AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, held at The Castle, Winchester, on Monday 22 July 2002.

PRESENT:

Councillors: T.K. Thornber, CBE (In the Chair); D.G. Allen; K.B. Estlin;

Mrs S.M. Glasspool; Felicity Hindson, MBE; D.A. Kirk; J. Waddington;

M.J. Woodhall.

Also present were:

Councillors: Mrs E.M Byrom; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash; J.K. Glen.

108. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2002 were confirmed as a correct record.

109. CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no issues arising under this item.

110. DRAFT LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 3 in the Minute Book) on the Government's draft bill to give effect to all the proposals (mainly financial) in the Local Government White Paper that required legislation. The County Treasurer amplified his report and answered detailed Member questions.

The Cabinet viewed with continuing grave concern the increased prescription by the Government leading to yet further erosion of the County Council's powers and scope for flexibility, evident both in the contents of this report and elsewhere on the agenda. There was a strongly held view amongst Members that Central Government should concentrate its attention on the few, poorly performing, authorities rather than spending undue time on excessive monitoring and regulation of those Councils (the large majority) which had consistently performed efficiently and effectively. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations subject to the inclusion of these general comments in the formal response and a copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.

111. REVIEW OF REVENUE GRANT DISTRIBUTION

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on progress on the review of the revenue grant distribution. Concern was expressed about the potential redistribution of Government grant away from the southeast to the rest of the country and the consequential effrct on council tax rises. It was agreed that a detailed response would be considered in September and consideration given to how best to communicate and comment on the implications of the proposed changes. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.

112. SPENDING REVIEW 2002 ANNOUNCEMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent announcement of the 2002 spending review of public spending plans for the period 2003/04- 2005/06. The County Treasurer amplified and supplemented the report by reference to a summary sheet of the key features (in the Minute Book). The Cabinet adopted the recommendation and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 3 to these Minutes.

113. FINAL ACCOUNTS 2001/02

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) which reviewed the 2001/02 final accounts and made proposals about underspendings and overspendings. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 4 to these Minutes.

114. 2001/02 CAPITAL SPENDING AND FINANCING

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) which set out the extent to which the 2001/02 Capital Programme had been started and the carry forward and financing implications. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 5 to these Minutes.

115. CAPITAL STRATEGY AND ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 8 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the draft Capital Strategy and Corporate Asset Management Plan for submission to Council. During the course of the ensuing discussion the Cabinet expressed particular concern at the Government's declared intention of increasing from the current 5% the portion of the single capital pot for allocation as discretionary borrowing approvals. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 6 to these Minutes.

116. A SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK-LOCAL AUTHORITY CONSULTATION

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on the proposed formal response to the consultation from the Countryside Agency on its proposals for a national park in the South Downs. Councillor Mrs E M Byrom, County Councillor for the Catherington Division, attended the meeting and gave a presentation to Cabinet seeking support for the inclusion of Rowlands Castle in the National Park. The Leader also reported a request from Councillor J.K. West, County Councillor for the Petersfield Division, requesting the Cabinet, in its formal response to the Countryside Agency to seek the inclusion of the whole of the parish of Greatham in the National Park.

The County Planning Officer also reported in detail on the deliberations of the Environment Policy Review Committee in the matter. The Policy Review Committee had recommended a number of additions to strengthen/amplify the recommendations of the County Planning Officer relating to the administrative arrangements of the proposed National park and these were adopted by the Cabinet in the course of the ensuing discussion. In addition the Policy Review Committee had recommended that the whole of the parishes of Greatham and Rowlands Castle should be included. The County Planning Officer had reviewed the position and was now able to recommend the southern part of the village of Greatham for inclusion. However his original recommendation not to seek the inclusion of Rowlands Castle remained unchanged. After due consideration the Cabinet shared the County Planning Officer's views having regard to the criteria for inclusion. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 7 to these Minutes.

117. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That by virtue of paragraph 9 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.

118. NURSING CARE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Pursuant to Minute 107 of 24 June 2002, the Cabinet considered the confidential report of the Director of Social Services and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services, and supported in principle proposals for meeting the demand for additional registered nursing home capacity in the County. (Summary of a Minute which contains confidential information).

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