AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Monday, 26 July 2004.

PRESENT:

Councillors: T.K. Thornber, CBE (in the Chair); D.G. Allen; C.R.H. Davidovitz;

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: R.J. Baulk; K.G. Chapman; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash;

T.G. Knight; Mrs. A.M. McNair-Scott.

369 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.

370 MINUTES

Consideration of the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2004 was deferred to the next meeting.

371 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

372 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE SETTLEMENTS 2003/04 AND 2004/05 - GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON AMENDMENTS

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on a proposed response to the Government's consultation on the Amending Reports for 2003/04 and 2004/05. The County Treasurer reported that since the paper had been circulated, the Minister for Local Government had announced that the use of 2001 Census data in the Revenue Support Grant would be postponed until the formula freeze was lifted which would be in 2006/07 at the earliest. This would result in the distribution of grant in 2005/06 being based on data which in some cases was many years out of date, and this was a matter of great concern to the Cabinet. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and also resolved that representations should be made to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister calling upon the Minister for Local Government to reconsider his decision to base the 2005/06 grant settlement on the continued use of obsolete 1991 Census data. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.

373 CAPITAL AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 5 in the Minute Book) which sought approval to the updated Capital Strategy and recommending the County Council to approve the draft Annual Investment Strategy for 2004/05. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.

374 REVIEW OF THE CAPITAL PROGRAMME

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on proposals for revising the Capital Programme for 2004/05 to 2007/08 in the light of an increase of £3m in forecast capital receipts in 2005/06, and the outcome of a number of feasibility studies. The ensuing discussion covered in particular issues arising from the Government's decision not to assist in the funding of the South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT) scheme, and it was noted that a report on the funding position for both revenue and capital costs would be made to Cabinet after further analysis. Notwithstanding the Government's decision, the Cabinet reaffirmed its complete commitment to the scheme and would continue to press the Government vigorously in the matter. Members were heartened by the strong support from the South East England Regional Assembly for the project.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations contained in the report, and also passed an additional resolution to confirm its position on SHRT; a copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 3 to these Minutes.

375 SCHOOLS FUNDING 2005/06 AND DEDICATED SCHOOLS BUDGET

(With the concurrence of the Chairman under Section 100(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, this matter was included on the agenda to ensure that the Cabinet gave timely consideration to the Government's current plans for schools funding).

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on the Government's plans for schools funding, and the Dedicated Schools Budget. Members expressed their considerable concern at the further significant erosion of local education authority control as a result of the proposals as exemplified by the percentage of ring-fenced grant increasing from 11% to 53%, contrary to the Government's commitment to reduce this to 10% for 2005/06. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and noted that the County Treasurer would report back in September in more detail on the implications for the three-year budget forecasts and future budget strategy. The County Treasurer was also requested to make appropriate representations to Government over the County Council's concerns about the proposals. Subject to this addition, the recommendations were adopted and a copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 4 to these Minutes.

376 SPENDING REVIEW 2004

The Cabinet received a presentation by the County Treasurer on the Spending Review 2004 and received copies of a paper summarising some of the key features. It was noted that a more detailed report developing the various issues would be prepared following further analysis, and submitted to Cabinet in September 2004.

377 ANNUAL INTERNAL AUDIT OPINION 2003/04

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) and noted the Internal Audit Opinion Report and Assurance Statement for 2003/04. A copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 5 to these Minutes.

378 THE EQUALITY STANDARD FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Human Resources (Item 10 in the Minute Book) on the proposed plan for progressing through the levels of the Equality Standard for Local Government, and related matters. In addition to adopting the recommendations, the Cabinet asked that a letter be sent to all Councillors reminding them of their particular responsibility to support the Equality Plan and Race Scheme and in this connection urging them to make every effort to attend County Council seminars and other such events connected with equality and diversity. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 6 to these Minutes.

379 LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT SECOND GENERATION

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 11 in the Minute Book) seeking endorsement to a draft framework document as the basis for developing a local public service agreement for Hampshire. Members were also circulated with the updated Stage One Submission which developed the main priority areas outcomes set out in the original report. In adopting the recommendations, the Cabinet emphasised that the approval was to the framework document only and noted that a report back on the targets themselves would be made in October/November 2004. A copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 7 to these Minutes.

380 PROGRESS WITH THE HAMPSHIRE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME (RESPONSE TO COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT)

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 12 in the Minute Book) and noted progress with the Hampshire Improvement Programme. A copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 8 to these Minutes.

381 HAMPSHIRE'S INNOVATION FORUM PROJECT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 13 in the Minute Book) on a new project currently being developed jointly between the National Health Service and the County Council to promote the well-being of frail older people and reduce their need for emergency services. The Cabinet supported strongly the targeted approach contained in the proposals, and adopted the recommendation; a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 9 to these Minutes.

382 HAMPSHIRE STRATEGY FOR EDUCATION

Consideration of this item was deferred to a future meeting.

383 ACCREDITED COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICERS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 15 in the Minute Book) outlining progress on a number of issues relating to the development of the Accredited Community Safety Officers Scheme. In endorsing the broad thrust of the report, the Cabinet noted recent new Government initiatives in this area, including additional funding, and asked the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services to continue to liaise closely with the Chief Constable over issues relating to the implementation and subsequent operation of the scheme, and report back as appropriate. Subject to this addition, the recommendations were adopted and a copy of the substantive decision sheet is set out as Appendix 10 to these Minutes.

384 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.

385 REVIEW OF LEASED CAR SCHEME IN PAY AND BENEFITS REVIEW

The Cabinet considered the confidential report of the County Treasurer (Item 17 in the Minute Book) on the review of the leased car scheme in the Pay and Benefits Review. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations and a copy of the decision sheet is set out as Appendix 11 to these Minutes.

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