To consider the following Notices of Motion, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1:
a) Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Roy Perry, seconded by Councillor Keith Mans:
This Council urges district local authority partners in the County of Hampshire, and the unitary authorities of Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, to re-engage and return to the original prospectus for a Combined Authority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that we all agreed to in September 2015 together with the two LEPs and two National Parks, and re-submit to the Government with additional focus on the challenges of the economy, housing and health.
b) Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Rob Humby, seconded by Councillor Roy Perry:
This Council welcomes proposals for the third runway at Heathrow, and encourages the Government to invest further in transport, infrastructure in the South East including Southern Rail access to Heathrow, to maximise the benefits of international gateways in the South East, which support wider economic prosperity in the UK.
Minutes:
Two Notices of Motion had been
received in accordance with Standing Order 18.1.
a)
Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Roy Perry, seconded by
Councillor Keith Mans:
“This Council urges district local authority partners in the
County of Hampshire, and the unitary authorities of Portsmouth,
Southampton and the Isle of Wight, to re-engage and return to the
original prospectus for a Combined Authority for Hampshire and the
Isle of Wight that we all agreed to in September 2015 together with
the two LEPs and two National Parks, and re-submit to the
Government with additional focus on the challenges of the economy,
housing and health.”
In moving the Motion, the Leader reported that it was timely for
the County Council to re-address the issue of Devolution in
Hampshire and summarised the background to date. For clarity, the Leader confirmed that this
proposal was for a Combined Authority for all of Hampshire, with
scope to enhance the original Combined Authority bid to address the
challenges of the local economy, housing and health. It was not a proposal for a Mayoral Combined
Authority or a Unitary Council.
During the course of debate, during which a number of views were expressed, the Chairman allowed a short break in the proceedings to facilitate the formulation of a possible amendment to the Motion.
In summing up, the Leader acknowledged and respected the attempt to find a compromise amendment, however this had not been possible. He re-iterated the importance of the County Council giving their agreement to entering into discussion with other partners, not in private, but in an open and democratic way to find a solution that does not lead to the division of the County of Hampshire and the Motion proposed provided a platform for that engagement. Therefore, in the absence of a formal amendment, the Leader commended the Motion to the Council.
The Motion was put to the vote. A majority of the Members present supported the Motion and it was therefore carried.
RESOLVED:
That this Council
urges district local authority partners in the County of Hampshire,
and the unitary authorities of Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle
of Wight, to re-engage and return to the original prospectus for a
Combined Authority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that we all
agreed to in September 2015 together with the two LEPs and two
National Parks, and re-submit to the Government with additional
focus on the challenges of the economy, housing and health.
b)
Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Rob Humby, seconded by Councillor Roy Perry:
“This Council welcomes proposals for the third runway at
Heathrow and encourages the Government to invest further in
transport infrastructure in the South East, including Southern Rail
access to Heathrow, to maximise the benefits of international
gateways in the South East which support wider economic prosperity
in the UK.”
In moving the Motion, the Executive Member for Environment and Transport highlighted that the expansion of Heathrow Airport would deliver up to £30 million of economic benefits in the South East creating up to 33,000 jobs, many of which would be in Hampshire. The proximity of this hub to the local business community was important and the expansion would act as a gateway to explore emerging markets such as Asia and South America. Heathrow Airport was also working with the Enterprise M3 LEP on their Strategic Economic Plan particularly in regard to skills and development. The Executive Member reported that one of the key reasons for the Motion was connectivity, and in particular rail connectivity. The expansion provides an opportunity to connect nearly five million additional passengers to Heathrow which would boost passenger transport options and ease congestion on motorways such as the M3. Inevitably, there would be sustainability concerns therefore any expansion would be in accordance with air quality legal requirements and Heathrow’s own sustainability goals.
During the course of debate and in response to a point of order, the Chairman confirmed that he had received the advice of the Monitoring Officer that a proposed Amendment negated the original Motion, and thus contravened Standing Order 19.7 of Part 3, Chapter 1 of the Constitution. The Chairman ruled that the Amendment was therefore not allowed.
In summing up, the Executive Member for Environment and Transport highlighted the importance of investing in the South East region that would reap benefits for Hampshire and commended the Motion to the Council.
The Motion was put to the vote. A majority of the Members present supported the Motion and it was therefore carried.
RESOLVED:
That this Council welcomes proposals for the third runway at Heathrow and encourages the Government to invest further in transport infrastructure in the South East, including Southern Rail access to Heathrow, to maximise the benefits of international gateways in the South East which support wider economic prosperity in the UK.