Archived decisions
At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on Thursday, 15 May, 2003 at 10.00 a.m.
Chairman :
p Councillor P.R.C. Hutcheson
Vice-Chairman:
p Councillor Mrs. M.D. Snaith
Councillors:
p Mrs S.E. Allbright
p D.G. Allen
p Mrs A.E. Bailey
p Mrs. E.S.M. Barron
p Mrs P.G. Banks
p R. J. Baulk
p I.F.E. Beagley
p Carol Boulton
p F.J. Bright
p P.R. Brown
p J.V. Bryant
p Mrs. E.M. Byrom
p M.F. Cartwright
p K.G. Chapman
p P.J. Chegwyn
p J.E. Coles
p A.P. Collett
p B.D. Dash
p C.R.H. Davidovitz
G.W. Davies-Dear
p Mrs. P.M. Devereux
p Mrs. P. Dickens
p A.G. Dowden
p Dr. R.J. Ellis
p Capt. K.B. Estlin
p W.J. Filer
p Mrs. J.K. Frankum
p E.F. Gale, M.B.E.
p M.S. Geddes
D. Gillett
p Mrs S.M. Glasspool, D.L.
p J.K. Glen
p B.T. Gurden
p Mrs. D.R. Harrison
p S.A. Hayes
p P.A. Heath
p Mrs. K. Heron
p Felicity Hindson, M.B.E.
p Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown
p K. House
p Jo Kelly
p M.J. Kendal
R.J. Kimber
p D.A. Kirk
T.G. Knight
p Mrs C.A. Leversha
p A.R. Ludlow
p P. Luffman
p P.K. Mason
p R.C. McIntosh
p Mrs. A.M. McNair Scott
p Mrs. P.G. Peskett
p P.A. Pierce
p R.H. Price
p Mrs. E.M.F. Randall
p A.W. Rice, T.D.
p M.J. Roberts
p Sir James Scott
p K.P.J. Searle
p J.D. Shaw
p M.L. Sheehan
p Mrs. V. Steel
p J.W. Stocks
p T.K. Thornber, C.B.E.
p J. Waddington
p Dr. J.G.L. Wall
p J.K. West
p Mrs P.A. West
p W.H. Wheeler
p M.J. Woodhall
p Jenny Wride
p D.F. Wright
169 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN.
The Chairman called for nominations. Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, seconded by Councillor M.J. Woodhall, proposed that Councillor Mrs. M.D. Snaith be elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.
ORDERED:
That Councillor Mrs. M.D. Snaith be elected Chairman of the Council to hold office until the annual meeting of the Council in 2004.
Councillor Mrs.M.D. Snaith thereupon made the declaration of acceptance of office and took the Chair.
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COUNCILLOR MRS M.D. SNAITH IN THE CHAIR
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170 MINUTES.
The Minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 3 April 2003 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.
171 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS.
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.
172 APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN.
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, seconded by Councillor M.J. Woodhall, proposed that Councillor J.V. Bryant be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.
Councillor A.P. Collett, seconded by Councillor B.D.Dash, proposed that Councillor Mrs. E.S.M. Barron be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.
Upon the propositions being put to the vote, Councillor J.V. Bryant was appointed.
ORDERED:
That Councillor J.V. Bryant be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council to hold office until the annual meeting of the Council in 2004.
Councillor J.V. Bryant thereupon made the declaration of acceptance of office.
173 DEPUTATION.
On behalf of the Governors of St. Bede Church of England Primary School, Winchester, Mr. P. Williams thanked the County Council for its support following flood damage to the school, and for providing the recently opened new school where
a positive learning environment had been created of which, he believed, the County
Council should be very proud. The Headteacher and four pupils were also present
representing the school.
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council, took the opportunity to
respond to Mr Williams' kind words, making particular reference to the hard work
done by the local County Councillor, Councillor Mrs. P.G. Peskett, with the
Executive Member for Education and the officers in bringing this exciting project to
fruition.
174 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS.
Being mindful that school examinations were imminent, the Chairman took the opportunity to extend her best wishes to all pupils involved.
