Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 21 May 2007
Chairman:
p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE
Councillors:
p |
Mrs P.G. Banks |
p |
D.A. Kirk |
p |
C.R.H. Davidovitz |
a |
R. Perry |
p |
J.K. Glen |
p |
Mrs M.D. Snaith |
p |
Felicity Hindson, MBE |
p |
M.J. Woodhall |
p |
M.J. Kendal |
Also present: Councillors M.F. Cartwright; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash and Mrs C.A. Leversha.
271. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R. Perry.
272. 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.
273. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2007 were confirmed as a correct record.
274. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
(i) The Chairman reported that due to the importance of a meeting of
the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) in the afternoon at which his attendance was required, the Deputy Leader of the County Council would take over chairing the meeting if the Cabinet business was not concluded during the morning session.
(ii) The Executive Member for Education reported that Kings Somborne Church of England Primary School experienced a serious fire over the weekend. A report will be received in due course from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (HFRA), however there was nothing to suggest that this incident was due to an arson attack. Members praised the efforts of HFRA and key County Council staff and contractors, all of which were mobilised in a very timely manner to deal with the situation.
275. 2006/07 PROVISIONAL FINAL ACCOUNTS
The Cabinet received a presentation by the County Treasurer providing them with an early summary of the provisional final accounts for 2006/07 together with the end of year position on the monitoring of high risk and employee budgets, prior to a fuller report being submitted to the Cabinet in June. The County Treasurer reported that the overall outturn position was better than had been forecast, including that of Adult Services which had faced particularly challenging times over the last 12 months.
In welcoming the provisional outturn, Members were particularly pleased with the latest position with Adult Services and the work that had been carried out by staff in regard to the department's recovery plan, despite the continuing unsatisfactory situation with the low level of Government funding for these services.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.
276. DEVOLVED BUDGETS TO MEMBERS
The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive and County Treasurer detailing a scheme whereby each Member of the County Council is allocated a budget of £10,000 to be spent on initiatives that would benefit their local community. A protocol supporting the scheme and the proposed application forms were appended to the report. The Chief Executive expanded on the report particularly focussing on the benefits the scheme would bring by enhancing the role of all members in their local communities and the administration of the scheme, which would be via a `light touch' approach to avoid it becoming resource intensive and hence costly.
During the course of a full debate, Members welcomed the proposed introduction of this scheme and the opportunities it presented. Members also emphasised the importance of all Members of the County Council fully understanding the scheme and were of the view that a seminar to provide the necessary guidance would be a good idea. They also supported the proposed approach of keeping administration costs to a minimum.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report and the matter would be debated at a meeting of the County Council on 24 May 2007. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.
277. EDUCATION AND INSPECTIONS ACT 2006 - IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL ORGANISATION DECISIONS
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services detailing the implications of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 in respect of school organisation decisions, particularly the decision making process after the abolition of the School Organisation Committee and the requirement to hold "competitions" in most cases where new schools are proposed. The Executive Member (with special responsibility) for Education had considered the matter on 17 May 2007 and a decision sheet reflecting the decisions made by the Executive Member had been previously circulated to the Cabinet. In expanding on the report, the Director of Children's Services drew Members attention to the key elements of the proposals and the implications for the County Council.
During the course of a full discussion, Members acknowledged the complexity of the new arrangements and expressed some reservation with the proposals, which they felt would be of little benefit to Hampshire given the excellent system the County Council, in its role as children's services authority, currently has in place to deal with school re-organisations. Also of concern was the position with academies given that it was too early to measure the success or otherwise of these establishments via statistical data.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.
278. REVIEW OF SPECIAL SCHOOL PROVISION IN THE NEW FOREST
Councillor Collett declared a personal interest in respect of special school provision in Hampshire given that a member of his family currently attends Henry Tyndale School.
