Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Monday, 23 September 2002.
PRESENT:
Councillors: T.K. Thornber, CBE (In the Chair); D.G. Allen; Mrs. S.M. Glasspool, DL; P.A. Heath; Felicity Hindson, MBE; D.A. Kirk; J. Waddington; M.J. Woodhall.
Councillor J.K Glen was also present.
119 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations made under this item.
120 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2002 were confirmed as a correct record.
121 CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no issues arising under this item.
122 RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT'S CONSULTATION ON REVENUE GRANT DISTRIBUTION
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on the proposed formal response to the Government's consultation on revenue grant distribution. During the course of the detailed discussion which ensued, the Cabinet expressed the strongest possible opposition to the proposals which were regarded as wholly inequitable, with their potential impact on the level of Council tax and the loss of services to users. There was also concern at the perceived lack of clarity and transparency in the proposals. In addition the Cabinet drew attention to the significantly higher Government spending per head already in Scotland, North East England, and on average in the country, and to the need for the Government to review and extend Council tax bands with an in-depth examination of the differential between them.
The recommendations were adopted subject to the incorporation of appropriate additions to reflect the above, and detailed points made by Members during the course of discussion. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
123 BUDGET OUTLOOK
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the budget outlook for 2003/04. The County Treasurer also circulated a summary sheet of key issues as part of a detailed exposition of the situation.
The report was considered against the background of the Government's
proposed review of revenue grant distribution and the Cabinet reiterated its grave concerns at the potential impact on service users in the County, and on the level of Council tax. The Cabinet also envisaged highly deleterious implications for the County Council's performance indicators. The recommendations were adopted, subject to the incorporation of appropriate additions to reflect the above and a copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.
124 REVIEW OF THE CHARGING POLICY FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR ADULTS
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer and the Director of Social Services (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on the review of the charging policy for non-residential services for adults which would result in a further 4,300 service users not making a financial contribution and a full year loss of income of £2m. A total of 1040 service users would have an increased single hourly rate charge which would reduce the full year income loss to £1m.. Prior to discussion, the Chairman noted that a number of user representatives were attending the meeting as observers; he welcomed them and invited their comments. During the course of a full discussion, the Director of Social Services answered Member questions and clarified points of detail, and in doing so, confirmed that all aspects of the charging policy, if approved, would be applied sensitively, and with due regard to individual circumstances. User representatives' comments were in support of the proposals. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 3 to these Minutes.
125 REVIEW OF ENGLISH NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITIES : CONSULTATION RESPONSE
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on the proposed formal response to the consultation by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the Government's review of English National Park Authorities. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 4 to these Minutes.
126 RIVER HAMBLE HARBOUR DUES CHARGES 2003
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the River Hamble budget for 2002/03 and the calculation of the proposed annual harbour dues charges for 2003. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 5 to these Minutes.
127 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.
128 NURSING CARE INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Pursuant to Minute 118 of 22 July 2002, the Cabinet noted the confidential report of the Director of Social Services, the County Treasurer, and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) on the current position with regard to proposals for meeting the demand for additional registered nursing home capacity in the County. [SUMMARY OF MINUTE WHICH CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION]
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