AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Monday 27 June 2005.

PRESENT:

Councillors: T.K. Thornber, CBE (in the Chair); Mrs P.G. Banks; C.R.H. Davidovitz; J.K. Glen; Felicity Hindson; D.A. Kirk; T.G. Knight; R. Perry; Mrs M.D. Snaith; M.J. Woodhall.

Also in attendance: Councillors: Mrs E.M. Byrom; K.G. Chapman; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash; R.J. Ellis; K. House; Mrs C.A. Leversha; Mrs P. Peskett.

10. 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.

11. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2005 were confirmed as a correct record.

12. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

13. SOCIAL SERVICES SUPPORT TO HAMBANTOTA, SRI LANKA

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Social Services (Item 5 in the minute book) detailing the benefits and the experience gained from the support given to Hambantota, Sri Lanka following the Asian tsunami that struck on 26 December 2004. The team of six social worker volunteers who had gone out to Sri Lanka attended the meeting to expand on the report and answer Members detailed questions. A short DVD, taken by one of the team members, was shown giving examples of specific areas of work carried out to support adults and children who had been affected by the devastating tsunami, showed the conditions that families who had lost their homes were living in, and highlighted the importance and effect of the work on those who received the support. The Cabinet expressed their gratitude to the team members, to all staff who had offered their help, and to those staff who had kept services running back in Hampshire whilst their colleagues had been sharing their expertise in Hambantota. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation set out in the report subject to some minor amendments. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.

14. CORPORATE PERFORMANCE REPORT - 2004/05 FULL YEAR RESULTS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6 in the minute book) setting out the 2004/05 full year performance results pursuant to the statutory requirement for the County Council to publish the results by 30 June each year. Members welcomed the report and noted, as an `excellent' rated authority, the challenging baseline that was the starting point for many of the targets. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to an amendment to recommendation (a). A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

15. BEST VALUE REVIEW PROGRAMME

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 7 in the minute book) setting out the County Council's proposed Best Value Review programme for 2005/06. In expanding on the report, the Chief Executive highlighted that it was a single, and totally integrated review programme. A large part of the programme would feed into the Comprehensive Performance Assessment process and would also link into the democratic review that was underway. Members agreed an amendment to page 12 of the review programme (set out as Appendix 2 to the report) in respect of the RETIS project in that the Executive Member for Education would also be involved. The Cabinet welcomed the report and adopted the recommendations. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

16. FINAL ACCOUNTS 2004/05

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 8 in the minute book) setting out the final accounts for the last financial year. The County Treasurer highlighted the key points of the report, which was largely good news. In respect of one-off use of balances (detailed in table 5 of the report) the following amendment was noted: Futures Group new initiative - £25,000; emergency transport for the Sea Britain celebrations £4,000. In respect of the South East Plan the Chief Executive reported that there had been an outstanding response to the first round of consultation, but drew to Members attention that the funding set aside for additional consultation was an initial estimate, with only a small contribution being anticipated from the Government. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

17. ANNUAL EFFICIENCY STATEMENT (AES); BACKWARD LOOK 2004/05

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 9 in the minute book) seeking ratification of the `backward look' annual efficiency statement submitted to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (set out as an appendix to the report) to meet the submission deadline of 15 June 2005. The Cabinet had considered the proposed statement at an informal meeting on 13 June 2005 and endorsed the submission. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation set out in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

18. USE OF ADDITIONAL INCOME FROM REDUCING THE COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNT OF SECOND HOMES - PROGRESS REPORT

Councillor Woodhall declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of a building in the New Forest for which New Forest District Council and New Forest Housing Association have expressed an interest in taking a lease for housing key-workers, should the property become available to rent.

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 10 in the minute book) updating Members on discussions with Hampshire district councils in regard to the use of additional income from the reduction of council tax discount on second homes. It was confirmed that since this matter was last considered by the Cabinet, discussions with the six district councils who have reduced the council tax discount for second homes in 2004/05, had been undertaken. To date, the Cabinet had agreed proposals in East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham and New Forest with discussions continuing with Test Valley; a firm proposal was awaited from Winchester City Council. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 6.