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services setting out proposals in respect of reorganising special school provision in the New Forest area. The Director of Children's Services reported that the proposals had been developed in support of a long term strategy to create a primary learning community centred on a new primary special school on the present site of Forest Edge School in Totton, followed later by the establishment of a secondary learning community centred on the site of Oak Lodge School in Dibden Purlieu and the eventual end of special education provision at Salterns School in Totton. The proposals, which would not lead to a reduction in the overall number of special school places available in the area, had been subject to a rigorous consultation process and the key issues raised by respondents were detailed in section 6 of the report. The phased approach for the implementation of this strategy, as detailed in section 11 of the report, had been developed in order to take full advantage of various government funding streams including the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative for the second phase.
Members of the Cabinet and some of the local Members had undertaken a visit of the Forest Edge and Salterns Schools on 11 May 2007 which they reported had proved to be very helpful in their deliberations of the proposals and their thanks were extended to the schools involved. Representatives from Salterns School were present to hear the debate and were given the opportunity to comment on the proposals.
During the course of a full discussion and taking into careful consideration all the views put forward, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.
279. CONSULTATION ON SCHOOL, EARLY YEARS AND 14-16 FUNDING 2008-11
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services and the County Treasurer setting out the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) main proposals in respect of its consultation on school, early years and 14-16 funding for the period 2008-11 and the potential issues to be taken into consideration by the County Council in responding. The proposals cover school funding both at local authority and school level as well as outlining the implications of key government reforms. The County Treasurer expanded on the main elements of the report and particularly amplified section 3 which summarised the consultation proposals and confirmed that the proposed County Council response (referred to as an Appendix to the report) would be circulated separately for comment. Cabinet agreed with the County Treasurer's additional suggestions that the response be expanded to request an early announcement of the Direct Schools Grant (DSG), given that the DfES already had their control total, and to provide grant support towards the full cost of taking up supported borrowing approvals for schools. The draft response would be considered in detail by Councillors Mrs Hindson, Kirk and Mrs Banks and their views subsequently reported to the Leader and the County Treasurer.
The Executive (Lead) Member for Children's Services had considered the matter on 17 May 2007 and requested that it be drawn to the Cabinet's attention that the DfES' proposed arrangements involved changes that have not been modelled or tested and, if they are implemented, there is a risk of turbulence in the system as a result; and furthermore requested that the response be sent to all Hampshire MPs in advance of the end of the consultation response period (1 June 2007). The Cabinet noted these points, the former of which would be incorporated into the proposed County Council response.
During the course of the ensuing discussion, Members were concerned about the effect the proposed changes might have on village schools, particularly the smaller ones, and emphasised that in respect of questions raised in the consultation document about deprivation and how to reflect this in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), they were of the firm view that funding for deprivation should be determined by the local authority and the Schools Forum not via the DSG distribution mechanism.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to some additional resolutions to reflect the points detailed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.
280. MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY 2007/08 - 2009/10
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer that brought together, into a single document, the various elements of the County Council's medium term financial strategy for the three-year period 2007/08 to 2009/10. The strategy therefore incorporates:
· the three year budget plan, comprising the 2007/08 budget and the provisional budget for 2008/09 and 2009/10
· the capital programme for 2007/08 to 2010/11, also included in the County Council's budget book
· a number of underpinning policy statements and strategies (financial management policies; value for money strategy and efficiency plan; treasury management and investment strategies; the capital strategy; prudential indicators for capital finance)
· a set of financial health indicators that will form the basis for monitoring the strategy
In expanding on the report, the County Treasurer confirmed that the strategy is in line with the budget guidelines already agreed by the Cabinet and is the next step in preparing for the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR07) later in the year. The strategy would therefore be rolled forward and reviewed in light of CSR07 coupled with the announcement of the three-year settlement for 2008/08 to 2010/11, and to reflect any changes in the Corporate Strategy.
In supporting the strategy and the specific recommendations sought, Members were mindful that the proposals were highly contingent upon the outcome of CSR07; that the requirement to achieve 3% cashable efficiency savings would be difficult and, if the current formula grant system remains in place the expectation that the County Council could lose over 30% of its current funding over a period of time.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to a revision to recommendation 1.2 (i). A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 6.
