AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 18 December 2006.

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

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

213. APOLOGIES

No apologies for absence were received.

214. 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.

215. MINUTES

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

Arising:

Minute 203 (ii) - Members requested an update in respect of the publication of Statutory Instrument 3096. The Chief Executive confirmed that following investigation, the intention of the Order was to confirm local authorities existing Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) rating. The outcome of the CPA refresh for 2006 was not anticipated until February 2007.

216. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman reported on an Innovation Forum Conference that he

chaired on Friday 15 December 2006 in Bolton at which Ruth Kelly MP was the keynote speaker. The Minister gave strong indications that the Government would be looking to existing four-star authorities to take a lead in economic development and tackling the effects of climate change.

217. CORPORATE PERFORMANCE REPORT - 2006/07 HALF YEAR RESULTS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 5 in the Minute Book) providing a summary of corporate performance for the half year 1 April to 30 September 2006. In expanding on the report, the Chief Executive highlighted that the report contained some very good results with room for improvement in some areas, that the results would help develop the new Corporate Strategy Business Plan which will focus on a small number of top level performance measures, and that over the next year the thrust for the organisation would be to improve the use of data and management information in order to put in place robust monitoring practices.

The Cabinet considered the report in detail and Executive Members commented on difficulties surrounding a number of the Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs) in respect of their portfolios. The Chief Executive confirmed that specific elements of the BVPIs were being contested with the Audit Commission.

The Cabinet approved the half-year results presented to them. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.

218. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) FOR WINCHESTER

Councillor M.J. Woodhall declared a personal prejudicial interest as the freeholder of two business outlets referred to in the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6 in the Minute Book) which sought support for the development of a BID for Winchester, and for the County Council to be involved in the development of the associated Business Plan. The Head of Economic Development expanded on the BID process, the financial implications for the County Council and the options available.

Following a full discussion, the Cabinet deferred their decision until January 2007 subject to more in-depth analysis of the benefits for the County Council, the outcome of which to be reflected in the revised report.

219. BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROGRAMME GUIDELINES

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) reviewing consultation feedback on the budget options for 2007/08, providing an update on relevant Government announcements since September (DfES announcement on the schools capital programme, New Deal for Schools and Primary School pathfinder), and progress in developing plans to achieve pay and benefits realisation savings in 2007/08. In expanding on the report the County Treasurer reported that out of all the English counties, Hampshire will receive the second lowest formula grant per head (after damping) for 2007/08 in the face of continuing challenges particularly rising waste management costs, and the provision of adult social care services. He also drew attention to paragraph 2.2 in respect of savings required and the implications for the County Council should the savings targets not be achieved.

The Cabinet expressed strong concerns about the implications of the grant settlement for 2007/08 for the County Council and the people of Hampshire. They agreed the importance of continuing to lobby the Government in respect of the current Revenue Support Grant framework, which was not sustainable. The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and requested some strengthening of the draft letter (attached as an appendix to the report) prior to its submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government. Parish Councils would also be included in the circulation list for this letter. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

220. NEW LOOK LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME 2008

Councillor M.J. Kendal declared a personal prejudicial interest as a pension fund manager for private enterprise and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion on this item.

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) detailing the latest developments with the `new look' Local Government Pension Scheme. The County Treasurer expanded on the report and answered Members questions.

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

221. GUIDANCE FOR SETTING LOCAL SPEED LIMITS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) reviewing the recently published Department for Transport guidance on the setting of local speed limits, and recommending a policy for the assessment and consistent application of speed limits on roads throughout the county. The Executive Member for Environment detailed the background to the report and expanded on the decisions sought. The Director of Environment followed by answering Members specific questions.

During the course of a full discussion, the Cabinet explored the role that the Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) might play in regard to local priorities and expressed strong support to review 30 and 40 mph speed limits, particularly in villages, and for urgent consideration of 20 mph speed limits at schools that wish such limits to be implemented in conjunction with a publicity campaign at all schools promoting "20 is plenty!". Accordingly, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to a revision to recommendation 1.1 (iii) to reflect the views expressed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

222. ADULT SERVICES FINANCIAL RECOVERY PLAN 2007/08 - MODERNISATION STRATEGY

Councillor Mrs Hindson declared a personal interest as a member of the A2

Winchester Housing Association.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) setting out the strategic direction for Adult Services for the next five years and outlining the current context and key drivers, which included financial recovery, government requirements and performance imperatives. The Executive Member for Adult Social Care detailed the background to the report, followed by the Director of Adult Services who expanded comprehensively on the report, particularly in regard to the national picture and key drivers for taking the service forward.

During the course of a full discussion, the Cabinet were supportive of the strategic direction outlined in the report and expressed the importance of "care with independence" for people who require care but wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Members were particularly interested in Extra Care Housing, which is proving to be a preferable option for many service users rather than moving into residential care. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services and the County Treasurer clarified the contractual and financial implications of this initiative.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

Contact: Jenny Heath, ext 7402, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

The following decision was made:

That Cabinet approved the 2006/07 half year corporate performance results.

