AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 30 October 2006.

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

Also present: Councillor M.F. Cartwright; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash; Dr R.J. Ellis and Mrs C.A. Leversha

189. APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D.A Kirk due to illness.

190. 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.

191. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2006 were confirmed as a correct record.

192. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman welcomed Sarah Fisher from Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who was visiting the County Council on a three-day fast track visit.

193. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

194. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL SELF ASSESSMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6 in the Minute Book) setting out the proposed draft Direction of Travel self assessment which the County Council is required to submit as part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) regime. The Chief Executive expanded on key areas of the report and the overall positive outcomes it contained. There had been some significant performance improvements during the last year, the focus having been on maintaining high quality services despite the substantial challenges the County Council had faced. The Chief Executive highlighted the importance of submitting the most up-to-date information to the Audit Commission, not all of which was available at the meeting, therefore the final submission would be agreed by the Leader of the County Council in consultation with the Chief Executive to meet the submission deadline of 10 November 2006.

The Cabinet were supportive of the positive outcomes included in the draft but felt that the submission could be made more robust to accurately reflect the County Council's current position and achievements, such as in the area of community leadership. The Chief Executive noted the Cabinet's comments and confirmed that the self-assessment would be updated to reflect them.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.

195. AGREEMENT OF FINAL DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME FOR PUBLICATION

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 7 in the Minute Book) setting out the proposed Disability Equality Scheme, which the County Council has a statutory duty to publish. The Equality and Diversity Manager expanded on the background to the report and the work that the County Council has been actively undertaking for some time to improve services for disabled people.

The Cabinet were strongly supportive of the scheme and emphasised the importance of having such a scheme published for the benefit of disabled people using the County Council's facilities and services, and to continue to raise staff awareness to help embed the objectives throughout the organisation. Attention was particularly drawn to the impact that standard government regulations for "tactile" paving has on people with different impairments, i.e. of benefit to some, but could present difficulties to others. As a result, the Cabinet agreed the need to enter into dialogue with representatives from disabled groups in Hampshire to better understand the issues. The Director of Environment was requested to look into the specific issue detailed above, in consultation with the County Council's Equality and Diversity Manager.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report together with an additional resolution to reflect the views detailed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

196. HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE BUSINESS CASE - CONTRACT PROCUREMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) setting out the background to a proposal to introduce trade waste controls, including a waste acceptance policy, at all household waste recycling centres in a phased approach from April 2007. The Director of Environment expanded on the key points of the report and in particular highlighted the reasons why clear and robust criteria are required for dealing with trade waste to ensure it is dealt with safely and effectively, and to ensure household waste recycling centres are being used appropriately.

The Cabinet were supportive, in principal, of the proposals set out in the report although some concern was raised about the potential impact on fly tipping, and in respect of recycling centres, the height of the barriers, queuing, the closing of sites when cars are waiting to enter, and the attitude of some staff. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services agreed to undertake some research with regard to the County Council's "Buy with Confidence" scheme to see if there were ways that that scheme could support the trade waste control proposals.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

197. LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT - REWARD GRANT INVESTMENT PROPOSALS

Councillor M.J. Kendal declared a personal interest as the County Council's representative on the board of the New Forest National Park.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) detailing investment proposals for allocation of Local Public Service Agreement reward grant to the Environment Department. The Director of Environment expanded on the report and in particular the investment proposals, which were detailed in Table 1 of the report.

The Cabinet were supportive of the proposals and were particularly pleased to see initiatives to enhance the environment of Hampshire including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a pilot scheme to promote young driver safety aimed at reducing the high casualty rate in the 17-24 years age group. During the course of the discussion, Members emphasised the importance of working with partners that can help to deliver the desired outcomes.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

198. 14-19 EDUCATION IN HAMPSHIRE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) setting out the key issues relating to the future direction of education and training for 14-19 year olds in Hampshire and the likely implications for the County Council. The Director of Children's Services deputy expanded on the key areas of the report and in particular highlighted the anomaly of the County Council being responsible for educational outcomes up to 19 but is only able to fund 14-16 education, the Learning Skills Council (LSC) having control of the planning and funding of 16-19 education. During the course of the ensuing discussion, the Cabinet expressed their concern about this anomaly and agreed to lobby the Department for Education and Skills. The Cabinet also emphasised the importance of 14-19 education in Hampshire having proper democratic accountability and the leadership of the County Council as lead authority for Children's Services, with partners having a duty to cooperate in line with the principles of the Children Act.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report together with additional resolutions to reflect the views expressed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

199. LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage (Item 11 in the Minute Book) explaining the national and regional structure that has been set up to deliver the 2012 Olympics in London and explored ways that the County Council can provide support to and maximise well being and benefits from the Games for the people of Hampshire. The Cabinet welcomed the report and the opportunities that the Olympic and Paralympic Games can offer to promote not just sport but also culture and education leading up to 2012 and beyond.

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

Contact: Jenny Heath, ext no 7402, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The Council is required to submit a Direction of Travel self-assessment as part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) regime. The following decision is sought:

1.2 That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, is authorised to finalise and submit the self-assessment by the 10 November deadline, in accordance with the outline proposed in this report.