281. 2007/08 SAVINGS PLANS
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer reviewing progress to date in respect of developing and implementing plans to achieve savings during 2007/08. The County Treasurer confirmed that good progress was being made and Members acknowledged the robust monitoring that had been carried out to date in support of the savings plans.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 7.
282. MARINE BILL WHITE PAPER
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment summarising the most important aspects of the publication issued by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) `A Sea of Change - Marine Bill White Paper'. The main aim of the Bill is to establish a strategic system of Marine Planning that will balance conservation, energy and resource needs. Defra has requested responses by 8 June 2007, therefore the report included a suggested response of the County Council. In summarising the key point in the report, the Head of Spatial Strategy drew attention to the point that the Bill is likely to be the most significant piece of legislation to affect marine (and coastal) waters for decades. He highlighted the important role, which was not fully recognised in the White Paper, that local authorities could potentially play in marine planning at regional and sub-regional level due to their involvement in land-based spatial planning, their representation of coastal communities and their democratic accountability.
During the course of the ensuing discussion, Members considered the suggested response to the consultation and noted the proposed arrangements for a new marine management organisation (MMO). However they expressed concerns about the lack of detail in regard to the democratic accountability of the MMO and were of the view that such accountability should be detailed in the final governance arrangements for delivery of its core functions.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to some strengthening of the response to reflect the views detailed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 8.
283. ANNUAL EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY PERFORMANCE REPORT
The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive updating Members on progress with the Equality and Diversity improvement plan agreed in May 2006 and the annual assessment of the County Council's performance against the Equality Standard for Local Government. The report also advised Members of actions required to achieve continued improvement to ensure that the County Council meets statutory requirements on human rights, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability and religion as well as continued progress towards level 3 of the Equality Standard.
The report authors summarised the key points and in answer to Members specific questions about the data provided in Appendix 1, clarified that the statistics provided were at a national rather than local level. Members emphasised the importance of having equivalent statistics available for Hampshire, and in particular for each of the Hampshire Action Team areas to enable the teams to evaluate the problems that exist area by area and the challenges that need to be addressed.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to some revision to reflect the comments detailed above. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 9.
284. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED:
That the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business, as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during that item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the report.
285. LANDFILL ALLOWANCE TRADING SCHEME STRATEGY 2009-10 (EXEMPT)
The Cabinet considered the exempt report of the Director of Environment detailing the background to the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) introduced by the Government in April 2005 to ensure compliance with the EU Landfill Directive aimed at significantly reducing landfilling of biodegradable waste. The Head of Waste and Resource Management expanded on the key elements of the report and answered Members detailed questions.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 10.
286. PROMOTION OF COUNTY COUNCIL LAND AND PROPERTY ASSETS FOR CAPITAL RECEIPTS (EXEMPT)
The Cabinet considered the exempt report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services seeking approval of proposals for promoting the County Council's land and property assets to generate capital receipts, on the terms set out in the exempt report. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services expanded on the key elements of the report and answered Members detailed questions.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to a revision to recommendation 4. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 11.
287. ROWNER RENEWAL PARTNERSHIP (RRP)
The Cabinet considered the exempt report of the Chief Executive seeking approval for the County Council to enter into an agreement with the organisations involved in the Rowner Regeneration Partnership, on the basis set out in the report, to secure the implementation of regeneration proposals. The Chief Executive expanded on the key elements of the report and answered Members detailed questions. In considering the proposals, the Cabinet expressed their thanks to Michael Lane who has been working for the County Council on a short-term contract who, together with other members of staff, had been instrumental in developing the proposals on behalf of the County Council.
The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 12.
Hampshire County Council | |||
Cabinet |
Appendix 1 | ||
21 May 2007 |
(Item 9) | ||
2006/07 Provisional Final Accounts | |||
Report of the County Treasurer | |||
Contact: Nick Gibbins, (01962) 847544; [email protected]
1 Summary
1.1 A presentation will be given at the meeting on the provisional final accounts for 2006/07 and on the end of year position on the monitoring of high risk and employee budgets, on which work is still underway. A fuller report will be submitted to the next meeting on 25 June, prior to the Governance Committee considering the Statement of Accounts on 28 June. County Council will also receive a report on 19 July, as a Part 2 item.