19. COUNCIL TAXPAYERS' ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE 2005/06 BUDGET

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 11 in the minute book) detailing the enquiries and complaints received about the County Council's council tax and budget for 2005/06. Members were pleased to note that the number of enquiries dealt with by the County Treasurers Department at 21 was significantly lower than the previous year's total of 64. The Cabinet adopted the recommendation set out in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 7.

20. HOME COMPUTER INITIATIVE

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 12 in the minute book) summarising progress on the home computer initiative, including the proposed financial arrangements for acquiring the equipment and software. The Cabinet welcomed the progress that had been made with the initiative. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is attached as Appendix 8.

21. COMMUNITY SAFETY SERVICES - PROGRESS REPORT AND OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 13 in the minute book) detailing the impact of the teams of Accredited Community Safety Officers (ASCOs) in the four pilot areas and operational issues arising from their first five months of operation. Members were strongly supportive of the results that had been achieved to date and the efforts of the thirty-six officers who had been trained and accredited. In respect of a request by the Hampshire Ambulance Service for ASCOs to be equipped to respond to instances of cardiac arrest, Members were of the view that it was not appropriate to undertake this service in the immediate future and to review the situation at a later date. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 9.

22. ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 14 in the minute book) detailing progress on the sustainability action plan for 2004/05 and the proposed action plan for 2005/06. During the course of a full discussion, Members noted the outcomes of activities against the action plan for 2004/05. In respect of the proposed action plan for 2005/06, Members were keen to see more emphasis on home-working, staggered working times and energy consumption. Whilst adopting recommendation (b) as set out in the report, the Cabinet requested that the sustainability action plan for 2005/06 be resubmitted in September/October 2005 to reflect the comments detailed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached as Appendix 10.

23. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN (LTP) 2006-11

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 15 in the minute book) seeking agreement to recommend the Local Transport Plan for the period 2006-11 to the County Council for approval on 21 July 2005. The LTP is a key document in the County Council's policy framework and due to its importance the Cabinet were of the view that more time was required to consider the report and the LTP document in more detail. A supplementary note was circulated detailing the comments of the Environment Policy Review Committee following their consideration of the report on 23 June 2005. In view of these factors, it was agreed that an additional meeting of the Cabinet would be convened to consider this report further on Monday 11 July 2005. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached as Appendix 11 to these minutes.

24. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That, by virtue of paragraphs 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following items.

25. SOUTH HAMPSHIRE RAPID TRANSIT (PHASE 1): DRAFT FUNDING PROPOSAL TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

The Cabinet considered the confidential report of the Director of Environment seeking approval of a revised draft funding proposal for submission to the Department of Transport. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the non-confidential decision sheet is attached as Appendix 12.

26. LANDFILL ALLOWANCE TRADING SCHEME

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and the County Treasurer (Item 18 in the minute book) setting out the background to the Landfill Trading Scheme (LATS) introduced by the Government in April 2005. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to an additional resolution. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 13.

27. REDEVELOPMENT OF ASHBURTON COURT, WINCHESTER

The Cabinet considered the confidential report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 19 in the minute book) detailing progress with the project to redevelop the County Council's Ashburton Court building, which forms part of the Castle Complex in Winchester. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the non-confidential decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 14.

Contact: Lynn Ludford, 01252-796270 E-mail [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report identifies the benefits for Hambantota, Sri Lanka following the

three week visit to Hambantota by six Social Workers from the Social Services Department of Hampshire County Council.

1.2 That the following decision was made:

That the Cabinet agrees to the recommendation of this report that Hampshire County Council sends further teams of Social Workers and others to aid in the recovery programme of the people of Hambantota.

2. Reasons

2.1 To continue and build on the work already started by the first team to go out to Sri Lanka.

2.2 To continue to offer not only strategic support to the Urban District Council of Hambantota but also to the development of national policies and strategies via working and sharing with UNICEF.

2.3 This will enable the District Council the ability to use the tools they have received from Hampshire County Council to enable them to become self sufficient at a local level.

3. Other options considered and rejected - Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the standards committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by : ............................... Date: .................................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jenny Heath, ext 7402

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(a) The Cabinet identified key issues requiring further consideration; Cabinet Members to work with their Chief Officer to discuss any areas of concern. A further report to be submitted in September 2005.