175 LEADER'S REPORT.
At the April meeting of the Council, Members had been unanimous in their support in joining with the Leader to send a message to the appropriate authorities giving the County Council's support to the men and women of Britain's Armed Forces involved in the Iraqi conflict. The Leader reported that he had subsequently written to the Chief of Defence staff who had responded saying that the County Council's very welcome message had been forwarded to operational headquarters in the Middle East from where it had been distributed to all those involved. The Leader reiterated his gratitude to the Council for standing with him at these difficult times.
The Leader was delighted to report that the County Council's Architecture and Design Services had received an unprecedented number of Civic Trust awards for recently completed building projects. Hampshire had received 5 national awards, more than any other local authority. These included Whiteley Primary School, Fareham; Knightwood Primary School, Chandlers Ford; Great Binfields Primary School, Basingstoke; Brune Park Secondary School, Gosport and Southampton Magistrates Court. The Trust had highlighted Great Binfields School as "an example of quality, sustainable architecture at its best" and had been complimentary of the approach to education buildings in Hampshire and "its people based approach to design". The Leader congratulated all staff involved on this significant achievement for the County Council.
The Leader was also pleased to report that the visitor pavilion at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens had now been completed. This had been a very significant project for the County Council and the Leader hoped it would receive awards for its design in the future. The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs. Mary Fagan, would be formally opening the pavilion on 13 June 2003. The County Council was arranging a number of events to celebrate its opening and the Leader would be inviting all Members to a reception on 5 September 2003.
The Leader reported that he had also conveyed to Southampton Football Club his warmest congratulations on behalf of the County Council and its staff for their gaining a place in the final of the FA Cup soccer competition. It was to be hoped that the Club would be successful in bringing the trophy back to Southampton again. The Leader had also congratulated the Chairmen of Portsmouth Football Club and Aldershot Football Club on their promotions this season.
Finally, the Leader reported to the Council the Court of Appeal's decision on the County Council's proposal for the extension of the Park and Ride facility at Bar End, Winchester. The decision in favour of the County Council's actions meant that work would now begin as soon as possible to provide 420 extra car parking places as part of the County Council's continued efforts to reduce the number of vehicles in Winchester and pollution levels in the city.
176 QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 20(b)(i).
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council, answered a question from Councillor M.J. Roberts concerning the European Year for the Disabled 2003.
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council, answered a question from Councillor Jo Kelly concerning the County Council's financial audit procedures.
Councillor Felicity Hindson, MBE, Executive Member for Social Care, answered a question from Councillor Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown concerning electronic tagging to manage older people with dementia.
177 APPOINTMENTS.
The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 9 in the Minute Book) concerning various matters with regard to appointments which required the approval of the County Council.
ORDERED:
(i) That the proportionality table appended to the report of the Chief Executive be approved;
(ii) That the following Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen be appointed:
Committee Chairman Vice-Chairman
Policy and Resources PRC Cllr. S. A. Hayes Cllr. P. A. Pierce
Education PRC Cllr. M. J. Kendal Cllr. M. F. Cartwright
Environment PRC Cllr. P. R. C. Hutcheson Cllr. Mrs. P. M. Devereux
Recreation and
Heritage PRC Cllr. M. S. Geddes Cllr. J. V. Bryant
Social Care PRC Cllr. Mrs. P. G. Banks Cllr. Jenny Wride
Health Review Committee Cllr. R. J. Ellis Cllr Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott
Regulatory Committee Cllr. J. K. West Cllr. Mrs. P. M. Devereux
Standards Committee Cllr. P. A. Pierce Cllr. Mrs. S. M. Glasspool
Employment in Hampshire
County Council Committee Cllr. T. K. Thornber Cllr. Mrs. S. M. Glasspool
Pension Fund Panel Cllr. T. K. Thornber Cllr. J. Waddington
Buildings, Land and
Contracts Panel Cllr. T. K. Thornber Cllr. M. J. Woodhall
River Hamble Harbour
Management Committee Cllr. K. B. Estlin Cllr. J. V. Bryant
South East Hampshire
Transportation Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
South West Hampshire Area
Transportation Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
Andover and Western
Hampshire Transportation
Strategy Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
New Forest Transportation
Strategy Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
North East Hampshire
Transportation Strategy
Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
Basingstoke Environmental
Strategy for Transport Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
Central Hampshire Rural
Transportation Strategy
Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
Winchester Movement and
Access Plan Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
Light Rapid Transit
Development Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
South Hampshire Rapid
Transit Procurement Panel Cllr. K. B. Estlin
Youth Panel Cllr. Mrs. C. A.
