AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 20 March 2006

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE (part of meeting)

p Councillor M.J. Woodhall (part of meeting)

Councillors:

Also present: Councillors F.G. Allgood, K.G. Chapman; M.G. Cooper; B.D. Dash; Mrs P. Dickens; A.G. Dowden; P.R. Edgar; Mrs C.A. Leversha

114. APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Collett.

115. 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.

116. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2006 were confirmed as a correct record.

117. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Leader reported that later that day he would be leading a CCN delegation to appear before a House of Commons Select Committee in respect of current consultation on the Future of Regions.

118. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

119. PROPOSALS FOR A NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WHITELEY

This item was called forward from the original agenda order.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services (Item 8 in the Minute Book) setting out proposals for a new primary school in Whiteley and detailing the outcome of a joint consultation with the Diocese of Portsmouth in respect of the character and location of a new school. The Director of Children's Services expanded on the report and the statutory requirements of the Children Act 2000. He particularly highlighted that although a number of locations had been fully explored, the proposal before the Cabinet was by far the best option for all concerned. It presented an opportunity to build a first class educational facility with associated benefits for the community of Whiteley. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services expanded on the proposed location for the new school and other considerations, as well as the alternative site that had been put forward by Winchester City Council.

During the course of a full discussion, the Cabinet expressed disappointment at the stance being taken by Winchester City Council and emphasised that all views resulting from the public consultation exercise had been given careful consideration. It was noted that members of the Cabinet and the Children's Services Policy Review Committee had previously visited all the potential sites. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report plus two additional resolutions. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.

120. CONFIGURATION OF NHS AMBULANCE TRUSTS IN ENGLAND - CONSULTATION

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE confirmed for the record that he was a former Chairman of the Hampshire Ambulance Service. Councillor Mrs P. Dickens declared a personal interest as an NHS employee of Eastleigh Healthcare Trust.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6 in the Minute Book) detailing the background to, and a proposed response on behalf of the County Council to the consultation document "Configuration of NHS Ambulance Trusts in England". The response deadline was noted as 22 March 2006. The Chief Executive expanded on the report and particularly highlighted that the proposed amalgamation appeared to support administrative convenience rather than reflecting geographical patient flows.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Mrs P. Dickens (speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democrat group), M.G. Cooper and P. Edgar spoke on the matter.

During the course of a full discussion, the Cabinet expressed a firm view that a regional solution was not the answer and were mindful of the outcome of the review of the fire service and the awaited outcome of consultation on the future of the police service. The proposals also raised concerns about the lack of coterminosity, the loss of local knowledge which was felt to be paramount, and the lack of consideration to tap into the valuable resource of volunteers equipped with, and trained to use defibrillators and other appropriate equipment. The Cabinet agreed the response set out in the report subject to some additions to reflect their concerns detailed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

121. BUDGET MONITORING 2005/06

With the concurrence of the Chairman under Section 100B (4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972, this matter has been included on the agenda to provide an interim report on the Adult Services increase in overspend for 2005/06.

This item was called forward from the original agenda order.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive, County Treasurer and Director of Adult Services (Item 12 in the Minute Book) following a request from the Leader for an explanation of the latest position. The Chief Executive confirmed that as a result of this request, an audit and full Extraordinary Review of Adult Services budgets, budget monitoring and processes had been commissioned. The report represented an interim position highlighting the findings to date and the current predicted overspend. A further report would be submitted to Cabinet once the review was completed.

In expanding on the report, the Chief Executive and the Director of Adult Services emphasised the importance of looking to the future, maximising value for money, and the effective use of improved management information that was coming on-stream via the SWIFT and SAP systems. There would be a need for robust budget monitoring practices in order to deal with the continuing challenges and pressures coupled with timely management actions to bring the budget in line.

