how that translates in practice in addressing parking issues, the Leader confirmed he would respond to Councillors Porter, Davies and Philpott under separate cover.

The Leader responded to a variety of other questions regarding the prospects of flexible change; progress with the delivery of the Waterside Railway project; achieving a shift away from car travel and easing pressure on the roads against the current financial position and ensuring adequate future funding; the placement of bus services to make them more accessible for elderly; how the County Council could improve the way it works with district and borough partners, and the County Council’s preparedness for a change of relationship with partners.  It was also hoped that engagement with Network Rail and others would be made a priority.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approves and adopts the updated Local Transport Plan 4.

To consider a Notice of Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1 regarding the Climate Change Agenda.

The Council considered the Notice of Motion on the Climate Change Agenda (as published) proposed by Councillor Alex Crawford and seconded by Councillor Jonathan Glen, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1.

Councillor Martin Tod, seconded by Councillor Adrian Collett moved the following Amendment in accordance with Standing Order 19.7:

In paragraph C, replace:

“Maintaining the County Council’s agreed commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050,”

With:

“Demonstrating a greater sense of urgency on this vital issue by bringing forward the target to be carbon neutral to 2040,”

In paragraph E, add after the words “annual climate change report”:

“enhancing the report to measure progress towards the net zero target as well as progress on individual projects”

So that the new paragraph E reads:

“Continuing to report annually through the annual climate change report, enhancing the report to measure progress towards the net zero target as well as progress on individual projects, utilising relevant indicators where appropriate and ensuring resources are directed and coordinated effectively.” 

Add a new paragraph J:

“Benchmarking the Council’s programme against other County Councils making faster progress in decarbonisation and identifying approaches that can be reapplied.”

The proposer of the Motion Councillor Crawford spoke to the Motion and highlighted the accelerating progress of climate change and the recent science as reported at COP26 Conference.  He commended the Motion to Members as the way forward to advance the climate change agenda as the opportunity to do so arises. 

The Deputy Leader of the Council reminded Members that the County Council had aligned itself with the Government’s national target for carbon neutrality by 2050 and commented that approximately 98% of emissions in Hampshire are outside the direct responsibility and control of the County Council.  Therefore, actions taken to reduce these emissions required support and intervention from national government.  The Deputy Leader confirmed that the County Council must use its resources to maximum effect and ensure clarity on the role and responsibilities it has across a complex stakeholder landscape.  As outlined in its Climate Change Strategy and annual report, the primary role of the County Council was one of leadership through advocacy, partnership working and establishing the necessary framework of strategies to support partners, residents, and businesses.  The Deputy Leader emphasised that when it has been possible to do so, the County Council had brought forward initiatives such as solar panels in many of its schools and a green library which is the process of being established.

During the course of the debate Members expressed a wide range of views on what was acknowledged as a very important topic. 

It was noted that currently there was not an indication by Government to bring forward the national target for carbon neutrality from 2050 to 2040 or associated funding.  It was recognised that although the Amendment was well intentioned, it was not supported by a full strategy with costings for Members to scrutinise for approval, and taking such a decision in the absence of fully worked up proposals would inevitably add  ...  view the full minutes text for item 209.

To deal with any questions which have been submitted pursuant to Standing Order 16.3 concerning the discharge of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority’s functions.

No questions had been received in accordance with Standing Order 16.3.

To receive a report of the Authority.

The Council received the report as presented by Councillor Rhydian Vaughan, in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority.

Councillors Louise Parker-Jones and Pal Hayre put on record their thanks for the excellent work of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.