1.2 The following decision is sought:
· To note the provisional final accounts position for 2006/07.
2 Reason
2.1 The presentation will provide the Cabinet with a early summary of the provisional final accounts position for 2006/07.
3 Other options considered and rejected
3.1 To defer reporting on the final accounts until the June meeting.
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 None.
6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent
1.1 Not applicable.
Approved by: Date:
Councillor T K Thornber CBE - Chairman
Hampshire County Council 24 May 2007 Cabinet 21 May 2007 Devolved Budgets to Members Report of the Chief Executive and County Treasurer |
Appendix 2 1.2 (Item 12) Item 12 |
Contact: Jeff Pattison, ext 7321, email: [email protected]
1. Summary
1.1 The following decisions are sought:
That the Cabinet recommend the following to the County Council:
a. To approve the allocation of £10,000 to each member of the County Council to be utilised for community benefits in accordance with the protocol attached to this report at Appendix I.
b. To approve the process for handling budget allocation to members and the funding of community initiatives with delegation being given to the County Treasurer to approve the payment of appropriate funds from individual budgets allocated to members.
c. The Chief Executive to publish full details of all expenditure from the budgets allocated to individual members on an annual basis.
d. The scheme to be reviewed in 12 months and, if necessary, refined or withdrawn in the light of experiences.
2. Reason
2.1 This scheme is intended to enhance the role of all members, particularly frontline members, in their local communities, by providing them with a budget to make grants for initiatives in their Division which will benefit the community. The scheme is fully aligned with the County Council's corporate strategy, and in order to be successful all grant applications will have to demonstrate that they meet one or more of the Council's corporate objectives.
3. Other options considered and rejected
3.1 Models currently operating in other County Councils have been investigated, many of which have very high administrative costs. The model presented here is recommended, in order to maximise the amount of money that can be spent in the community, whilst at the same time
ensuring that minimum legal and financial constraints for the Council and individual members are fulfilled.
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, C.B.E. - Chairman
21 May 2007 |
(Item 5 AMENDED) | |
Education and Inspections Act 2006 - Implications for School Organisation Decisions | ||
Louise Read (Senior Solicitor, Chief Executive's Department); Telephone 01962 847344; e-mail: [email protected]
Ian Lawson (School Organisation Officer, Children's Services Department); Telephone 01962 846350; e-mail: [email protected]
1 Summary
1.1 The following decision is sought:
That the Executive Member for Education recommends that the Cabinet approve the following:
a) That in accordance with the County Council's constitution the Director of Children's Services is authorised to:
(i) undertake local consultations and to publish statutory proposals relating to enlargements of existing schools; and
(ii) undertake local consultations and to publish public notices inviting proposals for the establishment of new schools (this would include authorisation, where the Director thinks it appropriate, to seek the approval of the Secretary of State to publish statutory proposals to establish a new school outside of a competition),
where the proposals are named in an approved capital programme.
b) That all other proposals by the local authority for the reorganisation of schools, including amalgamations and closures, and other "prescribed alterations", should be considered by the Executive Member for Education prior to a decision by the Executive Member regarding the undertaking of formal consultations in respect of the proposals.
c) That, except where the governing body of the school involved in the proposed closure give their general support to the proposal (the applicability of this exception to be determined by the Executive Member for Education), the outcome of any consultations in relation to (b) above which involve the proposed closure of a school be considered by the Cabinet. Following such consideration, the Cabinet shall determine whether to publish statutory proposals.
d) That the outcome of all other consultations in relation to (b) above be considered by the Executive Member for Education prior to a decision by the Executive Member regarding the publication of statutory proposals or, where applicable, the publication of a public notice inviting proposals for the establishment of a new school.