The Cabinet welcomed the investigation that was underway and expressed their continued strong concerns about the Government's under-funding of this service (and local health services) in light of an increased number of Hampshire people requiring care, and the transfer of costs from health to social care. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report together with some additional resolutions. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

122. HAMPSHIRE MINERALS AND WASTE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK - CORE STRATEGY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) seeking agreement to recommend to the County Council for approval the Core Strategy Development Plan Document and the related Proposals Map as part of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework. The Core Strategy is the first of a suite of documents under the new planning regime, which sees Local Plans replaced by Local Development Frameworks, and has been jointly produced with Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils and the New Forest National Park Authority. In expanding on the report the Deputy Director of Environment highlighted that in developing this Strategy, Hampshire was one of the most advanced Minerals and Waste Planning authorities in the country in terms of approach and progress in implementing the new planning duties.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report; the matter will be considered by the County Council at its meeting on 30 March 2006. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

123. PROJECT INTEGRA JOINT MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) detailing the background to, and the main features of the Project Integra Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy. The Deputy Director of Environment expanded on the preferred option, which the Cabinet were requested to support in principle (features household collections, commercial recycling, waste growth, treatment of residual waste and landfill).

During the course of the ensuing discussion, the Cabinet highlighted the importance of Project Integra producing a robust business plan, and expressed concern about the demanding Government targets to increase recycling and minimise waste which are costly to implement without the provision of adequate government funding. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to some additional text in respect of recommendation 1.1(iv). A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

124. CHANGE FOR CHILDREN - PARTNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services (Item 7 in the Minute Book) detailing new partnership and governance arrangements as part of the programme brought about by the Children Act 2000. The Cabinet welcomed the new arrangements and recognised the significant challenges the County Council and its partners face in meeting the statutory requirements of the Act.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 6.

125. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL IN 2005/06

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 11 in the Minute Book) underlining the County Council's continued high level of performance by recording its major achievements over the last 12 months. During the course of the discussion, it was agreed that a new mechanism for bringing the major achievements of the County Council to the attention of the Cabinet would be introduced for 2007 to make the process more streamlined.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations in the report subject to moving the achievement on the County Council's unique Rights, Respect and Responsibilities educational programme from the cross-cutting section to the Children's Services section, the addition of the Guardian Public Service Award for the quality of the emergency response provided by the County


Council in the wake of the tsunami in Sri Lanka to the cross-cutting section, the Local e-Government Excellence: Efficiency Award to the cross-cutting section and the addition of achievements in the area of kinship care to the Children's Services section, in particular the co-hosting of a national conference with the Grandparents Association in June 2005.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and a copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 7.

Contact: Bob Eardley, Strategic Planning Manager, 01962 846275
bob.eardley:hants.gov.uk

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That Cabinet agrees:

(a) in the context of the clear professional conclusion of the Director of Children's Services that the proposal to locate a new primary school on part of the Whiteley recreation ground is in the best interests of the children in the Whiteley community, Hampshire County Council calls upon Winchester City Council to consider its response to these proposals in the context of the City Council's duty to co-operate in delivering improved outcomes for children;

(b) that an approach therefore be made to Winchester City Council requesting the sale of land at Whiteley recreation ground for construction of the new school, the approximate site of which is shown on Drawing No. A/10/695/A, attached as Appendix 6;

(c) to make a grant of up to £1.438m from the 2006/07 Children's Services capital programme to the Diocese of Portsmouth as a contribution towards the cost of a new voluntary aided school in Whiteley;

(d) that an equivalent area of amenity open space to that lost to the school buildings and circulation areas be offered to the City Council from the County Council's land at Leafy Lane;

(e) that the Director of Property Business and Regulatory Services be given delegated authority to settle detailed terms and conditions for any land transfers and access rights, including minor adjustments to site boundaries as required;

(f) that the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services be instructed to proceed with the design and to prepare a planning submission for the land owned by Winchester City Council


(g) that the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services negotiate further with Winchester City Council on the implications of proceeding and report back to the Cabinet

2. Reason

2.1 To make a decision about the location of a new primary school in Whiteley to support the corporate aims of maximising life opportunities, building strong and safe communities and improving services.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 No suitable sites for a new primary school other than that recommended in the report are available within Whiteley. The alternative of not building a new school would be inconsistent with the wishes of the Whiteley community made clear in the local consultation carried out in 2005.