(b) That the revision of the Corporate Strategy in 2005/06 takes account of the performance results highlighted in these documents.

(c) That the corporate summary and the performance results are published on the Performance Plan website by 30 June 2005.

2. Reasons for the recommendations

2.1.1 The results and summary of performance are key elements of the Performance Plan which the Council has a statutory duty to publish by 30 June each year.

2.2 Development of performance management and reporting is part of the response to the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (Corporate Assessment) recommendations made in 2002. It therefore has direct relevance to the Corporate Strategy aim of `Improving Services' and the targets for `improving our performance', while also underpinning improvement in all areas of service which contribute to the Corporate Strategy.

3. Other options considered and rejected

None.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker, or member or officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason for matter being dealt with, if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: .................................... Date: ................................
Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jenny Heath, ext 7402

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(a) That Cabinet approve appendix two as the Council's (Best Value) review programme for 2005/06 and its publication in the statutory update of the Performance Plan on 30 June 2005

(b) That additional review activity will be considered in the light of the resources already engaged in delivering this programme and priorities amended as appropriate.

2 Reasons for the recommendations

2.1 The Council is under a statutory obligation to maintain a programme of Best Value reviews, covering all its functions.

2.2 The Council is also required to demonstrate it has an improvement plan, indicating how it is responding to lessons learnt through Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

2.3 The review programme ensures that existing services are fundamentally challenged, both in the way they are provided and whether they should be provided at all. This contributes directly to the corporate strategy aim of `Improving Services' both by identifying ways to improve services and by considering the most economic, effective and efficient ways of doing so.

3 Other options considered and rejected - None.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker, or member or officer consulted - None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6 Reason for matter being dealt with, if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: .................................. Date: ..............................
Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jon Pittam, ext 7400

1 Summary

1.1 There is a saving in service cash-limited budgets and other budgets totalling £5.1m against the 2004/05 revised budget, after transfer to earmarked reserves. Proposals are made to use £900,000 pending the outcome of the pay review and next year's grant settlement.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

i. that the variations in service cash-limited expenditure, as set out in Table 1 be approved

ii. that the accounts for 2004/05 be closed on the basis that:

· Education, Environment and Policy and Resources retain 50% of their underspendings in accordance with the County Council's financial management policy

· Social Services carry forward its overspending of £0.5m to 2005/06, to be met from the contingency set aside for that purpose in its 2005/06 budget, also in accordance with the County Council's financial management policy

iii. that adjustments and variations on other budgets as set out in Table 3 be approved

iv. that the potential use of £900,000 from the underspending towards one-off priorities, as set out in Table 5, be approved, subject to further reports on the business case and value for money of each priority to the relevant Executive Member before commitment

v. that £4.2m to be added to balances, pending the outcome of the pay review and next year's grant settlement

vi. that contributions to and from earmarked reserves be made as set out in Appendix 4 and the draft protocol set out in Annex 2 to the Appendix be approved

vii. that the report on the County Council's treasury management activities as set out in Appendix 5 be approved

viii. that the prudential indicators set out in Appendix 6 be approved for submission to the County Council

ix. that the final accounts of the Hampshire Pension Fund as set out in Appendix 7 be approved and submitted to the County Council

x. that the final accounts of the County Council for 2004/05 be approved and submitted to the County Council

xi. that progress in implementing financial management policies as set out in Appendix 8 be noted

xii. that capital payments for the year be financed as set out in Table 3 of Appendix 9

xiii. that the carry forward of capital schemes from 2004/05 to 2005/06 as set out in Annex 2 of Appendix 9 be noted

xiv. that services capital programme cash limits for 2005/06 be increased by the sums shown in:

a) column 6 of the table in Annex 1 to Appendix 9 (to reflect the carry forward of capital schemes and of the balance of cash limits from 2004/05)

b) column 3 of the table in Annex 4 to Appendix 9 (to reflect services' share of capital receipts)

2 Reason

2.1 To enable the Cabinet to review the 2004/05 final accounts prior to their submission to the County Council for approval, as required under current legislation. Consideration of this report supports Aim 5 of the corporate strategy.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not applicable

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted

4.1 Not applicable

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jon Pittam, (01962) 847400; [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The County Council is required to submit a statement reviewing efficiency improvements in 2004/05 to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by
15 June 2005. This was agreed informally and now requires formal ratification after its submission.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

· To ratify the formal submission

2 Reason

2.1 To meet a statutory requirement and to take credit for efficiency improvements in 2004/05 which will count within the overall target of 2.5% per annum efficiency improvements required for 2005/06 to 2007/08 .

