Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Ray Bolton, Peter Edgar, Keith Evans, Rupert Kyrle, Bill Withers* and Seán Woodward.

Apologies were also received from Honorary Aldermen Phrynette Dickens, Susan Glasspool and Marilyn Tucker.

* on County Council business elsewhere.

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 and also enable Members in receipt of an allowance under the Members’ Allowances Scheme, to vote on business relating to the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

Councillor Jackie Porter declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in regard to Item 13b) on the agenda.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 November 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 2 November 2017 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive deputations from:

(a)       Deborah Day regarding traffic on Allington Lane, Fair Oak

(b)       Steven Caulston regarding buses in Fleet

Deputations were received as detailed on the Summons.

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 pleasure in congratulating Honorary Alderman Michael Woodhall who had been awarded a British Empire Medal recognising his work to support various local groups and charities in the area of building preservation and heritage as well as his role in helping to establish Hampshire Farmers’ Markets.

It was with much sadness the Chairman reported the passing of five former County Councillors: Honorary Alderman Ken Thornber CBE, John Dawson, Rita Burgess, Peter Rodgers, Adrian Evans and Eunice Byrom. 

Honorary Alderman Ken Thornber CBE served on Hampshire County Council for 40 years, being first elected to represent the Electoral Division of Hythe from 1997 to 1980, Dibden and Hythe from 1981 to 1988 and Brockenhurst from 1989 to 2017.  He was Leader of the Council from 1999 to 2013, Chairman of the Council from 2013 to 2014 and conveyed the title of Honorary Alderman in November 2017.

John Dawson represented the Electoral Division of Totton North from 1993 to 2001.

Rita Burgess represented the Electoral Division of Basingstoke South West from 2009 to 2017.

Peter Rodgers represented the Electoral Division of Catherington from 1998 to 2001.

Adrian Evans represented the Lymington Division from 2005 to 2013.

Eunice Byrom represented the Catherington Division from 2001 to 2009.

The Chairman invited the Leader, Councillor Roy Perry to pay tribute followed by Councillors Stephen Reid, Peter Chegwyn, David Harrison, Marge Harvey, Jane Frankum, Chris Carter, Keith House, Keith Mans, Adam Carew and Malcolm Wade. 

The Council observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.

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

Further to the tributes paid to former Members of the Council, the Leader reminded Members of the Thanksgiving Service for Honorary Alderman Ken Thornber CBE on Friday 2 March 2018.

The Leader reported that the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon. Damien Hinds MP would be visiting the County Council soon.  The Leader had recently attended a meeting of the South East England Councils including a seminar on planning and housing growth and attended a wider London Summit opened by the Mayor of London to explore the implication of London’s growth and the impact on the South East.

The Leader also reported on a new partnership with the Isle of Wight Council covering Public Health, to take effect immediately for an initial period of six months, which is separate from the Isle of Wight’s existing partnership with the County Council for the provision of Children’s Services.  Public Health is currently working on an EU-funded project on schemes to improve men’s health and particularly their mental health.  Under this project the County Council had received £250,000 for the Men’s Shed initiative.

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 with the exception of question 6 for which a written answer would be provided.

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 following appointments be approved:

a)        That Councillor Lance Quantrill replace Councillor Floss Mitchell on the Audit Committee and that Councillor Zilliah Brooks be appointed as the Conservative Group Substitute Member.

b)        That Robert Sanders replace Jeff Williams as the Co-opted Member of the Children and Young People Select Committee representing the Church of England.

c)         That Gareth Davis replace Caroline Edmondson as the Co-opted Member of the Children and Young People Select Committee  representing Primary Schools.

d)        That Dan Busby replace Carol Ivermee as a Care Ambassador Co-opted Member of the Corporate Parenting Board.

e)        That Julia Abbott, David Heck, Martin James and Richard Kinch be appointed as the County Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel for a four-year term of office commencing on 1 March 2018, expiring on 28 February 2022.

To consider a report of the Leader and the recommendations of Cabinet for the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2018/19 and the Capital Programme for 2018/19 to 2020/21.

The Leader presented his Budget Speech regarding the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2018/19 (Item 9 in the Minute Book) and was assisted by Councillor Mel Kendal, the Executive Member for Economic Development in regard to the Capital Programme for the period 2018/19 to 2020/21.

In commending the revenue budget proposals the Leader highlighted continuing challenges, namely demographic pressures – growing demand for social care for the elderly, for vulnerable adults and for young children, inflation – a 2% salary increase was being budgeted for, and the reducing Revenue Support Grant from Government which would eventually reduce to zero.  Due to these challenges and to protect services in the face of on-going major financial pressure, a Council Tax Precept of 5.99% was proposed, which would remain one of the lowest in the country.  The County Council was required to set a balanced budget and this was achievable as a result of a clear strategy and careful financial management.

