Archived decisions
` At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on Thursday, 30 September, 2004 at 10.00 a.m.
Chairman :
p Councillor J.V. Bryant
Vice-Chairman:
p Councillor J.K. West
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
R. J. Baulk
p I.F.E. Beagley
p Carol Boulton
p F.J. Bright
P.R. Brown
p Mrs. E.M. Byrom
p M.F. Cartwright
p K.G. Chapman
p P.J. Chegwyn
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 L.T. Dunsdon
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
Mrs. D.R. Harrison
S.A. Hayes
p P.A. Heath
p Mrs. K. Heron
Felicity Hindson, M.B.E.
p Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown
p K. House
P.R.C. Hutcheson
p Jo Kelly
p M.J. Kendal
p R.J. Kimber
D.A. Kirk
p 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
M.L. Sheehan
p Mrs M.D. Snaith
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 Mrs P.A. West
p W.H. Wheeler
p M.J. Woodhall
p Jenny Wride
p D.F. Wright
329 MINUTES.
The Minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 22 July 2004 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.
330 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.
331 DEPUTATIONS.
The Council received a deputation comprising Christine Melsom, Janet Kelly, Rosemary Conway and Michael Schofield of Isitfair concerning the council tax and the unfairness of its impact on the community at large. The deputation asked the Council to take Isitfair's views into account when setting next year's council tax.
In response, the Leader of the Council undertook to keep the County Council's council tax as low as possible. He added that county councils in South East England would support the thrust of Isitfair's campaign. Insufficient funding by the Government was the crux of the issue.
The Leader of the Council and the Chairman took the opportunity to correct figures quoted in The Times recently which had been provided by Isitfair concerning their allowances and Members' allowances generally.
332 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS.
The Chairman welcomed Honorary Aldermen.
Since the previous meeting of the Council he had met German visitors from Pulheim and had spoken to them about the County Council and its administration, together with some of the history of the Council's older accommodation in Winchester. He had also met with the Duchess of Gloucester when she visited two facilities for the elderly in Hawley run by the Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association, a charity devoted to helping older people live independent lives. The Chairman had also attended the opening ceremony performed by HRH The Princess Royal following the refurbishment of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's clubhouse located on the Beaulieu river. Liaison with the Royal Yachting Association had ensured that the new facilities were accessible to disabled sailors.
The Chairman had also hosted the staff long service awards reception in September and had attended many other significant local events. He asked the Council to note that this year's staff carol concert would be on Thursday, 16 December in the Great Hall.
In conclusion, it was with sadness that he reported the passing of former County Councillors Mrs Gwen Concannon from Buriton and at one time County Councillor for Battins and Bondfield County Electoral Division in Havant, and Peter Madson, formerly County Councillor for Eastleigh (Hound) County Electoral Division. The Leader of the Council, the Minority Group Leaders and other Members recalled the sterling work done by these two former members in their local communities and for the County Council. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to their memories.
333 LEADER'S REPORT.
The Leader congratulated Councillor Liz Barron on her appointment as Chairman of the Employers Side Joint Negotiating Committee for Fire Authorities.
Turning to previous representations made by the Council concerning a campaign medal for those who took part in the arctic convoys during World War II, the Leader reported that he and Councillors Collett and Wheeler had, after the previous meeting,
pressed the Prime Minister in the strongest possible terms for recognition of the brave endeavours of the nation's Arctic Campaign heroes. It was with much regret, therefore, that he read to the Council the Prime Minister's response which concluded that service in the arctic convoys was deemed to be covered by the Atlantic Star. Whilst the Prime Minister had indicated that these matters were always kept under review, the Leader considered that he and the two Minority Group Leaders should together consider further opportunities to persuade the Government that an Arctic Campaign medal should be introduced to mark service in the arctic convoys.
In conclusion, the Leader drew attention to the Government's announcement that morning concerning citizenship for Ghurkhas. Whilst the Government had made a number of concessions, the Leader proposed, and the Council agreed, that he and the Leaders of the two Minority Groups should pursue the matter further with the Home Secretary with a view to relaxing citizenship requirements yet further for Ghurkhas.
