Contact: David Evans, tel 01489 576387 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This short report covers three current issues, namely the long-awaited Municipal Ports Review, the Department for Transport's (DfT) Ports Policy Review and the current financial situation.

2. Corporate Strategy

2.1 This report supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving Services) by providing up to date information on the management of the River Hamble.

3. Municipal Ports Review

3.1 The long-awaited Municipal Ports Review was launched by the Secretary of State for Transport on 22 May 2006. The new River Hamble governance complies with the recommendations of the Review.

4. Ports Policy Review

4.1 On the same day, the Secretary of State launched the DfT Ports Policy Review consultation. Among the themes which the Review will consider are:

(i) national, regional and local policy dimensions;

(ii) expected capacity requirements at national level for different types of cargo;

(iii) inland and coastal connections by road, rail and water;

(iv) environmental issues;

(v) competition at national and international level;

(vi) governance and accountability in a mixed ownership sector;

(vii) making the most of smaller ports; and

(viii) whether there is scope for improving ports planning procedures.

4.2 Much of this consultation has little relevance to a non-cargo port such as the River Hamble, but some aspects of the consultation will require a straightforward factual response. This will be drafted by the Marine Director in time to meet the DfT deadline of 1 September 2006.

5. Financial Situation

5.1 At this early stage of the financial year, income and expenditure are broadly as anticipated.

6. Impact Assessments

6.1 This report is a position statement only therefore an impact assessment in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has not been undertaken.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

945/DE