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 There is a requirement to make the submission and improvements have been maximised where possible within the guidance and criteria set.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - none (unless declared)

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - none

5 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - none

Approved by: ........................ Date: .............................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Hampshire County Council

Cabinet Appendix 6

27 June 2005

Use of additional income from reducing the council tax discount on second homes - progress report

Report of the County Treasurer

Contact: Jon Pittam, Ext 7400; e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Cabinet agreed in September 2004 that the County Council should continue discussions individually with Hampshire district councils with a view to reaching agreement on the shared use of additional income from reducing the council tax discount on second homes in the relevant district council area.

1.2 This report provides an update on discussions with district council officers n Hampshire districts about the use of the additional income raised in 2004/05 in those areas. It is recommended that:

· approval is granted for the continuation of the East Hampshire Homebuy scheme as a taxable benefit

· approval is granted for the continuation of the New Forest Homebuy scheme as a taxable benefit and that Cabinet confirms its priorities for how the income raised in the New Forest should be split between Homebuy and other keyworker schemes as set out in paragraph 5.4.

· approval is granted for the development of a similar scheme in the Test Valley area

· consideration is given to the use of £200,000 in 2005/06 later in the year when progress on both the County Council's use of its own sites for affordable housing schemes and the Government's support to help more keyworkers, social tenants and first time buyers are clearer.

1 Reason

1.1 Decisions are required on the use of the additional income in 2004/05, and in the future on the use of £200,000 reserved in 2005/06.

1.2 Use of the income for affordable housing schemes meets Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving services), and in particular the fourth short-term Cabinet priority of improving affordable housing, and will also assist with Aim 6 (Developing councillors and staff) in the recruitment and retention of staff.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 To use the income for purposes other than Homebuy.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - Not applicable.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ............................... Date: ..............................

Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jon Pittam, Contact Ext (01962) 847400 Email: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Cabinet notes the attached report on the enquiries and complaints received about the County Council's council tax and budget for 2005/06.

2 Reason(s)

4.2 This decision supports aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy, improving services.

To provide feedback on the public's response to the County Council's 2005/06 budget and to the increase in the County Council's council tax of 3.5%.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not applicable.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1 Not applicable.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable.

Approved by: ............................ Date: ................................
Councillor T.K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jon Pittam, ext 7400, e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The Leader agreed in September 2004 that salary sacrifice schemes for childcare vouchers and home computers should be introduced for staff from April 2005 as part of the Pay and Benefits project.

1.2 The childcare scheme with Busy Bees is now in operation. This report
summarises progress on the home computer initiative, including the proposed
financial arrangements for acquiring the equipment and software.

1.3 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the purchase of the equipment and associated software for the home computer initiative be approved.

(ii) That the County Council's interest costs be recovered from employees participating in the home computer initiative scheme as a financing charge.

(iii) That the cost of purchase be charged to the revenue account, with deferred debtors raised to cover the cost outstanding at the end of each financial year, after deducting the contributions by employees, so that no costs fall to be met from the County Council's revenue budget.

2 Reason

2.1 The proposal to provide staff with home computers under the Government's salary sacrifice will be a worthwhile benefit for staff at no cost to the County Council. It will support the development of a more flexible, productive and computer literate workforce for the County Council, as well as fulfilling the Government's aim of increasing home access to computing and the internet.

2.2 This decision supports the Aim 6 of the Council's corporate strategy on developing councillors and staff.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not applicable

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1.1 Not applicable.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ................................... ... Date: .........................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Tony Langstone Ext: 6619 email: [email protected]

Approved by: ................................. Date: ....................................

