Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE

At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on Thursday 21 July 2005 at 10.00 a.m.

Chairman:

p Councillor John K. West

Vice Chairman:

p Councillor Mrs. P. A. West

Councillors:

22. 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.

23. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 16 May 2005 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

24. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman reported a number of Royal visits to Hampshire which he and the Chairman's Lady had been privileged to attend. He had also sent letters of congratulation to all those in Hampshire who had received an award in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

At the request of the Lord Lieutenant, the Chairman referred to the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2006 and asked members to stimulate interest from voluntary groups in their areas. He also drew to members' attention events in the coming months for their diaries.

It was with great sadness that the Chairman had written to the Mayor of London expressing Hampshire's sympathies following the tragic events in London on 7 July 2005. He congratulated the emergency services for their invaluable work.

It was also with great sadness that the Chairman reported the death of Honorary Alderman George Raymond MBE. Honorary Alderman Raymond had been a County Councillor from 1989 to 2001. He had received the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1981 and in 1995 he had been made a freeman of the Borough of Eastleigh. The Leader of the Council, the Minority Group Leaders and other members paid tribute to the late Honorary Alderman Raymond and the Council stood in silence as a mark of respect to his memory.

25. LEADER'S REPORT

Pursuant to Part 3:B, paragraph 2.8 of the Constitution, the Leader reported that since the last meeting of the Council two urgent executive decisions had been made:

the letting of the contract for the door stepping phase of the Project Integra Behavioural Change Strategy and the purchase of Capital House, Winchester in connection with the refurbishment of Ashburton Court, the opportunity to purchase having arisen at short notice.

In connection with the South East Plan, the Leader reminded members of their opportunity to attend and speak at Cabinet on 25 July when it was to consider district-level housing figures.

The Leader was pleased to report that the Queen Elizabeth and Sir George Staunton Country Parks had both been successful in securing Green Flag awards on their first application and assessment. They were only the third and fourth parks in the South East to receive the award from the Civic Trust. The Leader also reported that the Civic Service was to be held on 18 September and every member and their families and friends were invited. The Leader was hoping for a contribution in the service from a Muslim cleric.

In relation to the final accounts, the Leader reported that the Statement of Accounts Panel on 13 July 2005 had agreed the final accounts. Members would be sent an e-link to the report and they could receive hard copies on request.

It was with concern that the Leader reported the current position with regard to the South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit Scheme in that the Government Office for the South East had indicated that there would be no decision on funding until after Parliament's summer recess. The Department of Transport had confirmed the position and accordingly there was no guarantee of early consideration of the matter. The Leader was seeking an early meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport to take the matter forward.

In conclusion, the Leader reported the forthcoming retirements of Andrew Seber, CBE, County Education Officer and Terry Butler, CBE, Director of Social Services and paid tribute to their outstanding contributions to Education and Social Care respectively at national and local level. The Leaders of the Minority Groups also paid tribute to the work of these two outstanding Chief Officers and the Council wished them long and happy retirements.

26. QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 20(b)(i)

The Leader of the Council, Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE answered questions from Councillor A. G. Dowden about the pressures Social Services was under and their very good budget out-turn for 2004/05; and about funding the changes proposed in the Adult Social Care Green Paper "Independence, Well-being and Choice".

The Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy, Councillor J. K. Glen, answered a question from Councillor A. G. Dowden concerning provision of a new cycle/pedestrian bridge at Flexford.

27. LOCAL AREA SITE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

RESOLVED:

That the action of the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council, in making arrangements for meetings of the following with representation as shown be approved:

Lymington Coastal Area Management Committee -

Councillors Mrs. P. G. Banks; A. D. G. Evans and A. W. Rice TD

Martin Down Management Committee -

Councillors Mrs. K. Heron and A. W. Rice TD

Yateley Common Management Committee -

Councillors: A. P. Collett; J. K. Glen; P. R. C. Hutcheson and David Simpson

28. HEALTH OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

RESOLVED:

That the Health Review Committee be renamed the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee with immediate effect.

29 SOUTHERN REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMITTEE

RESOLVED:

That Councillor D. A. Kirk be appointed to represent the County Council in place of Councillor John K. West until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2009.

30. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2006-11

The Council considered the report of The Cabinet (marked Item 7 in the Minute Book). With the leave of the Council, consideration of the item was preceded by a presentation on the draft plan by the Director of Environment. The Local Transport Plan was a key document of the County Council's policy framework and required the approval of the County Council prior to its submission to the Government. The draft plan which had been prepared covered the five year period 2006 -11. A provisional plan was required to be submitted by July 2005 with the final document following in March 2006. The plan aimed to build on the foundation of the previous plan which had benefited the County Council financially.

