Contact: Peter Robertson - Ext. 7300

1. Decision

1.1. That the County Council commissions surveys to gauge the attitude of the Hampshire community on regional issues with a report back at the earliest possible date, and in doing so the County Council confirms that it is in the optimum position, close enough to its electorate to be meaningful, yet large enough to act strategically and suggests that Central Government should direct its attention to devolving powers from Westminster, not drawing up powers from Local Government to some form of regional assembly.

1.2. That the scope for the Council becoming a European Region be investigated with research to include an examination of various existing models in Europe, including the accession states.

2. Reason

2.1. To develop an approach to Regionalism and ensure the arguments are well articulated and heard, particularly those relating to cost and efficiency.

3. Other Options considered and rejected

3.1. Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1. Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1. Not applicable.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1. Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

5bR310402