AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 23 January 2006

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

Also present: Councillors Mrs E. M. Byrom; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash; Mrs C.A. Leversha.

82. APOLOGIES

No apologies for absence had been received.

83. 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.

84. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 December 2006 were confirmed as a correct record subject to clarification of minute 71; that Councillors Perry and Woodhall were present for part of the meeting, their absence for the rest of the meeting was due to attendance at the funeral of a former Chairman of the Council as stated. Councillors Collett and Dash were also present.

85. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

(i) Upon the conclusion of scheduled business, Share D'All from the Chief
Executive's department was invited to update the Cabinet members on
the latest progress with the Democratic Review.

86. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

87. ANNUAL AUDIT AND INSPECTION LETTER 2004/05

The Cabinet considered the draft Annual Audit and Inspection Letter for 2004/05 (Item 6 in the Minute Book) issued by the Audit Commission. Stephen Taylor and Stephen Goodyear of the Audit Commission attended the meeting to expand on the letter and highlighted the key headlines and actions for the County Council in the coming year. The Chief Executive reported that the letter signalled a very good result overall for the County Council during what had been a very challenging time. In particular, it was highlighted that the County Council is likely to receive over £9 million of reward grant due to its success in improving performance. Members welcomed the letter and in putting a wide range of detailed questions to the Auditor, took account of the linked reports detailed in minutes 88 and 89 below. The Auditor noted the views expressed and these would be reflected in the final version of the Audit Letter that would be published.

88. ANNUAL AUDIT AND INSPECTION LETTER RESPONSE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6A in the Minute Book), which detailed the proposed response to the specific recommendations of the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter for 2004/05. The Auditor noted the specific actions to their recommendations in the Audit Letter and indicated that the successful implementation of these actions would result in a positive Audit Letter next year. The Cabinet welcomed this and adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.

89. IMPROVING THE COUNTY COUNCIL'S DIRECTION OF TRAVEL

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6B in the Minute Book) linked to report 6A above, which detailed the County Council's overall direction of travel to drive continual improvement. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

90. HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY

Councillor Kirk declared a personal interest as Chairman of a South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) Select Committee investigating the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), and was also a member of an Environment Agency Panel commenting on the Regional Economic Strategy.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 7 in the Minute Book) which reviewed the Consultation Draft document issued by SEEDA in preparation for the roll forward of the Regional Economic Strategy 2006-2016. The report also set out a series of recommended strategic responses in order to reflect the County Council's own priorities and its role as a sub-regional partner. A copy of the consultation document had been circulated separately to the Cabinet, and it was noted that this was a very important document which influences many other strategies. During the course of a full discussion, Members raised a number of concerns about the consultation document. In particular, Members referred to the importance of emphasising quality of life, maintaining adequate supply of infrastructure (including transport and utilities investment) to match development, and using the measure of success of Gross Value Added `per head'. Members also referred to the need for business investment in Gosport to counteract transport pressures resulting from substantial outward commuting, the need for the Strategy to include the impacts and influence of London and Europe, and the importance of a specific section on the economy in rural areas.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report emphasising that a strong response, particularly relating to the role of strategic Local Authorities, should be sent to reflect the issues raised. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

91. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2006-11

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) seeking agreement to recommend the full Local Transport Plan (LTP) to the County Council, which is due to be submitted to the Government by the end of March 2006. The full LTP builds on the provisional LTP, which was approved by the County Council and subsequently published in July 2005. The Deputy Director of Environment expanded on the report and drew Members' attention to the key issues. The ensuing discussion focussed on the current situation of potential major scheme bids such as the Chickenhall Lane Link Road; the future of the Fareham-Gosport-Portsmouth light rail scheme; and the Government's latest thinking on traffic congestion. The Cabinet welcomed the report and thanked officers for the work undertaken in preparing this comprehensive submission.

The Cabinet endorse the recommendations set out in the report which would now be submitted to the County Council for approval at its meeting scheduled for 30 March 2006. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

92. STREET LIGHTING - PRIVATE FINANCE INITIATIVE BID

Councillor Collett declared a personal interest in respect of his role as a Member of Yateley Town Council, as Town Council's feature in the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) examining the background to the current situation in respect of street lighting column replacement. The report also detailed the findings of a technical study along with the results of a financial feasibility study, the aim of which was to help Members to decide whether or not to submit an expression of interest for a private finance initiative bid to the Department of Transport. The Director of Environment expanded on the report and drew Members' attention to the key issues that needed to be considered in deciding on the County Council's direction of travel. Members welcomed the report and recognised the difficulties highlighted by the Director of Environment. In conclusion of a full discussion, Members were of the view that the report's recommendations detailed the best possible way forward and accordingly the Cabinet adopted the recommendations as set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

93. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

That by virtue of Paragraph 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting for the consideration of the following item.

94. AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND KEY WORKER STRATEGY

Councillor Mrs Hindson declared a personal interest as a member of the Winchester Housing Group. Councillor Woodhall declared a personal interest as a private landlord.

The Cabinet considered the confidential report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 11 in the Minute Book) seeking approval of the Affordable Housing and Key Worker Strategy. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services expanded on the report and drew the key issues to Members' attention. Members were particularly keen for research to be undertaken with the aim of providing a detailed breakdown of what level of affordable housing is required, and the precise numbers of key workers and where, as two distinct issues. In conclusion of a full discussion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report with the additional resolution that further progress reports be submitted in due course. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 6.