Leversha Cllr. Mrs. P. A. West
Schools Monitoring Panel Cllr. R. J. Kimber Cllr. Mrs. P. M. Devereux
Special Educational
Needs Panel Cllr. Mrs. A. M.
McNair Scott
Lymington Coastal Area Cllr. A. W. Rice
Adv. Panel and Management
Committee
Martin Down Management Cllr. J. Waddington
Committee
Yateley Common
Management Committee Cllr. A. P. Collett
(rotates - County
Council w.e.f. first
meeting in 2003/04).
178 STANDARDS COMMITTEE - PART I - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
Part I of the report of the Standards Committee was presented dealing with minor changes to the Constitution which tidied up anomalies and also a proposal, for a trial period, whereby Members may question the Executive and more openly hold the Cabinet and its Members to account.
ORDERED.
(i) That, for the May and July meetings of the Council, on completion of Part II of the agenda, 30 minutes be set aside for questions of Cabinet Members as authorised in paragraph 3 of the report of the Standards Committee without notice on any decision taken by the Cabinet or an Executive Member acting individually since the preceding meeting of the Council; but that these arrangements shall not include questions on items already dealt with in Part II of the agenda and schemes estimated to cost over £0.5m;
(ii) That the Constitution be revised as follows:
Part 3 : C - Executive Procedures
Paragraph 3.4 - the words "three working" should be deleted and replaced by the words "five clear".
Paragraph 3.5 - the reference to "Policy Review Panels" should be deleted and replaced by a reference to "Policy Review Committees".
Part 3 : B - Access to Information Protocol
Paragraph 1.2 should be deleted and replaced by the following:
"The County Council makes copies of Executive Member Decision Papers and the Summons and Agenda for all meetings available to the public at least five clear days beforehand, i.e. excluding weekends and Bank Holidays."
Paragraph 2.2 - the reference to "three days" should be deleted and replaced by the words "five clear days".
Paragraph 2.4 - the reference to "six clear days" should be deleted and replaced by the words "five clear days".
Paragraph 2.7 - those words which followed the words "Exempt information" in the second sentence should be deleted.
179 BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN 2003/04.
The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 11 in the Minute Book) concerning the County Council's Performance Plan 2003/04. The Plan is part of the County Council's Policy Framework.
ORDERED:
That approval be given to the outline Performance Plan for 2003/04, subject to the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive agreeing the final text of the summary of performance against corporate aims and priorities and a statement on contracts.
180 HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY.
Councillor S.A. Hayes, the nominated spokesperson for the Police Authority presented the report of the Police Authority. No questions had been submitted pursuant to Standing Order 20(d) concerning the discharge of its functions.
181 HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY.
There was no report of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority on this occasion and no questions had been submitted pursuant to Standing Order 20(e) concerning the discharge of its functions.
182 MATTERS FOR INFORMATION OR WITHIN DELEGATED POWERS.
Part II of the reports of the following comprising matters for information or dealt with within delegated powers were presented, received and adopted:
The Cabinet/Leader
Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage
On paragraph 14 (Sir George Staunton Country Park), in response to discussion concerning local involvement, the Leader undertook to consider underwriting the cost of arrangements made by the Director of Recreation and Heritage for a visit to the Park by Leigh Park school children.
Executive Member for Social Care
Executive Member for Education
Executive Member for Environment
183 QUESTIONS TO THE CABINET.
Having agreed the recommendation of the Standards Committee that 30 minutes be set aside for questions of Cabinet Members at this and the July meeting of the Council, Cabinet Members answered questions on executive decisions they had made since the previous meeting of the Council. Questions were asked concerning:
Traffic Management in Hart District:
HMS Daedalus - a grant by the Leader;
Recruitment of Youth Workers;
The Youth Plan;
Social Services staffing;
Hythe Interchange - through ticketing;
Telecommunication Base Stations Audits;
Winchester as a preferred location for Policy Review Committees;
The development of Fort Gilkicker, Portsmouth;
The draft Regional Transport Strategy for South East England
The meeting closed at 4.05 p.m.
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