The main objectives of the plan were to increase accessibility; to promote safety; to reduce the impact and effectiveness of congestion; to widen travel choice; to improve air quality; to support wider quality of life objectives; and to encourage value for money and efficient asset management. The Cabinet had considered the matter on 11 July and had been strongly in support of the draft which sought to impose a Hampshire perspective on the Government's priorities.

The table in paragraph 1.57 of the Executive Summary appended to the report of The Cabinet was revised by adjustment of the decimal point in relation to some of the figures. The total remained unchanged.

RESOLVED:

a) That the provisional Local Transport Plan 2006-11 be approved;

b) That the Director of Environment be authorised to make minor amendments to the provisional Local Transport Plan 2006-11 text prior to submission to the Department for Transport, provided these amendments do not affect the direction, emphasis or overall policy framework set out in the document.

31. PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RISK WITH CHILDREN AND

YOUNG PEOPLE - SCRUTINY INQUIRY

The Council considered the report of the Scrutiny Inquiry into the Prevention and Management of Risk with Children and Young People carried out under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee. Councillor A. R. Ludlow, Chairman of the Scrutiny Inquiry Panel, introduced the report of the Inquiry and commended its conclusions to the Council. The full report of the Inquiry Panel had been circulated previously and had been received by The Cabinet.

Following debate, the Council looked forward to service improvements being achieved. The Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Felicity Hindson MBE outlined work already in hand.

The Leader of the Council congratulated Councillor Ludlow and his panel members on the work they had done which had been largely along the lines of a Parliamentary Select Committee. The report was an example of how this approach could usefully be employed. He undertook that The Cabinet would monitor the outcomes.

RESOLVED:

a) That the detailed recommendations of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee relating to the study of the Prevention and Management of Risk with Children and Young People detailed in paragraphs 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 of the report of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee be adopted;

b) That the Cabinet be requested to respond by September 2005 with their intentions with regard to implementing those recommendations;

c) That Chief Officers be instructed to report back to the Council in eight months time as to the ways in which the recommendations set out in the report of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee have been implemented.

32. FAIRTRADE

The Council considered the report of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee following its consideration of the Notice of Motion from Councillor Mrs. A. Buckley to the Council at its meeting on 23 February 2005 relating to Fairtrade.

Councillor Jo Kelly declared an interest as a member of Fairtrade. There was a wide-ranging debate and the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee confirmed that the County Council could afford and should make a commitment to using Fairtrade beverages for refreshments served to Members and for meetings held with departments at The Castle. The Council agreed.

Councillor Mrs. A. Buckley proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor A. P. Collett as follows:

After the word `applicable' insert the following:

"including:

a) working towards recognition as a Fairtrade County;

b) seeking to purchase Fairtrade products;

c) where refreshments are provided at meetings, offering Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar;

d) encouraging the use of Fairtrade products in the wider Hampshire community;

e) promoting awareness of Fairtrade.

That the County Council...." and that the words `the principles' be replaced by `these principles'.

A recorded vote was called for in accordance with Standing Order 24(c) both in relation to the amendment and, should that be lost, the recommendation of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee.

Members supporting the amendment:

Councillors: Mrs. C. A. Bailey, D. R. Blampied, Alan Broadhurst, Mrs. A. Buckley, P. J. Chegwyn, A. P. Collett, M. G. Cooper, Mrs. P. Dickens, A. G. Dowden, B. T. Gurden, D. Harrison, Keith House, R. Hughes, A. R. Ludlow, Peter Kent Mason, Sam Payne, Mrs. P. G. Peskett, Roger H. Price, Mrs. A. M. Roling.

Total: 19

Members opposing the amendment:

Councillors: F. G. Allgood, Mrs. P. G. Banks, I. F. E. Beagley, Mrs. E. M. Byrom,

M. F. Cartwright, K. G. Chapman, N. R. G. Clarke, Colin Davidovitz, Mrs. P. M. Devereux, P. R. Edgar, Anne Edwards, Dr. R. J. Ellis, A. D. G. Evans, Mrs. J. K. Frankum, E. F. Gale, J. K. Glen, Mrs. K. Heron, Felicity Hindson, G. M. Hockley,

P. R. C. Hutcheson, Jo Kelly, M. N. Kemp-Gee, M. J. Kendal, R. J. Kimber, D. A. Kirk, T. G. Knight, Mrs. C. A. Leversha, R. C. McIntosh, Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott, E. J. Neal, R. J. Perry, S. H. Reid, A. W. Rice, Mrs. M. D. Snaith, E. F. Still, T. K. Thornber, Mrs. P. A. West, Mrs. S. A. Wheale, M. J. Woodhall, D. F. Wright.

Total: 40

Abstention: Councillor John K. West

Accordingly the amendment was lost.