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: Peter Robertson, ext 7200, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That the following response to the consultation document `Configuration of NHS Ambulance Trusts in England' be approved:

1. That the Department of Health is informed that Hampshire County Council rejects the proposed merger of the Hampshire Ambulance Service with Thames Valley on the grounds that it is not in the interests of either the population or the NHS in Hampshire.


2. That non-emergency patient transport is not a service that can be regionalised; local knowledge is paramount.


3. That it is easier to do business and align activities where the geographical boundaries for all emergency services are coterminous.

4. It is proposed that further work be undertaken to test:

(a) the procurement and other `back of office' activities that could be provided on an Strategic Health Authority or national basis to achieve greater efficiency

(b) the scope for the ambulance service to provide the initial point of contact for all unscheduled, emergency health calls including out of hours for Hampshire (e.g. emergency ambulance, home visit, accident and emergency)

(c) the use of volunteers as `first responders' who are equipped with, and trained to use defibrillators and other appropriate equipment


(d) the scope for other providers to take on the running of ambulance services, working alongside local partners in the voluntary sector, health and social care


5. That a copy of the final response and the report be sent to all MPs.

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council has been invited to comment on a consultation document published by the Department of Health on the future of ambulance trusts in England. The report offers background information and details the implications for the Hampshire Ambulance Service. The report supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving services) to ensure that the ambulance service in Hampshire continues to meet the changing needs of the whole community.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The option of not commenting on the consultation document was rejected given strong reservations that exist about the proposals and the future of the ambulance service in Hampshire.

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: Peter Robertson, (01962) 847300, [email protected]
Jon Pittam, (01962) 847400, [email protected]
Rea Mattocks, (01962) 847200, [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

(a) That Cabinet agree the actions outlined in this report and call for a report on the results of the full audit into Adult Services budgets


(b) That officers investigate the part that families and communities can play in contributing to packages of care


(c) That officers investigate the role housing associations can play in working with parents of people with learning and physical difficulties who would be interested in making a capital contribution in order to secure long-term care for their dependants

2. Reason

2.1 The Leader of the County Council has requested a report to explain how the Adult Services budget is showing a significant increase in overspend for 2005/06. To meet this requirement, the Chief Executive has commissioned an audit and full Extraordinary Review of Adult Services budgets, budget monitoring and processes. This is an interim report to highlight the findings to date and confirm the current predicted overspend.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The option to delay reporting to the Cabinet at this time in order to carry out further investigation was rejected in preference of submitting an interim report proposing a set of immediate and medium-term actions, to be followed by a full report upon completion of the audit and Extraordinary Review of Adult Services budgets.

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: Jeremy Smith, ext 6730 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That Cabinet recommends the County Council approve `the Strategy' Development Plan Document (hereinafter called the Strategy) and the consequential Proposals Map (Local Development Document) as part of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework:

(a) for submission to the first Secretary of State;

(b) for final public consultation, pursuant to Regulation 28 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004; and

(c) as a basis for future plan-making and development control processes.

(ii) That Cabinet recommends the County Council authorise the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy, to make any minor amendments, provided these do not alter the emphasis and direction of the Strategy or its policies.

1.2 The Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy recommends the proposal.

1.3 On 16 March 2006 the Environment Policy Review Committee considered the proposal. Members' comments will be reported orally at the meeting.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 2 and 3 (Stewardship of the Environment and Achieving Economic Prosperity) of the Corporate Strategy by delivering a forward planning strategy for minerals and waste in Hampshire, that provides for the necessary supply of minerals and waste management services in the most environmentally, socially and economically acceptable way.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Submission of the Strategy to Government in May 2006 is a commitment made in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme, which came into effect following resolution of the County Council on 21 July 2005.

3.2 Failure to submit the Strategy in accordance with the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme and consequent failure to meet corporate targets and possible loss of Planning Delivery Grant from the Government.

3.3 The Strategy represents the outcome of an extensive appraisal and consultation process. This was an iterative process, during which a number of specific and generic options, for future minerals and waste provision, where considered.

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

764Decn/JS

Contact: Adrian Lee, ext 7004 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy be agreed and the preferred option, as attached, be supported in principle.

