Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Monday, 29 October 2001.
PRESENT:
Councillors T.K. Thornber, CBE (In the Chair); D.G. Allen; Mrs. S.M. Glasspool, DL;
Felicity Hindson, MBE; D.A. Kirk; J. Waddington; J.K. West; M.J. Woodhall.
15 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2001 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
16 UPDATE ON BUDGET ISSUES
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 2 in the Minute Book) on various budget issues. During the course of the ensuing discussion, Members expressed particular concern at the perceived underfunding by the Government of Social Services and drew attention to problems also being experienced by other local authorities in this regard. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
17 HAMPSHIRE'S LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT
The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 3 in the Minute Book) on the current position with regard to Hampshire's Public Service Agreement. A detailed discussion ensued during which each target was examined in turn; the following points arose (inter alia):-
(i) Education Targets (General)
A number of these (in particular Target 1) were regarded as extremely stretching and made the assumption that if they were to be achieved, the appropriate levels of teacher supply would be available, and that the County Council was not subjected to any adverse changes under Standard Spending Assessment (SSA).
(ii) Social Services - Target 8
Members requested that under this heading, consideration should be given to children in care with learning disabilities.
(iii) Economic Development
Some concern was expressed at the absence of any targets relating specifically to economic development. However, it was noted that the position would be reviewed should any of the other targets be withdrawn during the negotiation process; failing that, the matter would be considered as part of the unsupported credit approvals for 2002/03.
The Cabinet endorsed the targets selected for the negotiation stage of Hampshire's Public Service Agreement, but decided not to accord high or low priority status to these targets at this juncture, preferring instead to keep the matter under close review as negotiations with the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions progressed. A copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.
18 BEST VALUE REVIEW OUTCOMES
The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on proposals to promote a performance-focused culture within the County Council, building upon existing good practice and developed to meet the requirements of Best Value. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 3 to these Minutes.
19 BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN 2002/03 - OUTLINE APPROACH
The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the proposed outline approach to the production of a Best Value Performance Plan 2002/03. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 4 to these Minutes.
20 "A VISION FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE"
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) prepared in the light of the new obligations placed upon County Councils by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Whilst the central role of the farming community in the ongoing discussions on the issue was recognised, Members stressed the importance of involving all persons living in the countryside and felt that this could be best achieved through the medium of parish councils via the Hampshire Association of Parish and Town Councils. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 5 to these Minutes.
21 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Surveyor and County Planning Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on the proposed Natural Resource Management Initiative and its implementation. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 6 to these Minutes.
22 DRAFT FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY AUDIT REPORT
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the Food Standards Agency Audit, and proposed action plan. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 7 to these Minutes.
23 BRIEF FOR A GOLDEN JUBILEE SCULPTURE IN WINCHESTER
The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive and the Director of Arts, Countryside and Community (Item 9 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the commissioning of a brief for a Golden Jubilee sculpture in Winchester. Whilst supporting wholeheartedly the principle of erecting a sculpture in Winchester to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Members were anxious to monitor closely the cost implications and noted that a further report in the matter would be brought back to Cabinet in due course. The Cabinet approved the proposals as set out in the report and a copy of the relevant decision sheet is set out as Appendix 8 to these Minutes.
24 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED:
That, by virtue of Paragraph 14 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following item.
25 TERRORIST THREAT - SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AND PRECAUTIONARY PROCEDURES
The Cabinet received a presentation by the County Emergency Planning Officer on security arrangements and recommended precautionary procedures in the light of the current terrorist threat.
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