e) The above provisions in (a), (c) and (d) are subject to the requirement that where the consultations undertaken incorporated linked proposals:
(i) if at least one of the linked proposals consulted about falls to be considered by the Cabinet under recommendation (c) above, the Cabinet shall consider all the linked proposals and determine whether to publish notices in respect of them; and
(ii) if at least one of the linked proposals consulted about falls to be considered by the Executive Member for Education under recommendation (d) above, with no proposals falling to be considered by the Cabinet, the Executive Member for Education shall consider all the linked proposals and determine whether to publish notices in respect of them.
f) That the existing arrangements in accordance with the County Council's constitution and current practice continue whereby the Director of Children's Services is authorised to determine all proposals that fall to the County Council to decide, where no objections have been received in response to the published statutory proposals (or have subsequently been withdrawn), except where these relate to a new school competition or a school closure proposed by the County Council.
g) That, except for those proposals in respect of which no objections have been received (or where all objections made have subsequently been withdrawn), the Cabinet shall determine all proposals made by the County Council involving a school closure that fall to the County Council to decide.
h) That the decision on all other proposals that fall to the County Council to decide be made by the Executive Member for Education.
i) The above provisions in (f), (g) and (h) are subject to the requirement that where linked statutory proposals all fall to be determined by the County Council:
(i) if at least one of the statutory proposals falls to be determined by the Cabinet, the Cabinet shall determine all the linked proposals; and
(ii) if at least one of the statutory proposals falls to be determined by the Executive Member for Education, with no proposals falling to be determined by the Cabinet, the Executive Member for Education shall determine all the linked proposals.
j) That Hampshire County Council shall only enter its own proposals into a new school competition where:
(i) no other bids have been received before the close of the competition; or
(ii) in consultation with the Executive Member, the Director of Children's Services considers that there is good reason to do so,
In either case the Director of Children's Services be authorised to submit a bid on behalf of the County Council
k) That where a new school competition is being held, the Director of Children's Services is authorised to seek the approval of the Secretary of State for any bid that is submitted by the County Council in accordance with (j) above to be for a community school.
l) That discussions with diocesan bodies should continue, in relation to the identification of new schools in new areas of major housing development where the provision of a voluntary aided school would be appropriate to secure diversity of provision and that, in such situations as he considers appropriate, the Director of Children's Services be authorised to support any request made by the diocesan body to secure the Secretary of State's consent to publish statutory proposals without the need for a new school competition.
1 Reason
1.1 The proposals are expected to support of the County Council's corporate priorities to maximise wellbeing and enhance the quality of place, by providing an appropriate framework for decisions that satisfy the local authority's duty to promote choice and diversity in school provision by securing good quality and sufficient provision in the localities served.
2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:
Being healthy - as the location of schools within the communities they serve, thereby reducing the need for parents to transport their children by car, is a factor that is taken into account when school organisation proposals are made and approved.
Staying safe - by providing that children have access to a secure learning environment
Enjoying and achieving - by securing the provision of facilities to support a high standard of education .
Making a positive contribution - as the role of schools in their communities is a factor that will be taken into account in the decision making process.
Economic well-being - by ensuring that all proposals are beneficial to the children and communities that they serve.
2 Other Options considered and rejected:
3.1 These proposals aim to make an appropriate response to new legislation in the context of the County Council's constitution. Any alternative, including the retention of a School Organisation Committee, would require significant changes to the constitution.
3 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted
4.1 None.
4 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -
5.1 None.
5 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -
5.1 Not applicable
Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman
Hampshire County Council | ||
Cabinet |
Appendix 4 | |
21 May 2007 (Item 6) | ||
Review of special school provision in the New Forest | ||
Report of the Director of Children's Services | ||
Contacts:
Chris Holt - Head of School Organisation;
Tel: 01962 845673; e-mail: [email protected]
Eric Smith - Education Officer (SEN);
Tel: 01962 846245; e-mail: [email protected]
Alex Munro - School Organisation Officer;
Tel: 01962 846462; e-mail: [email protected]
1 Summary
1.1 The following decision is sought:
That, in relation to the proposed first phase of development, Cabinet
1.1.1 approves the publication of a notice proposing the closure of Forest Edge and Salterns Schools with effect from 31 August 2009, and the opening in Totton from 1 September 2009 of a 2 - 19 school, comprising a 72 place school on the Forest Edge site and continuing use of the Salterns School building, catering for the full range of learning difficulties (LD);
and, in relation to the proposed second phase of development,
1.1.2 grants the Director of Children's Services the authority to undertake further consultations, to coincide with the timing of the County Council's eligibility for funding through the government's Building Schools for Future strategy for secondary schools and its availability in the New Forest area of the county, on the proposals
a) to close Oak Lodge School and to open on the same site an 11 - 19 school catering for the full range of learning difficulties (LD);
b) to reduce the age range of pupils at the 2-19 school established in Totton to 2 - 11.
