Agenda and minutes

Honorary Aldermen Keith Chapman MBE and Michael Woodhall were also in attendance.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Martin Boiles, Ann Briggs, Charles Choudhary, Geoff Hockley, Rupert Kyrle and Stephen Philpott, Martin Tod and from Honorary Aldermen Phrynette Dickens and Felicity Hindson.

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 2 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.

The Chairman reminded Members that general dispensations had been granted by the Conduct Advisory Panel in regard to provisions in Section 31(4)(a) and (b) of the Localism Act enabling all Members of the County Council with a beneficial interest in land within the administrative area of the County Council to participate in and vote on any business of the County Council relating to the setting of the Council Tax or Precept.  It was taken as read that all Members with such an interest had so declared.

Councillor Mel Kendal also declared a personal interest in Item 9 on the Agenda (Revenue Budget and Precept 2019/20 and Capital Programme 2019/20 to 2021/22) by virtue of being a representative on the Board of the Manydown Garden Communities LLP.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2018.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2018 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

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

The Chairman had circulated the list of engagements carried out by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman since the last Council meeting which reported on the wide range of duties undertaken to represent and promote the County Council and its strong community leadership role.

The Chairman had much pleasure in congratulating Councillors Peter Edgar and Rhydian Vaughan on their MBE’s announced in the New Year’s Honours List.  Councillor Edgar has also been given the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Gosport in recognition of his many years of service to the people and Borough of Gosport. 

The Chairman also invited Members to join her on Monday 11 March at 10am to watch the annual flag raising ceremony to celebrate Commonwealth Day and reminded Members about the Chairman’s Concert at Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 27 April at 7.30pm. 

In conclusion, the Chairman reported that in the unexpected absence of the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Charles Choudhary due to illness, Councillor Patricia Stallard would be providing support to her.

The Chairman’s full report is appended to these Minutes.

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

The Leader reported on the work of LGA Task and Finish Group on Fair Funding and Business Rate Review and of the South East England Councils, both of which are chaired by the Leader, and on,meetings with the Parliamentary Under Secretary of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rishi Sunak, the Minister for Housing, Kit Malthouse and the Minister for Education, Anne Milton.

The Hampshire Commission 2050 continues its work with the next meeting on 22 February focussing on rural Hampshire.  The Commission concludes its work in June this year.

The Leader had pleasure in reporting that the Lookout at Lepe Country Park has been shortlisted for a prestigious RICS Award.

In conclusion, the Leader notified the Council of his proposal to make former County Councillor, Robin McIntosh an Honorary Alderman at the Council’s AGM on 17 May.  The Council signified their support.

The Leader’s full report is appended to these Minutes.

To receive a deputation from Craig Etherton regarding the provision of school transport for Ancells Farm Estate in Fleet.

The Council received a deputation as detailed on the Summons.

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 in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.1 as published.

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 (Item 8 in the Minute Book), as presented by the Leader, proposing a number of appointments to the County Council’s committees and advisory panels.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approved the following:

a)        That Ruth Snook be appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Children and Young People Select Committee, replacing Jane Longman representing Special Schools.

b)        That Councillor Wayne Irish replace Councillor David Simpson on the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education.

To consider the recommendations of Cabinet for the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2019/20 and the Capital Programme for 2019/20 to 2021/22.

The Leader introduced the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2018/19 and the Capital Programme for the period 2019/20 to 2021/22 (Item 9 in the Minute Book), and moved the recommendations.  Councillor Mel Kendal, the Executive Member for Economic Development presented the report.

A correction was noted to Appendix 8: Treasury Management Strategy Statement, page 124 of the Agenda pack – in the table detailing a balance sheet summary and forecast, the figures for Street Lighting PFI and Waste Management Contract have been transposed, which does not change the calculations in the table nor does it impact on any other numbers in the report.

In commending the revenue budget proposals the Executive Member for Economic Development highlighted revenue items linked to the development of capital investment priorities totalling £2.9m together with approvals associated with the Manydown development site; the Reserves Strategy underpinning the provision of funding for the transformation of services; the setting aside of contingency sums for use on a one-off basis later in the year totalling £19m, and outlined the County Council’s approach to the mitigation of risk in regard to investments.

The Executive Member reported that social care services continue to be the highest risk area of the Council’s budget.  The Council’s Reserve Strategy therefore provides time for the transformation of these services to be successfully planned, developed and delivered.