2. Reason

2.1 Executive members and/or Cabinet continually receive more detailed reports on the individual performance areas mentioned in this report. For example, the results summarised here are consistent with the statements made in this year's Value for Money and Direction of Travel self- assessments. The value of this report is to bring together for consideration and discussion an overview of all areas, drawn from the latest headline performance data.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 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 - Chairman

Contact: Jon Pittam, (01962) 847400; [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report reviews the feedback from the consultation on the budget options agreed provisionally by the Cabinet in September, provides an update on relevant Government announcements since September, and on progress in developing plans to achieve pay and benefits realisation savings in 2007/08.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

(i) to confirm the provisional budget and capital programme guidelines covering a period extending (for capital purposes) to 2010/11, as the basis for executive members to prepare draft revenue budgets and capital programmes for consideration by the Cabinet on 9 February 2007

(ii) to agree the basis of the County Council's response to the consultation on the 2007/08 revenue support grant settlement, as outlined in the appendix

(iii) to note progress on delivering plans to achieve pay and benefits realisation savings.

(iv) to require Executive members to report back in February on specific action plans to make benefit rationalisation savings totalling £2m in 2007/08 to meet the unfunded costs of pay and benefits

(v) as a result of consultation, to confirm the planned council tax rise of 4.9% (£0.87 per week per band D tax payer) and to delete plans to cut services by £10.7m to achieve a 2.5% council tax rise.

2. Reasons

21. The Cabinet needs to confirm the budget guidelines on which executive members are requested to prepare proposed budgets, following the consultation that has taken place in the autumn.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted

4.1 None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable.

6. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Jon Pittam, (01962) 847400; [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Following an initial consultation earlier in the year, the Minister for Local Government has announced the main elements of the new look local government pension scheme (LGPS) due to be introduced from 1 April 2008. The scheme will continue to be a final salary pension scheme but with various changes that make it likely to be more expensive than the option based on the existing scheme preferred by the County Council.

1.2 The following decisions were made:

That the Leader and County Treasurer make a formal response during the consultation period.

2. Reason

2.1 This report informs the Cabinet of the Government's response to the initial consultation on a new look local government pension scheme. The County Council will have an opportunity to respond to the draft pension regulations required to bring the changes to the current scheme into effect.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1 Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted

4.1 None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

Contact: Peter Bayless, tel 01962 846882 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(i) That the Department for Transport Circular 01/2006 `Setting Local Speed Limits' be approved for use as a basis for the assessment and setting of all speed limits on the county road network.

(ii) That a review of speed limits on all A and B roads be undertaken as priorities permit in the traffic management programme to meet the Government's completion target of 2011.

(iii) That 30 and 40 miles per hour speed limits, particularly in villages, be positively reviewed in accordance with the guidance and according to locally determined priorities through the Hampshire Action Teams. Furthermore, that urgent consideration be given to 20 miles per hour speed limits at schools that wish such limits, in conjunction with a publicity campaign "20 is plenty!"

(iv) That options be explored through the new Safer Roads Partnership for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as to how increased compliance with village speed limits in Hampshire might be achieved within the resources and priorities of the Partnership.

(v) That the Hampshire Association of Town and Parish Councils be consulted with a view to commissioning a public attitude survey with Hampshire residents to assess the acceptability of lower speed limits and increased enforcement to achieve compliance in villages.

2. Reason

2.1 The recently published Department for Transport (DfT) guidance on the setting of local speed limits recommends a framework for the assessment and consistent application of speed limits on roads throughout the country. Amendment of the County Council's current policy will ensure that speed limits on County roads are appropriate for the road conditions, in line with current national advice and therefore broadly consistent with other local authority areas. Reviewing speed limits on all A and B roads as a priority will allow the Government's target date of 2011 to be met.

2.2 A revised policy in Hampshire would in turn enable other speed limits, particularly in villages, to be reviewed according to local priorities and demand, as determined through the Hampshire Action Teams and in liaison with the Hampshire Association of Town and Parish Councils. Increased enforcement of rural speed limits, perhaps linked to further deployment of community based "Speedwatch" type initiatives, might well make these more effective. It would therefore be helpful to assess the increase in Police enforcement resources likely to be required and to gauge through attitude surveys the level of public support for this approach.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not reviewing the County Council's policy in the light of the revised DfT guidelines. This could lead to inconsistencies with other neighbouring Highway Authorities and would not comply with the DfT request to use the new guidance for assessment of speed limits and review limits on A and B roads.

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

1087Decn/PDB

Contact: Rea Mattocks (01962) 847200 email: [email protected]

Nicky Pendleton (01962) 847275 email: [email protected]

1. Summary:

1.1 The purpose of this report is to set out the strategic direction for Adult services for the next 5 years, outlining the current context and key drivers, which include financial recovery, government requirements and performance imperatives.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

a) That cabinet approves the strategic direction for adult services modernisation which will be delivered over the next five years.

b) That the Leader's Governance group continues to provide advice, support and scrutiny as plans are developed, which will be implemented following Executive member for Adult Social Care approval. Such approval will take into account the outcomes of any consultation processes which will be undertaken in appropriate circumstances.

2. Reason

2.1 To gain Cabinet support for the strategy and timetable for implementation which supports financial recovery and modernisation.

2.2 This report supports the Corporate Strategic objectives of maximising well-being in that it outlines how the department will support individuals to maintain and improve their well-being and independence and Hampshire safer and more secure for all through use of telecare.

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 -None.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

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

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE - Chairman