2 Reason
2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priorities:
"Maximising well-being" - by providing new facilities and a wider range of staff expertise to respond to pupils' individual special educational needs and enhance their ability to play a full part in their community.
"Enhancing our quality of place" - by providing new school buildings and infrastructure within the context of a wider learning campus.
2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:
being healthy: (enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle) by ensuring that recreational facilities are enhanced, that healthy living is incorporated into all pupils' curriculum and that the particular health needs of the most disabled pupils are safeguarded ;
staying safe: (being protected from harm and neglect) - by having access to a secure learning environment and ensuring that those pupils for whom transport is provided are fully supervised by trained personnel on their journey to and from school.
enjoying and achieving: (getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood) - by providing a high standard of education for children in improved accommodation;
making a positive contribution: (being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour) - by encouraging curriculum and social links with other schools and involvement with the local community;
economic well-being: (not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life) - by ensuring that proposals will be to the benefit of all children, giving them a sound start to their schooling and developing their independence and life skills.
3 Other Options considered and rejected:
3.1 These are considered in paragraphs 9.21 - 9.25 of the report.
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 -
Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman
Hampshire County Council Amended decision | |||
Cabinet |
Appendix 5 | ||
21 May 2007 |
(Item 7) | ||
Consultation on school, early years and 14-16 Funding 2008-11 | |||
Report of the Director of Children's Services and the County Treasurer | |||
Contact: Sarah Pook, (01962) 847045; [email protected]
1 Summary
1.1 This report sets out the main proposals of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in its consultation on school, early years and 14-16 funding for 2008-11 and sets out the potential issues that need considering in making a response. It then attaches a proposed draft response to the 37 questions asked by the DfES in the consultation.
1.2 The following decisions were made:
· That County Council make further comment in the return of the consultation form urging the DfES not to implement these proposals in full until they have been fully modelled and tested.
· The Leader in consultation with Councillors Mrs Hindson, Kirk and Mrs Banks, County Treasurer and Director of Children's Services are authorised to make final amendments in the light of Cabinet and Schools Forum consideration and submit the final response to the DfES.
2 Reason
2.1 Following a consultation in 2005 the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) introduced a new school funding system for 2006/07 including multi year budgets and the new Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) - a ring fenced grant to cover all funding for schools' activities. This consultation and the outcomes were always seen as being transitional, with further changes and developments being required.
2.2 The first multi year budget ran from 2006/07 to 2007/08 and the next three-year budget will start in 2008/09. The DfES have now issued a consultation on proposed arrangements for 2008-11. The proposals cover school funding both at local authority and school level and cover the implications of key government reforms. The proposals are wide ranging and will impact on the funding the County Council receives for its schools and school activities.
3 Other options considered and rejected
3.1 There are a number of options in response to each of the proposals and these have been explored where appropriate in the report.
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, C.B.E. - Chairman
Hampshire County Council Amended decision | |||
Cabinet |
Appendix 6 | ||
21 May 2007 |
(Item 10) | ||
Medium Term Financial Strategy 2007/08 - 2009/10 | |||
Report of the County Treasurer | |||
Contact: Nick Gibbins, (01962) 847544; [email protected]
1 Summary
1.1 This report brings together the various elements of the County Council's current medium term financial strategy into a single document. The strategy will need to be rolled forward and reviewed in the light of the 2007 spending review and three year grant settlement for 2008/09 to 2010/11 and to reflect any changes in the corporate strategy. In the meantime further work is required to assess budget pressures and savings options more fully within the context of the budget limits in the provisional budget for 2008/09 and 2009/10.