Contact: Gary Smith, ext 7691 Email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report accompanies the sister paper which concerns improving the Council's overall direction of travel whereas this paper responds specifically to recommendations from the auditor. The following decisions are sought:

(a) That Cabinet welcomes the comments by the District Auditor and approves the approach laid out in appendix one as the County Council's formal response to the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter.

(b) That Cabinet ask departments, as part of their corporate submissions to the direction of travel self-assessment 2006, to include progress against the auditor's observations contained within the body of the audit letter.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision will strengthen the Council's overall ability to perform but supports mostly Aim five (Improving Services).

2.2 This paper outlines the Council's formal response to the District Auditor's 2005 Annual Audit and Inspection Letter and highlights the main recommendations. It then identifies how the Council is reacting to the findings in terms of actions, lead officers and timescales.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 None.

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: Jenny Heath, ext 01962 847402

1. Summary

This report follows the Audit Commission's CPA categorisation of the council and general auditors comments. This report addresses the Council's overall direction of travel to drive continual improvement whilst specific recommendations are dealt with in the sister paper, Annual Audit and Inspection Letter Response. The following decisions are sought:

(a) That Cabinet support the development of the Comprehensive Performance Results (CPR) to make them more accessible and streamlined following the support and ideas generated from the Member and officer Performance Support Network (PSN).

(b) That Cabinet support the refocusing of the corporate review programme onto value for money as part of a developing value for money strategy to drive improvement and meet the requirements of CPA the harder test.

(c) That Cabinet approve a visit to a similar top performing authority to see what lessons can be learned to further improve the County Council's CPA direction of travel judgement.

2. Reason

2.1 It will strengthen the Council's overall ability to perform and specifically supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving services).

3. Other options considered and rejected - none.

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: John Rees-Evans, Head of Economic Development, ext: 6381, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision(s) are sought:

(a) That the Leader of the Council respond to the South East England Development Agency's Consultation Draft for the new Regional Economic Strategy (2006 - 2016) on behalf of the Council, by the deadline of 17^th February 2006

(b) That the response be based on the discussion and recommendations set out in the report attached, subject to the views of the Cabinet

(c) That the response be in the form of a letter from the Leader, setting out the views of the Cabinet, together with detailed answers to the Consultation questions posed and the Council's priorities

2. Reason

2.1 The Regional Economic Strategy has significant influence on the allocation of Government funds in Hampshire

2.2 It is important to influence the priorities set out by SEEDA in order to meet the Corporate aim of `achieving economic prosperity'

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not to respond would lead to lack of influence by the Council in key regional policies

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

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Cabinet recommends the County Council to approve the Local Transport Plan 2006-11.

1.2 The Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management recommends the proposals.

1.3 On 18 January 2006 the Environment Policy Review Committee considered the proposals. Members' comments will be reported orally at the meeting.

1.4 On 19 January 2006 the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage and the Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee considered the proposals. Members' comments will be reported orally at the meeting.

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 Local Transport Plan.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The County Council is not obliged to submit a Local Transport Plan (LTP) to the Government. Along with other local authorities awarded four stars under the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) system, the County Council could elect instead to submit summary information about the proposed capital programme, measures and targets. This course of action is not recommended as it would prevent the County Council from being eligible for reward funding from the Government of up to £12.35 million over the next five years. It is also considered that the publication of the LTP is beneficial for informing Hampshire's residents and stakeholders about the County Council's transport policies and programmes.

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

747Decn/IR

Contacts:

Alison Quant, ext 5099 email: [email protected]

Trevor Wallis, tel 02392 834347 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the Director of Environment be authorised to prepare and return an Expression of Interest to the Department for Transport based upon Scenarios 2 and 4.

(ii) That the Director of Environment shall consult with District, Town and Parish Councils on the opportunity to benefit from a Hampshire Private Finance Initiative, and engage with other authorities outside Hampshire to develop a joint bid, if this would be beneficial to the County Council and the residents of Hampshire.

(iii) That the Director of Environment be authorised to appoint the necessary resources, as required, to develop the project, in the event that the Expression of Interest is approved.

1.2 The Environment Policy Review Committee considered these proposals on 18 January 2006. Members' comments will be reported orally at the meeting.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) - as the new lighting will reduce light pollution and increase the efficiency of energy use;

(ii) Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) - as the new lighting columns will reduce the risk of injury from defective columns collapsing and ensure a minimum standard of lighting on all roads that are deemed to require lighting; and

(iii) Aim 5 (Improving Services) - as the level of investment in a new system of lighting will improve the level of service the County Council provides to its residents. This service level will then be maintained for the length of the contract and not be affected by Government funding to local authorities.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Other options considered and rejected:

(i) Funding from Revenue is not a viable option due to the level of investment required and the availability of funding.

(ii) Prudential Borrowing would not provide the level of funding required and would incur a high level of debt charges which would appear in the Council Tax.

(iii) Funding from the Local Transport Plan is unlikely to be sufficient for a scheme of the size being contemplated, even if spread over the next 15 to 20 years.

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

753Decn/AQ

Contact: Ian Parker Ext: 7269 e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE