Archived decisions

Contact: Kevin Gardner, Head of Legal Practice, ext 7381

1. Summary

The following decisions are sought:-

1.1 In respect of Sir George Staunton Country Park

(i) that County Councillors, Mrs Byrom, Gale, Mrs Steel, Waddington and Wheeler be appointed to serve on the newly established Joint Management Committee,

(ii) that the County Council's revenue contribution be increased by £20,000 p.a. to make up the reduction in funding by Havant Borough Council,

(iii) that Havant Borough Council's representation on the Joint Management Committee be reduced from two to one, and

(iv) that Horndean Parish Council be invited to nominate a representative to join the Stakeholder Forum, subject to an annual contribution to revenue of £500.

1.2 In respect of the Red House Museum, Christchurch

(i) that the current Management Agreement be amended to provide that the area in which the Joint Management Committee exercises its collection functions specifically includes the electoral divisions of Ringwood, New Milton and Milford and Hordle.

(ii) that two County Councillors, Councillor Rice and Councillor Mrs Banks from these divisions be appointed to serve on the Joint Management Committee.

2. Reasons

To ensure that Joint Management Arrangements with District Councils are updated to comply with current legislation and that the County Council is properly represented on Joint Committees established under those arrangements.

3. Other options considered and rejected.

In both cases the proposals have been the subject of discussions with relevant partners and are agreed as the most appropriate considering current needs and circumstances.

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

None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee.

Not applicable

6. Reasons for matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by

Councillor J Waddington Date:

Contact Kevin Gardner, Head of Legal Practice ext 7381

1. Summary

1.1 This report addresses outstanding issues in two instances where the County Council has entered into Joint Arrangements with District Councils.

2. Sir George Staunton Country Park, Havant

2.1 On 22^nd October 2002, the Executive Member, Recreation & Heritage authorised the Chief Executive and Director of Recreation & Heritage to enter into discussions with partner authorities and stakeholders to agree revised Joint Arrangements for the management of Sir George Staunton Country Park. The basis of the arrangements was as set out in the report considered on that date. Authority was also given to agree minor amendments, arising from discussions, in consultation with the Executive Member, Recreation & Heritage.

2.2 Discussion on the proposed Joint Management arrangements has taken place. The two District Councils who would be partner authorities in the proposed arrangements are East Hampshire and Havant.

2.3 On 5^th February 2003, East Hampshire District Council's Cabinet resolved to support the proposed arrangements, and requested that a place on the Stakeholder Forum should be made available to Horndean Parish Council as well as Rowlands Castle Parish Council, taking into account the proximity of Horndean to the Country Park. It is proposed to agree to this on the basis that Horndean Parish Council, like Rowlands Castle Parish Council, make an annual revenue contribution in the sum of £500. It was also resolved to maintain East Hampshire's financial contribution of £5,000 per year but to index link it in future years, starting from 2003 - 2004. It was reported that East Hampshire was not able to make a capital contribution to the Park, but would be able to consider grant applications for a specific project. Officer time will continue to be made available to assist with certain projects.

2.4 Havant Borough Council's Executive considered the proposals on 29^th January 2003. It was resolved that consideration of the matter be deferred, and a Member level meeting be arranged with County Council Members, to discuss the level of financial commitment by contributing authorities, and Member representation on the new Joint Management Committee. The Executive Member, Recreation & Heritage wrote to the Leader of Havant Borough Council by letter dated 19^th February 2003, clarifying the position on a number of issues. A request was made that, should any outstanding issues remain, Havant's officers should discuss these with County Council officers without delay. The proposals were considered again by Havant's Executive on 14th April 2003. On this occasion, it was resolved to reduce Havant Borough Council's annual revenue contribution from £30,500 to £10,500. It is proposed that the reduction in funding is made up by the County Council and that Havant's representation on the Joint Management Committee be reduced from two to one.

2.5 Consultation with those bodies to be represented on the Stakeholder Forum has confirmed that there is no objection to the proposals.

2.6 The Executive Member, Recreation & Heritage is asked to appoint five County Councillors to serve on the new Joint Management Committee. These should be members of the County Council's Executive, or Members elected for divisions wholly or partly within the areas of Havant or East Hampshire, being the areas principally served by the Park. Proportionality does not apply.

3. Red House Museum, Christchurch

3.1 The existing Joint Management Arrangements for the Red House Museum, Christchurch are contained in a legal agreement dated 30^th November 1988 between the County Council, Christchurch Borough Council, and Dorset County Council. This Agreement provides for a Joint Committee comprising two representatives of each authority. Since the introduction of Executive Arrangements by the County Council, it has been necessary for the County Council's representatives to be members of its Executive. Flexibility to appoint local County Councillors who are not members of the Executive, which has been utilised in other cases, has not been available to date, due to the Museum being situated outside the administrative boundary of Hampshire. This has restricted the County Council's ability to be fully represented at all meetings of the Joint Committee.

3.2 When Joint Arrangements with District Councils were considered generally by the Executive Member, Recreation & Heritage, on 23^rd September 2002, it was noted that this issue remained outstanding, and that discussions would be taking place with the other parties to resolve the matter. Those discussions have now taken place, and a way forward has been identified.

3.3 It is proposed to amend the existing Joint Management Agreement to make it clear that the Committee's functions in respect of the collection of items for display at the Museum extend over the area described in the Museum's Collecting Policy 2002/2007. This is described in the Collecting Policy as the present Borough of Christchurch, but including areas formerly included in the large parish of Christchurch together with the adjacent smaller parishes within the county of Hampshire. This is further described as the Lower Valleys of the rivers Stour and Avon, and includes rural areas such as Sopley, Avon and Bransgore within the County of Hampshire. The amendment would make specific reference to the area served including areas within the County Council electoral divisions of New Milton, Milford and Hordle and Ringwood.

3.4 This amendment will then enable the County Council to consider appointing as its representatives County Councillors who have been elected for the divisions specifically referred to. This is in accordance with the flexibility provided for in the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000, Regulation 12 (3).

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers.

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this reports, 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.

TITLE: LOCATION:

Red House Museum Joint Management Chief Executive's Department, Agreement dated 30^th November 1988 The Castle, Winchester

Red House Museum Local Collecting Chief Executive's Department Policy 2002/2007 The Castle, Winchester