AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Monday, 12 July 2004.

PRESENT:

Councillors: T.K. Thornber, CBE (in the Chair); C.R.H. Davidovitz; Mrs. S.M. Glasspool, DL; J.K. Glen; Felicity Hindson, MBE; D.A. Kirk; J. Waddington; M.J. Woodhall.

Also in attendance: Councillors: K.G. Chapman; A.P. Collett; Mrs C.A. Leversha; Mrs. P.A. West; W.H. Wheeler.

355 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.

356 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2004 were confirmed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:-

Minute 347 - Member Arrangements at the Local Government Association

Second sentence amended to read as follows:

"In noting the contents of the report, the Cabinet emphasised the importance of the different tiers of local government being properly represented as well as ensuring the right level of representation to enable enhanced and meaningful Member participation to take place, and asked that arrangements for deputies be clarified."

357 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

358 COASTAL DEFENCE PLANNING

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Director of Environment (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on the relationship between the Review of the Shoreline Management Plan and the County Council's landholding interests on the coast. In supporting the broad thrust of the report, the Cabinet emphasised the importance of developing a coherent approach to coastal defence planning with other South Coast councils, and the Director of Environment was requested to consult with them fully on the issue. Subject to this addition, the recommendations were adopted and the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.

359 THE QUALITY PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS SCHEME AND A REVISED PARISH CHARTER

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the Quality Parish and Town Councils Scheme and a proposed revised Parish Charter. During the course of the ensuing discussion, the Cabinet placed on record the high esteem in which it held the town and parish councils of Hampshire, and paid tribute to the selfless work of their members. Mrs. S. Hudson, the Director of the Hampshire Association of Parish and Town Councils attended for consideration of this item and at the invitation of the Chairman, and with the concurrence of the Cabinet, spoke on the issue, welcoming wholeheartedly the proposed revised Parish Charter and referring to the good progress already made in the other areas of work referred to in the report. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations detailed in the decision sheet which is set out as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.

360 MEMBERS ATTENDANCES AT CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS - JANUARY 2004 - JUNE 2004

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6 in the Minute Book) which provided details of Members' attendances at conferences and seminars for the period January 2004 to June 2004. The Cabinet made certain amendments and additions to the list, which is now set out in revised form in the decision sheet forming Appendix 3 to these Minutes.

361 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That, by virtue of paragraph 1 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.

362 PAY RECOMMENDATIONS ON DIFFICULTY TO RECRUIT POSTS

The Cabinet considered the confidential report of the Acting County Personnel and Training Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on proposed measures to help resolve certain recruitment issues within the County Council. The Cabinet supported the need to take action in respect of the posts referred to in the report, but considered that more flexibility should be built into the overall framework to meet differing circumstances. Copies of (a) the non-confidential decision sheet, and (b) the confidential version setting out the measures in detail, are set out as Appendices 4(a) and 4(b) respectively to these Minutes.

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