(ii) That the Director of Environment be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management, to agree any minor amendments to the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy to take account of changes required arising from the publication of the revised National Waste Strategy and Project Integra Board discussions.

(iii) That a full financial assessment of the preferred option, including detailed research and business case studies for the development of any new systems or processes required for the development and implementation of the preferred option, be pursued through the Project Integra Annual Business Plan process.

(iv) The County Council notes the importance of encouraging residents, businesses and collection authorities to support the Strategy by participating in recycling and reuse activities and suggests an additional policy, with appropriate supporting text, to provide for the continuation of Project Integra's Behavioural Change Strategy.

1.2 The Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management recommends this proposal.

1.3 The Environment Policy Review Committee considered this item on 16 March 2006. Members' comments will be reported orally at the meeting.

2. Reason

2.1 These decisions support Aims 2 and 5 (Stewardship of the Environment and Improving Services) of the Corporate Strategy by increasing re-use, recycling, and recovery of waste and natural resources in Hampshire.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking no action.

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

885Decn/AWL

The Preferred Option has the following features:

1. Household Collections

Kerbside collections from dwellings of a wide range of materials, including paper, cans, plastic bottles, glass and textile; promote home composting of green waste and the use of food digesters for bio-waste and facilitate provision of enhanced facilities at Household Waste Recycling Centres for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

2. Commercial Recycling

Provide and/or facilitate collection and processing capacity to optimise the collection of recyclables from the commercial sector (recyclables that are similar in nature to those arising from the municipal waste stream).

3. Waste Growth

Seek to reduce the growth of domestic waste to 1% or less by 2010 and to 0.5% by 2020.

4. Treatment of Residual Waste

Provide thermal treatment (energy from waste) for at least 420,000 tonnes per annum (the current capacity in Hampshire) with excess residual waste being sent to landfill in the short term and in the longer term being dealt with by further treatment (biological, thermal, physical or chemical) when such facilities have had time to be brought `on stream'.

5. Landfill

In the longer term pre-process all household waste with residues only being sent to landfill.

Contact: Colin Hardy, 01962 847663, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Cabinet approves the Partnership and Governance arrangements.

2. Reason

2.1 Cabinet's approval for these decisions is being sought for the following reasons. The Change For Children Programme brought about by the Children Act 2004 will remain one of the most significant challenges faced by the council and its partners for some time to come. The council's unique role is affirmed in the statutory guidance defining our lead accountability for these services and our leadership role among the partners. The revisions to the partnership and governance arrangements laid out in this report have the full support of the partners and given the significance of these arrangements and the need for a full corporate as well as inter-agency engagement with them, formal Cabinet support is required. These arrangements will also be subject to scrutiny by Ofsted and the Commission for Social Care Inspection and so evidence of support at this level will assist in our annual performance assessment process.

2.1.1 This approach supports the corporate strategy in maximising life opportunities, building strong and safe communities, improving services and developing councillors and staff by providing the necessary Member leadership for strategy and ensuring management action with partners to improve outcomes for children and young people.

2.2 The approach will also support the County Council in meeting the statutory requirements in Section 10 of the Children Act 2004 by ensuring arrangements are in place for cooperation with partners and for participation with children and young people, their families and carers.

2.2.1 The approached proposed has the support of the Executive Member for Children's Services, the current Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership and the Children's Services PRC.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Other options for the framework for partnership and governance have been considered and discussed with partners. No other options would better support the current democratic review and ensure the County Council is able to fulfil the legal obligation to exercise leadership in bringing partners together to agree strategy, coordinate management action and ensure local participation.

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 for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable.

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

Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE

Contact: Nick Thomas, ext 7174 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(a) That the achievements of 2005/06 be welcomed and endorsed as underlining the County Council's continuing high level of performance.

(b) That the report be circulated to Hampshire MPs.

2. Reason

2.1 To record the major achievements of the County Council in 2005/06

2.2 This decision supports Corporate Strategy aim 5 (Improving services) and aim 6 (Developing councillors and staff) by keeping members informed about the achievements of the Council and by recognising staff whose efforts have made the achievements possible.

3. Other options considered and rejected - Not applicable.

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