2. Reason

2.1 The Audit Commission requires evidence of the Council's direction of travel in terms of service performance and improvement.

2.2 Self assessment strengthens the Council's overall ability to focus improvement activity and therefore supports the efficient, economic and effective delivery of all corporate priorities.

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 - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

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

Contact: Jane Goodwin 8 252 8823, [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

That Cabinet:

a) Agree that the actions identified in the Disability Equality Scheme reflect the intention of the County Council to promote Disability Equality


b) That all elected Members are aware of their role in ensuring that this scheme is effective and serves to improve the lives of disabled people in Hampshire


c) Agreed that the Disability Equality Scheme be amended to address the issue of reviewing the application of government regulations on tactile paving.

2. Reason

2.1 Statutory requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. A general duty placed on all public bodies to promote disability equality and a specific duty to publish a Disability Equality Scheme which shows how disabled people have been involved in the development of the scheme.

2.2 This links to each of the Corporate Priorities as it aims to improve the lives of disabled people in Hampshire.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 No action would put the authority at risk of legal challenge

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 - Chairman

Contact: Clare Saunders, ext 5835 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Cabinet approves the principle of introducing trade waste controls, including a waste acceptance policy, at all household waste recycling centres in a phased approach from April 2007.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports introducing trade waste controls to enable the majority of trade waste volumes to be removed from the household waste recycling centre network. This will improve service to householders and the cost of the trade waste controls should be recouped in less than two years.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To continue without effective trade waste controls. The risks are considered too great in terms of service provision, cost exposure and legislative requirements to proceed with this option.

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

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................
Councillor T.K. Thornber CBE - Chairman

1077Decn/CS

Contact: Tom Niedrum, ext 6931 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the release of the allocation of £2.1 million of Local Public Service Agreement reward grant to the Environment Department for the investment proposals summarised in Table 1 of the report be approved, and noting the need for flexibility set out in paragraph 2.4 of the report, to ensure the level of spending on the integrated transport capital programme is as proposed.

2. Reason

2.1 The proposals set out in this report are diverse and generally support making Hampshire safer and more secure for all and enhancing quality of place. These factors are set out more clearly within each business case.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to approve the allocation of Local Public Service Agreement reward grant to the Environment Department.

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

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

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

Councillor T.K. Thornber CBE - Chairman

1114Decn/TN

Contact: John Clarke, Deputy Director of Children's Services, ext. 6459, email:
[email protected]

Melanie Saunders, Education Officer (Secondary/14-19), ext 6364,
email: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

a) That the Cabinet lobby the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) about the anomaly of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funding and planning of post-16 education and training which adversely affects the ability of the County Council to deliver educational outcomes up to 19.


b) That 14-19 education in Hampshire should have proper democratic accountability and the leadership of Hampshire County Council, as the lead authority for Children's Services. Other partners have a duty to cooperate in line with the principles of the Children Act.

1 Reason

1.1 Developing educational opportunity for 14-19 year olds supports the corporate strategy to maximise wellbeing by providing appropriate and engaging routes through Key Stage four (KS4) and into post-16 education and training for all learners in Hampshire. Successful progression through KS4 and into further education and training helps students to enjoy and achieve in school and supports young people in making a positive contribution and achieving lifelong economic wellbeing in accordance with The Children Act.

3 Other options considered and rejected:

3.1 No other options considered.

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

Contact: Julie Amies, ext 6029

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

· That Hampshire County Council, via Sport and Tourism, contribute to the comprehensive audit of sporting and supporting facilities in Hampshire.

· That Hampshire County Council set up a cross-departmental 2012 Working Group consisting of representatives from Recreation & Heritage (Sport, Arts, Tourism), Economic Development, Children's Services and Environment, led by the Director for Recreation and Heritage.

· That the Executive member for Recreation & Heritage take the lead role on London 2012 for the Cabinet.

· That the Executive Member for Recreation & Heritage invite Mary McAnally (the SE representative on the National and Regions Group and a Hampshire resident) to meet the HCC 2012 Working Group.

· That an Hampshire Olympic Fund of £10,000 a year, every year until 2012 be established and used to raise the profile of arts and culture in 2012. The sum to be funded from the Policy and Resources grants fund.

· That the HCC 2012 working group determine the County Council's role in relation to the other local authorities in Hampshire, some of whom are well underway with their internal planning groups.

· That Recreation & Heritage and Children's Services examine ways to resource, including financial, travel, equipment, training and medical support, Hampshire's potential Olympians via the sports bursary schemes.

· That this report be referred to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Association.

2 Reasons

2.1 London 2012 presents a unique opportunity to address local area agreement targets: to improve the life chances of children and young people; deliver support for businesses, promote skills and workforce development and promote the health and well being of people in Hampshire by harnessing the opportunities this major international will provide. It also provides an opportunity for the County Council to achieve its corporate priority to maximise well being through the encouragement of more people becoming more active more of the time.

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

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