1.2 The following decisions were made:
i) to approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2007/08 to 2009/10, subject to the result of the further work referred to in paragraph 1.1 above
ii) to request Executive members to review the value for money benchmark activity and performance forecasts, budget pressures and savings options to contain spending within the limits set out within the provisional budgets for 2008/09 and 2009/2010
iii) to report back these reviews for consideration by Cabinet in September to assist planning and budget consultation during the autumn, before final budget limits are set in December after the formula grant announcement for the CSR07 period.
2 Reason
2.1 The development of a medium term financial strategy should assist in communicating the framework for the County Council's financial decision-making over the next three years more effectively than at present. Planning for the 2008/09 budget needs to get underway before the outcome of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 (CSR 07) is announced in the autumn in order to enable alternative options to be explored and to facilitate budget consultation.
3 Other options considered and rejected
3.1 Not to produce a medium term financial strategy document and to defer planning for the 2008/09 budget strategy until after the 2007 Spending Review announcement in the autumn.
4 Conflicts of interest
4.1 None
5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee
5.1 None
6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent
6.1 None
Approved by: Date:
Councillor T K Thornber C.B.E. - Chairman
Hampshire County Council | |||
Cabinet |
Appendix 7 | ||
21 May 2007 |
(Item 11) | ||
2007/08 Savings Plans | |||
Report of the County Treasurer | |||
Contact: Nick Gibbins, (01962) 847544; [email protected]
1.1 In preparing the revenue budget for 2007/08, services were required to identify savings and redeployments of £21.4m in order to keep within their cash limits. After allowing for the use of contingencies and earmarked reserves totalling £2.5m, savings of £18.9m have to be implemented during the course of 2007/08. This report reviews progress in developing and implementing plans to achieve the required savings. The following decision is sought:
· to note good progress achieved in planning budget savings in 2007/08, with further monitoring reports being presented on a quarterly basis, to help within cash limits for the year.
2 Reason
2.1 The savings of £18.9m incorporated in the 2007/08 budget are equivalent to approximately 3.2% of service spending and therefore represent a challenging target to ensure that spending is contained within cash limits. Regular monitoring of progress is required to ensure that savings are being planned and implemented and that if the proposed savings are not likely to be achieved, that alternative savings options are being explored.
2.2 This review supports the outcomes in the Corporate Management Plan relating to value for money and resources following priorities.
3 Other options considered and rejected:
3.1 None
4 Conflicts of interest declared
4.1 None
5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee
5.1 None
6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent
6.1 Not applicable
Approved by: Date:
Councillor TK Thornber CBE - Chairman
Hampshire County Council Cabinet 21 May 2007 Marine Bill White Paper Report of the Director of Environment |
Amended decision Appendix 8 Item 8((Item 8) |
Contacts: Stuart Jarvis, ext 6124 email: [email protected]
Rachael Bayliss, ext 6925 email: [email protected]
1. Summary
1.1 The following decision was made:
That the following points form the basis of the County Council response to the Consultation on the Marine Bill White Paper:1
(i) support for the introduction of a statutory system of marine planning, including plans in coastal areas where appropriate (eg the Solent);
(ii) that full recognition must be given to the important role that local authorities should play in marine planning at regional and sub-regional level, due to their involvement in land-based spatial planning, their representation of coastal communities and their democratic accountability;
(iii) support in principle for an integrated marine licensing regime that brings together all types of consents and licences for which Government departments are responsible into a single system;
(iv) support for proposals for Marine Conservation Zones and marine objectives; and
(v) notes the proposals for a new marine management organisation (MMO) with delivery of marine planning and licensing as its core functions, but considers:-
· there is a lack of democratic accountability in respect of the MMO remit and such accountability should be detailed into the governance arrangements for delivery of its core functions; and
· the County Council's view is that the delivery of some of the roles should be locally based, in line with the Government's commitment to local delivery and accountability, and that local authorities are well placed to support these objectives.
