Agenda item

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

In presenting his report, the Leader reflected on finance matters and the possible effect on the County Council in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.  In regard to the latter, an assessment was being carried out and would be reported to Council when the national position crystallizes.

The Commission of Inquiry – Vision for Hampshire 2050 was up and running.  Two meetings had been held to date, the first of which received presentations from the Ordnance Survey and Office of National Statistics, and the second looked at the economy and the importance of place in shaping.

The County Council continues to maintain close links with Hampshire MPs, and continues to alert ministers and MPs to the financial pressures  on local authorities especially those with the statutory social care responsibilities.

The Leader confirmed that a decision had been taken by the Cabinet on 17 September regarding a new recruitment venture for temporary agency staff in partnership with Kent County Council to recruit good quality, skilled, temporary staff to supplement the Council’s permanent workforce to meet unprecedented demand for services, particularly in adult and children’s social care. 

The Leader had pleasure in reporting on a number of successes:

• recent GCSE and A Level results in Hampshire were once again above the national average 
• a reminder to Members about the concert in November in Romsey Abbey to be given by the County Youth Orchestra and a School Choir from Giessen in Germany
• the opening of the Lookout at Lepe Beach and the refurbished Chapel at the Royal Victoria Country Park at Hamble – a concert will be held on 10^th November as part of the County Council’s commemoration events to mark the centenary of the end of World War I.
• The head of the Hillier Gardens at Ampfield, Mr Wolfgang Bopp, had left the County Council in August to take up a role with the New Zealand National Botanical Service August

It was with sadness the Leader reported:

• attendance, on behalf of the County Council, at the funeral of Mr Stephen Lugg, Chief Executive of the Hampshire Association of Town and Parish Councils; and. 
• the funeral of Enda Ryan, Head of the Outdoor Service who, among his many outstanding contributions to the County Council, was a driving force behind the Poppy Pods at Tile Barn Brockenhurst, made available to military personnel and their families at weekends – a contribution by the County Council to the Military Covenant.

The Leader advised Members of his election as Chairman of South East Councils - a grouping of over 80 councils (districts, counties and unitaries) across the south east of England.  One of his key objectives is to foster closer working between this body, South East Strategic Leaders and South East 7. announced that the next full Council Meeting on 29 November will be the last day of Karen Murray’s service to the Council as our Director of Culture, Community and Business Services.  The Leader placed on record the Council’s appreciation of Karen’s 40 years unrivalled service to Hampshire.