In regard to the Capital Programme, the Executive Member for Economic Development highlighted a number of key points: a further £26m for the provision of 90 more units for adults with disabilities in Basingstoke, New Milton, Aldershot, Eastleigh and Fareham; increasing the number of children’s social workers and addressing the increasing demands of Home to School Transport; investment in libraries, country parks and outdoor centres and the revised PFI financing for the street lighting contract resulting in £1m per year in savings which had reduced the need to find savings in Household Waste Recycling Centres.  The Executive Member drew Members attention to the urgent schemes listed in Appendix 2, which required the Council’s approval including the Redbridge flyover, the Winchester Leisure complex and the Basingstoke Canal.

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                48

Councillors: Bennison, Birkett, Boiles, Branson, Briggs, Brooks, Carew, Carpenter, Carter, Chadd, Choudhary, Rod Cooper, Dibbs, Fairhurst, Forster, Gibson, Glen, Grajewski, Harvey, Hayre, Heron, Hughes, Humby, Huxstep, Joy, Kemp-Gee, Kendal, Latham, Locke, Mans, McEvoy, McNair Scott, Mellor, Mitchell, Mocatta, Oppenheimer, Penman, Perry, Philpott, Quantrill, Reid, Stallard, Still, Taylor, Thacker, Rhydian, Warwick, White,

AGAINST       20

Councillors: Chegwyn, Clarke, Collett, Mark Cooper, Craig, Dowden, Frankum, Harrison, Hiscock, House, Irish, James, Porter, Price, Simpson, Tennent, Thornton, Tod, Wade, Westbrook,

ABSTAIN       1

Councillor Burgess

RESOLVED:

A. Revenue Budget and Precept 2018/19

That the County Council approves:

a)      The Treasurer’s report under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 (Appendix 7 to Annex A) and take this into account when determining the budget and precept for 2018/19.

b)      The Revised Budget for 2017/18 set out in Appendix 1 to Annex A.

c)      The Revenue Budget for 2018/19 as set out in Annex 1 to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To consider a report of the Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee recommending Hampshire County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2018/19.

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 2018/19 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 approves the Pay Statement for 2018/19 as detailed in the Annex and Appendix A to the report and agrees that 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 the Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee making recommendations in regard to the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2017/18 together with a Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 having taken regard of the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Council considered a report from the Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee (Item 11 in the Minute Book), as presented by Councillor Stephen Reid in his capacity as Chairman of the EHCC Committee.  Councillor Reid commended the work that had been done by the County Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) to prepare a new Members’ Allowances Scheme and confirmed that the recommendations of EHCC Committee were in line with the recommendations put to them by the IRP.

RESOLVED:

That, taking into account the recommendations of the IRP, the County Council approves:

a)            That there should be no change to the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2017/18.

b)            A Members’ Allowances Scheme for the years 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22, whereby Basic Allowances and Special Responsibility Allowances payable to Members are adjusted from 1 April 2018, and thereafter annually, in line with the pay award (if any) for Senior Managers at Grade H.

c)            A Special Responsibility Allowance in the sum of £675 per annum to Co-opted Scheme Member Representatives of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board from 1 April 2018.

d)            That from 1 April 2018 the Dependents’ Carers Allowance (including dependent care for children with special needs) be that payable at the County Council’s Care at Home rate, and may be amended from time to time as required.

e)            A revised Childcare Allowance from 1 April 2018 at the National Living Wage hourly amount for age 25 years and over.

f)             That from 1 April 2018 any other allowances payable, including allowances for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the County Council and other persons holding positions required by law under legislation not part of the Members’ Allowances Scheme, be henceforth adjusted by the same adjustment of allowances (if any) payable under the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

g)            That the time limit for claiming Members’ Expenses via ESS Lite should be three months, calculated from the beginning of the month in which the expenses are incurred.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive seeking approval of recommendations in respect of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and a new Data Protection Act that will take effect from 25 May 2018.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 12 in the Minute Book), as presented by the Leader, setting out the implications for the County Council of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and a new Data Protection Act that will take effect from 25 May 2018.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council:

a)            Noted the implications of the GDPR for the County Council and that in the interests of good governance, agreed that all Members should undertake the revised e-learning data protection module, prior to the introduction of the new Regulation on 25 May 2018.

b)            Agreed that completion of the data protection e-learning module is included as a requirement for new and returning Members as part of the Member Induction Programme, after any County Council elections.

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.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

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.

To receive a report from the Authority.

The Council received and noted the report of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (Item 14b) in the Minute Book) as presented by Councillor Chris Carter in his capacity as Chairman of the Fire Authority.

To receive a report from the Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board for Hampshire notifying the Council of appointments made to the Board 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:

a)    Commission of Inquiry

b)    Attainment of children and young people in Hampshire Schools

c)    Strategic Partnership for Hampshire County Council to deliver Children’s Services for the Isle of Wight Council

d)    Annual Report of the Director of Public Health

a)    Alcohol Nurse Service Grants

a)    Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme

b)    Country Park Transformation Programme

a)    Waste Strategy