Members supporting the recommendation:

Councillors: F. G. Allgood, Mrs. C. A. Bailey, Mrs. P. G. Banks, I. F. E. Beagley,

D. R. Blampied, Alan Broadhurst, Mrs. A. Buckley, Mrs. E. M. Byrom, M. F. Cartwright, K. G. Chapman, P. J. Chegwyn, N. R. G. Clarke, A. P. Collett, M. G. Cooper, Colin Davidovitz, Mrs. P. M. Devereux, Mrs. P. Dickens,

A. G. Dowden, P. R. Edgar, Anne Edwards, Dr. R. J. Ellis, A. D. G. Evans, Mrs. J. K. Frankum, E. F. Gale, J. K. Glen, B. T. Gurden, D. Harrison, Mrs. K. Heron, Felicity Hindson, G. M. Hockley, Keith House, R. Hughes, P. R. C. Hutcheson, Jo Kelly, M. N. Kemp-Gee, M. J. Kendal, R. J. Kimber, D. A. Kirk, T. G. Knight, Mrs. C. A. Leversha, A. R. Ludlow, R. C. McIntosh, Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott, Peter Kent Mason, E. J. Neal, Sam Payne, R. J. Perry, Mrs. P. G. Peskett, Roger H. Price, S. H. Reid, A. W. Rice, Mrs. A. M. Roling, Mrs. M. D. Snaith, Mrs. E. F. Still,

T. K. Thornber, Mrs. P. A. West, Mrs. S. A. Wheale, M. J. Woodhall, D. F. Wright.

Total: 59

Members opposing the recommendation: nil

Abstention: Councillor John K. West

Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

That the County Council supports the development of Fairtrade where applicable and agrees that the implementation of the principles be reviewed and monitored over time so that progress can be made consistent with the representations that the County Council can influence.

33. HAMPSHIRE MINERALS AND WASTE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

The Council considered the report of the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy submitted in response to Regulations requiring the County Council to pass a resolution to bring the scheme into effect.

RESOLVED:

a) That the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme approved on

25 November 2004 should come into effect on 21 July 2005;

b) That the Director of Environment be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy, to amend the scheme in future as circumstances require.

34. DEMOCRATIC REVIEW

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (marked item 11 in the Minute Book) which sought to gain the agreement of the Council to key principles as to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Council's democratic structures and processes. This would then enable further work to be done on the detail of the processes and structures, resources and the timetable for implementation.

An amendment to add the word `devolved' before `resources' in the last line of Recommendation 4.3 was not supported. In recommendation 4.4, an amendment to retain the Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee as an overseeing scrutiny board working with the existing four policy review committees was supported together with an examination of how their operation could be improved and duplication and bureaucracy reduced. Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

That the following principles be approved as those which will govern the way ahead with regard to the County Council's democratic structures and processes:

a) That the Council chooses to modernise - to invest in the future rather than trying to replicate the past;

b) The Council wishes to focus member time on positive outcomes and impact rather than keeping people busy;

c) The Council will introduce local groups of County Councillors:

1) On district boundaries

2) With parameters focussing on County Council responsibility areas (not duplicating functions of other tiers of local government)

3) That have impact at local level and measurable outcomes;

4) With specialist officer support;

5) With resources and responsibility piloted at outcomes;

d) The Council will retain four policy review committees with their powers to call in decisions of The Cabinet and Executive Members, but will examine how their operation can be improved and duplication and bureaucracy reduced. The Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee will act as an overseeing scrutiny board devising an overall annual work programme and will draw on the expertise of different policy review committee members to carry out cross-cutting reviews. Specialised scrutiny support with research capabilities will be made available to support the new structure;

e) The Council will consider implementing Cabinet advisers who:

1) Support the Executive Members;

2) Chair cross-party work groups and consultation processes developing strategy and policy for Executive Members;

3) Will enable and ensure early member involvement in `direction setting' work;

4) Will have support from policy officers.

35. HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

On this occasion there was no report of the Authority nor had any questions been received under Standing Order 20(d). The Council noted that Councillor A. P. Collett had been nominated by the Hampshire Police Authority as its spokesperson at County Council meetings.

36. HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

The Council received the report of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority. There were no questions under Standing Order 20(e).

37. MATTERS FOR INFORMATION OR WITHIN DELEGATED POWERS

Part II of the report of the following, comprising matters for information or dealt with under delegated powers, were presented, received and adopted:

a) The Cabinet/Leader - in relation to paragraph 26 (Council Tax payers' enquiries) the heading was revised to read `2005/06 Budget'.

b) Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy

c) Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management

d) Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage

e) Executive Member for Adult Social Care

f) Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

g) Executive Lead Member for Children's Services

h) Executive Member with Special Responsibility for Education.

The meeting closed at 5.20 pm