334 QUESTIONS PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 20(b)(i).
Councillor K.B. Estlin, Executive Member for Environment, answered a question from Councillor M.J. Roberts concerning air quality in Hampshire.
Councillor J. Waddington, Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, answered a question from Councillor Mrs P.A. West concerning the use of mobile telephones in libraries.
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council, answered a question from Councillor Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown concerning the Social Care budget and the significant improvements which had been made in all aspects of Social Services over the previous four years.
In the absence of the Executive Member for Social Care, Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council, answered a question from Councillor Mrs. P.G. Peskett concerning reporting by the Youth Offending Team to the Social Care Policy Review Committee and detailed information about young offenders, convictions and exclusions from school. In respect of the latter a written response would be given.
Councillor K.B. Estlin, Executive Member for Environment, answered a question from Councillor M.J. Roberts concerning climate change and global warming.
335 APPOINTMENTS.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Constitution, the Council considered and approved the following appointments. Councillor A.P. Collett, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, also took the opportunity to report his Group's appointment of Councillor A.G. Dowden as its Social Care spokesperson with immediate effect in succession to Councillor Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown.
ORDERED:
(i) That Councillor Mrs. E.M. Byrom be appointed personal assistant to Councillor D.A. Kirk, Executive Member for Community Development and Regeneration;
(ii) That Councillor Mrs. M.D. Snaith be appointed a Member of the Panel to interview candidates for the post of Director of Human Resources in place of Councillor M.J. Woodhall;
(iii) That Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE be appointed Chairman of the Governance Committee.
336 REPORT OF THE CABINET/LEADER - PART I
Part I of the report of the Cabinet/Leader was presented by Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council.
337 REVIEW OF THE CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND POLICY AND RESOURCES BUDGET MONITORING 2004/05
The Council considered and approved the report of the Cabinet/Leader. It was noted that, on page 272, bottom line, the word, "nursing" should be substituted for "nursery".
ORDERED:
(i) "That the scheme to replace the John Hunt of Everest Community School in Basingstoke be added to the Education Capital Programme for 2005/06 at a cost of £25.429m, to be funded from contributions from developers and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and from the sale of the existing school site, together with the use of unsupported borrowing in 2004/05 and 2005/06 totalling £4.3m.
(ii) That the scheme to provide infrastructure for the development of land at North Popley, Basingstoke be added to the Policy and Resources Capital Programme for 2005/06 at a cost of £13.5m, to be funded from the provision in the capital programme for 2005/06 of £10.2m for North Popley and Manydown, with the balance of £3.3m met from unsupported borrowing in 2005/06 and 2006/07.
(iii) That the provision of £5m for the County Council's share of the acquisition of land at Manydown be reinstated in the capital programme when it is next reviewed provided that development of the Manydown site has not been excluded from the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan, to be funded from the capital receipts from the development of North Popley.
(iv) That the provision of £2.8m currently in the Recreation and Heritage Capital Programme for the Winchester Cultural Centre be increased to £6.6m, funded from the sale proceeds for the library buildings in Alton and North Walls, Winchester and a contribution from Winchester City Council with any increase in costs above £6.6m to be met from Recreation and Heritage's existing resources.
(v) That the scheme for a replacement day centre for older people in the Hythe and Dibden area be added to the Social Services Capital Programme for 2005/06 at a cost of £0.75m, with the funding to be met from Social Services' capital resources currently unallocated (£0.375m) and corporate resources (£0.375m).
(vi) That the scheme to reorganise special education in east Hampshire be added to the Education Capital Programme for 2005/06 at a cost of £7.1m, to be funded from the allocation of £5m received from the Government's targeted capital fund, and from capital receipts, capital repairs and other existing resources totalling £1.725m, with the balance of £0.375m to be funded from corporate resources.
(vii) That the provision in the Environment Capital Programme for 2005/06 to 2007/08 be increased from £0.316m per annum to £1.0m per annum, to be funded from Environment's share of capital receipts, including the disposal of highways land at Town Centre West, Basingstoke and the Government's proposed Waste Management Performance Reward Grant.
