AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. held at The Castle, Winchester on Tuesday 1 June 2004.

PRESENT:

Councillors: T K Thornber (CBE) (in the Chair), D G Allen, K B Estlin, Mrs S M Glasspool DL, J K Glen, Felicity Hindson MBE, D A Kirk, J Waddington, M J Woodhall.

Also in attendance:- Councillors A P Collett, B D Dash, C R H Davidovitz, Mrs C A Leversha, Jenny Wride.

329 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

330 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2004 were confirmed as a correct record.

331 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

332 REVIEW OF THE CORPORATE STRATEGY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 4 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the publication of the revised Corporate Strategy in June 2004. During the course of the ensuing discussion, the officers noted detailed drafting amendments to the Aims of the Corporate Strategy, as submitted by Cabinet Members; subject to their incorporation, the revised Corporate Strategy was approved for submission to full Council in July 2004. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.

333 SOUTH EAST PLAN: CONSULTATION `A CLEAR VISION FOR THE SOUTH EAST'

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) which considered the issues and questions contained in the South East England Regional Assembly consultation document `A Clear Vision for the South East'.

Whilst the Cabinet concurred with the general direction of the report of the Director of Environment, Members felt strongly that several of the concerns expressed, required greater emphasis, and that the quality of life dimension should be at the forefront of all the core issues referred to. It was also considered that the vision of the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) as appended to the report should be more inclusive, and that there was an urgent need in conjunction with the PUSH authorities to involve New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and East Hampshire District Councils, and such a vision should show how future planning of housing, health and education infrastructure, public transport services and natural resources (in particular water) can be fully integrated; also within the process there should be a clear understanding of the complexity of commuting patterns. It was also of key importance to have quality of life issues as well as economic prosperity, as primary objectives.

An amended decision sheet reflecting the Cabinet's deliberations and decisions in these matters is attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.

334 CONSULTATION ON THE GREEN PAPER - SOUTH EAST REGIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY 2006-09

The Cabinet received the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on the consultation paper prepared by the Regional Housing Board entitled `Green Paper - South East Regional Housing Strategy 2006-2009'. The Cabinet endorsed the broad thrust of the report subject to the incorporation, and subsequent approval, of detailed comments. A copy of the amended decision sheet is set out as Appendix 3 to these Minutes.

335 THE AALBORG COMMITMENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) which proposed that the County Council should become a signatory to the Aalborg Commitments for Sustainable Development. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation contained in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 4 to these Minutes.

336 NEW ZEALAND STUDY TOUR

The Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Member for Social Care and the Director of Social Services (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the study tour of New Zealand undertaken earlier in the year and subsequent recommendations for improving children's services in Hampshire. The Executive Member for Social Care and the Assistant Director for Social Services expanded upon the report and answered a range of questions from members of the Cabinet. The Cabinet was unanimous in its view that the study tour had achieved its objectives in every respect, and had provided a sound foundation on which the County Council could build its fresh vision for determining Hampshire's approach to further improving children's services. A copy of the substantive decision sheet amended to reflect these views is set out as Appendix 5 to these Minutes.

337 MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Consideration of this item was deferred, and an amended decision sheet is attached as Appendix 6 to these Minutes.

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