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

CAB/06/5

Contact: Mike Bridgeman, ext 5832 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(i) That the action plan for 2005/06 be resubmitted in September/October for further consideration, addressing in more detail home-working, staggered working times and energy consumption.

(ii) That a target of 2.5% reduction in the key indicators be set for 2005/06.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports all Aims of the Corporate Strategy.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to do an annual sustainability report. This was rejected as the report is central to monitoring the County Council's sustainability performance and reviewing priorities as necessary. This has increased in significance since the County Council signed up to the Aalborg Commitments in June 2004 and as sustainability is more prominent in the 2005 Comprehensive Performance Assessment process.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

348/MB Decn

Contact: Iain Reeve, ext 5301 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That Cabinet consideration of this report to a meeting of public Cabinet to be convened on Monday 11 July 2005.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 1 to 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities; Stewardship of the Environment: Achieving Economic Prosperity; Building Strong and Safe Communities; and Improving Services) which are all covered by the Provisional Local Transport Plan.

2.2 On 23 June 2005 this report was considered by the Environment Policy Review Committee.

2.3 On 11 March 2005 Cabinet considered and approved the proposed Local Transport Plan policy framework. The response to consultation of the `Strategic Environmental Assessment for Local Transport Plan: Scoping Report' was predominantly favourable.

2.4 The Local Transport Plan is a corporate document and the Department of Transport requires evidence that it is endorsed by the authority as a whole and that it is consistent with and reflects the wider policies of the County Council. It is important that the full County Council considers this provisional Local Transport Plan and the final version following further consultation in the autumn.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Options were set out in the Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report for varying the proposed investment programme within Department for Transport guidelines but there was general support for the proposed approach.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ...................................... Date: .................................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Steve Nicholson, ext 6346 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That Cabinet supports the submission to the Department for Transport based on the framework in this report.

(ii) That the funding risk be reduced by inviting Best and Final Offers that enable commercial bids, which are likely to be off-balance sheet, to be considered alongside value for money alternatives that may not qualify for PFI Credit funding, which would be funded by the Department for Transport in a traditional way via grant or supported borrowing.

(iii) That, in the event that Ministers are only prepared to grant funding approval on a provisional basis, pending the confirmation of a compliant market response, to be prepared to proceed with inviting Best and Final Offers, subject to funding being confirmed later by the Department for Transport, but before the selection of a Preferred Bidder, and before committing any land acquisition or advanced works costs.

2. Reason

2.1 The proposals support many of the Corporate Aims and Objectives but would further in particular the Corporate Strategy Aim 3, achieving economic prosperity, and Aim 2, stewardship of the environment. The South Hampshire Rapid Transit 1 project, designed to provide a light rail service connecting Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth, remains the highest priority within the County Council's Local Transport Plan and has regional significance, being a key scheme in the regional transport strategy.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to pursue the project.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber

375/SN Decn

Contact: Paul Archer, ext 7022 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(a) That both the development of a trading strategy for landfill allowances and also delegated authority to enter into contracts on the basis of the strategy set out in this report, including the avoidance of competition with Portsmouth and Southampton City Council, be approved.

(b) That this efficiency improvement as the result of past investment be welcomed and included within future annual efficiency statements.

(c) That income initially received from landfill allowance trading be

ring-fenced in an earmarked reserve against the waste budget on a provisional basis, pending a further report later in the year on reducing cost pressures from the existing waste contract on future council tax rises, and to provide scope for further reinvestment in infrastructure subject to satisfactory business cases, to avoid future costs.

(d) That progress reports be submitted to the Cabinet on a regular basis.

2. Reason

2.1 These decisions support Aim 2 of the Corporate Strategy (Stewardship of the Environment). In addition, Aims 3 and 5 (Achieving Economic Prosperity and Improving Services) are also advanced as a result of trading landfill allowances to reduce future cost increases and to provide resources for reinvestment in infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the future.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking a conservative `wait and see' attitude to trading; monitoring other authorities' progress and making a decision at a later date.

3.2 Setting a high price for permits.

3.3 Not utilising the returns from trading to invest in additional infrastructure.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Andrew Smith Ext: 6977 email: [email protected]

Approved by: ................................... Date: ..................................
Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE

CAB270605

391/PA Decn