(viii) That the Education Capital Programme limit be increased by a further £360,000 to reflect additional developer contributions.
(ix) That the revised prudential indicators set out in Appendix 1 be approved.
(x) That the basis of control for the following lump sums schemes in the capital programme be changed from a "starts" basis to an "expenditure" basis with effect from 2004/05:
Education
Schools access initiative
Furniture and equipment
Environment
Structural maintenance
- locally resourced
- Government supported
Low cost safety
Community safety initiative
Rural partnership schemes
Passenger transport information
Railway stations/interchanges
Air quality and noise monitoring
Local Transport Plan monitoring/initiatives
Recreation cycling
Coast Protection Act"
338 ANNUAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY.
The Council considered and approved the report of the Cabinet/Leader.
ORDERED:
That the draft Annual Investment Strategy for 2004/05 as set out in Appendix II to the report of the Cabinet/Leader be approved.
339 CHANGES TO THE SOUTH WEST TRAINS (SWT) TIMETABLE
Councillor M.J. Roberts, seconded by Councillor P. Luffman, proposed the following motion, notice of which had been given in accordance with Standing Order 17:
"Hampshire expresses its concern over the changes to the SWT train timetable being implemented from December 11 which will seriously inconvenience many of its communities.
As a recognition of its concern as to the effects on such communities as Hook, Winchfield, Liphook, Liss, Rowlands Castle and the whole of the Alton line, including Alton, Bentley and Aldershot, it will join with local MPs, councils, parish councils, rail users groups and commuters in opposing the nature and scope of what SWT are proposing and will register its concern directly with SWT in all ways to seek to get SWT to review urgently what it is bringing forward".
Councillor K.B. Estlin, seconded by Councillor T.G. Knight, proposed an amendment as follows:
"Hampshire County Council expresses some concern over the changes to the SWT timetable being implemented from December 11 which may inconvenience some of its communities.
It notes that many of those changes have come about as a result of the new trains that have been introduced which are a great improvement to the old slam-door trains.
The County Council is pleased that SWT has amended the revised timetable in response to some concerns the County Council has expressed and requests the Executive Member for Environment to continue to hold discussions to improve the service to Alton and other proposed service changes which are still causing some concern".
Following a wide ranging debate, and on being put to the vote, it was
ORDERED:
Hampshire County Council expresses some concern over the changes to the SWT timetable being implemented from December 11 which may inconvenience some of its communities.
It notes that many of those changes have come about as a result of the new trains that have been introduced which are a great improvement to the old slam-door trains.
The County Council is pleased that SWT has amended the revised timetable in response to some concerns the County Council has expressed and requests the Executive Member for Environment to continue to hold discussions to improve the service to Alton and other proposed service changes which are still causing some concern
340 HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY.
Councillor Mrs. M.D. Snaith, spokesperson for the Police Authority on this occasion, presented the report of the Authority. No questions pursuant to Standing Order 20(d) concerning the discharge of the Authority's functions had been received.
341 HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY.
The report of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority was presented by Councillor M.F. Cartwright, Chairman of the Fire Authority. On paragraph 186 Councillor Cartwright reported that the new Deputy Chief Fire Officer had undertaken a satisfactory medical and would start on 1 November 2004. No questions pursuant to Standing Order 20(e) concerning the discharge of the Authority's functions had been received.
342 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, unless otherwise recorded, adopted:
The Cabinet/Leader
Executive Member for Environment
Executive Member for Spatial Strategy
Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage
Executive Member for Social Care
In the absence of the Executive Member the report was represented by Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE, Leader of the Council
Health Review Committee
Standards Committee
Pension Fund Panel
Executive Member for Education
Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee
In relation to the subject areas for the initial reviews to be undertaken by the Committee, the Council asked that the wording in the report approved by the Committee be substituted for the words in paragraph 2 of the report as follows:
- "Services for children and young people provided by the County Council"
- "Crime and Disorder provision by the County Council "
Education Policy Review Committee
Environment Policy Review Committee
Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee
Social Care Policy Review Committee
The meeting closed at 3.30 p.m.
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