In regard to the Capital Programme, the Executive Member drew Members’ attention to the recommendation for an increase to the Capital Programme of £32.869m for further infrastructure works and the by-pass at Botley.  £491.6m for the delivery of schemes over the three year period 2019/20 to 2021/22 follows a revised Programme of £328.4m for 2018/19 providing a boost to the local economy, which represents a significant investment in Hampshire’s infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Executive Member reported that the Revenue Budget and the Capital Programme together enables the continuing provision of essential services to residents, and a stable platform to consider forthcoming challenges to 2021.

The full opening debate speech of the Executive Member for Economic Development is appended to these Minutes.

Opposition Group Leaders responded to the proposals. During the course of a full debate, views in support of, or raising concern, about the proposals were expressed. No Amendments were moved therefore the recommendations were put to the vote in accordance with Standing Order 22.2, the outcome of which was recorded as follows:

FOR - 51

Councillors: John Bennison, Fred Birkett, Ray Bolton, Jackie Branson, Ziliah Brooks, Graham Burgess, Adam Carew, Fran Carpenter, Christopher Carter, Roz Chadd, Rod Cooper, Roland Dibbs, Peter Edgar, Keith Evans, Liz Fairhurst, Steve Forster, Andrew Gibson, Jonathan Glen, Judith Grajewski, Marge Harvey, Pal Hayre, Edward Heron, Gary Hughes, Rob Humby, Roger Hexstep, Andrew Joy, David Keast, Mark Kemp-Gee, Mel Kendal, Peter Latham, Keith Mans, Alexis McEvoy, Anna McNair Scott, Derek Mellor, Floss Mitchell, Rob Mocatta, Kirsty North, Russell Oppenheimer, Neville Penman, Roy Perry, Lance Quantrill, Stephen Reid, Patricia Stallard, Robert Taylor, Tom Thacker,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 129.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive recommending Hampshire County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2019/20, following consultation with the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee.

The Council considered a report from the Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee (Item 10 in the Minute Book), as presented by Councillor Stephen Reid in his capacity as Chairman of the EHCC Committee, which sought approval of the County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2019/20 as set out in the Annex and Appendix A to the report. Councillor Reid reported that the County Council is required to prepare and publish its Pay Statement on an annual basis and commended the draft Pay Statement to the Council.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approve the Pay Statement for 2019/20 as detailed at the Appendix to this Report, and agrees that EHCC Committee remains the appropriate Committee to agree Chief Officer renumeration 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 the Cabinet detailing the outcome of their deliberation of a Motion referred by the County Council on 29 November 2018.

The Council considered the report on Cabinet’s consideration of a Motion regarding Brexit referred by full Council (Item 11 in the Minute Book).

In presenting the report, the Leader confirmed that the Motion was considered carefully by the Cabinet as part of the on-going work to prepare for leaving the European Union on 29 March, focusing on both the short and longer term issues to ensure that good local government services continue to be delivered. The Cabinet report set out various meetings held with Hampshire’s Unitary Councils and the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to ensure that issues are dealt with as well as they can be so that Hampshire continues to have a thriving economy and be a good place to live, which is part of the work being done by the Hampshire Commission 2050. 

Debate focussed on potential traffic issues at the Port of Portsmouth and the implications for Hampshire police, the future for EU nationals living in the county and implications for local construction businesses, and the impact on highway schemes. 

In summing up, the Leader highlighted the importance of focusing on the role of the County Council which is to deliver good local services for the residents of Hampshire whatever the position is post 29 March.

The recommendation was put to the vote.  In accordance with Standing Order 22.3, 11 Members requested a recorded vote the outcome of which is as follows:

FOR - 45

Councillors: Ray Bolton, Jackie Branson, Ziliah Brooks, Graham Burgess, Adam Carew, Fran Carpenter, Chris Carter, Rod Cooper, Roland Dibbs, Peter Edgar, Keith Evans, Liz Fairhurst, Andrew Gibson, Jonathan Glen, Judith Grajewski, Pal Hayre, Edward Heron, Gary Hughes, Rob Humby, Roger Huxstep, Andrew Joy, David Keast, Mark Kemp-Gee, Mel Kendal, Peter Latham, Keith Mans, Alexi McEvoy, Anna McNair Scott, Derek Mellor, Floss Mitchell, Rob Mocatta, Kirsty North, Russell Oppenheimer, Neville Penman, Roy Perry, Lance Quantrill, Stephen Reid, Patricia Stallard, Robert Taylor, Michael Thierry, Rhydian Vaughan, Jan Warwick, Michael White, Bill Withers and Seán Woodward.

AGAINST - 18

Councillors: John Bennison, Peter Chegwyn, Daniel Clarke, Adrian Collett, Mark Cooper, Tonia Craig, Alan Dowden, Jane Frankum, David Harrison, Dominic Hiscock, Keith House, Wayne Irish, Gavin James, Jackie Porter, Roger Price, Mike Thornton, Malcolm Wade, Michael Westbrook.

ABSTAIN – 1

Councillor Elaine Still.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council notes the Report ‘Brexit: The Potential Impact on the County Council’s Resources and Services’ considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 10 December 2108  set out in Appendix B to this Report and supports the recommendations contained within that Report.

To consider the following Notice of Motion, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1.

Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Keith House, seconded by Councillor Adrian Collett:

Fair Funding for Hampshire People

1.      Council notes £476million of loss of grant and budget cuts from central government in the last ten years and that with an ageing population and budget pressures of £30m each year over and above maximum council tax increases allowed by Government, the Council has twice had reported to it that its finances are not sustainable in the medium-term.  Council further notes the backlog of road repairs estimated at £285million, in addition to the backlog on pavement and bridge repairs.

2.      Council agrees that central government has an obligation to provide fair funding for local government to include the full effects of an ageing population, the real cost pressures on adult social care, children’s services and the need for a 21^st century infrastructure.

3.      Council resolves to campaign for a restoration of fair funding now that the Prime Minister has determined that ‘austerity is over’ and to make good underfunding in recent years.

The following Motion was moved by Councillor Keith House and seconded by Councillor Adrian Collett:

“Fair Funding for Hampshire People

1.      Council notes £476million of loss of grant and budget cuts from central government in the last ten years and that with an ageing population and budget pressures of £30m each year over and above maximum council tax increases allowed by Government, the Council has twice had reported to it that its finances are not sustainable in the medium-term.  Council further notes the backlog of road repairs estimated at £285million, in addition to the backlog on pavement and bridge repairs.

2.     Council agrees that central government has an obligation to provide fair funding for local government to include the full effects of an ageing population, the real cost pressures on adult social care, children’s services and the need for a 21st century infrastructure.

3.      Council resolves to campaign for a restoration of fair funding now that the Prime Minister has determined that ‘austerity is over’ and to make good underfunding in recent years.”

The following Amendment was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 19.1 which was proposed by Councillor Keith Mans and seconded by Councillor Stephen Reid:

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1.          Council notes £476million of loss of grant and budget cuts from central government in the last ten years due to the coalition Government and present Government having to address the ongoing problems arising from the banking crash of 2008, during the period of theprevious Labour administration, and the need to bring the nation’s finances back in to order.  and that Council recognises with an ageing population at the same time as significant increases in the number of vulnerable children coming in to care and budget pressures of £30m each year over and above maximum council tax increases allowed by Government, the Council has twice had reported to it that its finances are not sustainable in the medium-term. Council further notes the backlog of road repairs estimated at £285million, in addition to the backlog on pavement and bridge repairs and will seek to address that problem whilst recognising care of children will always be a priority and continue to have first call on available resources.

2.          Council agrees that central local government including in the shire counties has an obligation to provide a need for a fair funding formula for local government to include the full effects of an ageing population, the real cost pressures on adult social care, children’s services and the need for a 21st century infrastructure.

3.          Council resolves to continue to support the national campaign for a restoration of “fair funding” for local government recognising that the Prime Minister has determined that ‘austerity is over’ as a result of sound management of the national economy and urges the Government to make good underfunding in recent years as far as is possible consistent with the continued sound management of the national economy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 132.

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

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

The Council received and noted the report of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority as presented by Councillor Chris Carter in his capacity as Chairman of the Fire Authority.

To consider a report of the Health and Wellbeing Board updating the Council on membership changes to the Board taken under delegated authority.

The Council received the report of the Health and Wellbeing Board for Hampshire reporting a number several changes to the membership of the Board taken under delegated authority by the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

To receive for information the reports of the following:

The Council received the reports of the following Executive Members:

*  Smoking Cessation Service

The Leader gave notice of his intention to stand down as Leader of the Council at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 17 May 2019.  The Leader reported that this would be at the halfway point of this Administration which would give his successor two clear years before the County Council’s Election in 2021.

The Leader paid tribute to everyone associated with the County Council, the officers, and the Members, and extended his thanks to his wife who has supported him throughout his 50 years in public service.