2. Reason
2.1 It is recommended that the County Council supports the proposals in the White Paper because the Marine Bill aims to introduce a system of marine planning for safety and security and protected marine areas for environmental enhancement.
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
1349Decn/SJ/RB
Hampshire County Council Cabinet 21 May 2007 Annual Equality and Diversity Performance Report Report of the Chief Executive |
Amended decision Appendix 9 Item 13(Item 13) |
Contact: Jane Goodwin ext 7789, [email protected]; Mohammed Mossadaq ext 5880, [email protected]
1. Summary
1.1 The following decisions were made, that Cabinet:
a) Agree the proposal to merge the equality schemes into one by October 2007
b) Agree the approach proposed to ensure that all Members understand the Hampshire Business Case for Diversity
c) Agree the proposal to engage with diverse communities at a local level, to include through the medium of the Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) and contribute to the consultation for the Gender Equality Scheme
2. Reason
2.1 Enables Council to meet it's statutory duties under human rights, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion
2.2 Meet the requirements of the Equality Standard for Local Government
2.3 All the Corporate Priorities
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
Hampshire County Council Cabinet 21 May 2007 Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme Strategy 2009-10 Report of the Director of Environment |
Appendix 10 Item 15(Item 15) |
Contact: Paul Archer, ext 7022 email: [email protected]
1. Summary
1.1 This report sets out for Members the background to the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) introduced by the Government in April 2005 to ensure compliance with the EU Landfill Directive aimed at significantly reducing landfilling of biodegradable waste. It sets out the experience of trading to date and analyses future market prospects, then recommends a trading strategy for allowances in 2009/10 onwards.
1.2 The following decision is sought:
To take a proactive approach to trading future landfill allowances on the terms set out in the confidential report.
2. Reason
2.1 The trading scheme presents an opportunity for the County Council to trade surplus landfill allowances with other local authorities and potentially generate significant annual, unbudgeted income. An early decision is required on the trading strategy to adopt to provide greater financial certainty and the best possible opportunity for selling Hampshire's surplus Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme allowances.
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
Hampshire County Council Amended decision
Cabinet Appendix 11 (Item 16) 21 May 2007
Promotion of County Council Land and Property Assets for Capital Receipts
Report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Summary of an EXEMPT decision) |
Contact: Andrew Smith ext: 7826 email: [email protected]
Ian Parker ext: 7269 email: [email protected]
1 |
Summary |
1.1 |
The following decisions were made. That:
|
1 Approval be given for the Director of Property Business and Regulatory to promote the development potential of County Council land and property assets through representations to and about the South East Regional Plan and subsequent preparation of Local Developments Documents and Frameworks; | |
2 A further report be presented to Cabinet by the Director of Property, Business & Regulatory Services and the County Treasurer on the resources required to effectively promote these development opportunities and potential use of receipts; | |
3 The Director of Property, Business & Regulatory Services be authorised to develop partnerships and agreements to enable or facilitate development(s) subject to agreement by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources. | |
4 The Director of Property, Business & Regulatory Services bring forward suitable options for consultation as to potential developments in relation the the Carfax site, Gladstone Street, Winchester. | |
2 |
Reason |
2.1 |
The proceeds from the sales will enable the County Council to maximise wellbeing through investment in improved facilities and enhance the quality of place for the community by guiding the future development proposals. |
Approved by: |
.......................... |
Date: |
......................... |
Councillor T K Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman
Hampshire County Council Cabinet 21 May 2007 Rowner Renewal Partnership (RRP) Report of the Chief Executive & the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services |
Appendix 12 (Item 17) Item 17 |
Contact: Chris Lawrence-Pietroni (01962) 847385; [email protected] or Peter Bennett (01962) 846635; [email protected]
1. Summary
1.1 The following decision is sought:
That the Cabinet gives approval for the County Council to enter into an agreement with the organisations involved in the Rowner Renewal Partnership, on the basis set out in the exempt report of the Chief Executive and Director of Property Business and Regulatory Service, to secure the implementation of regeneration proposals.
2. Reason
2.1 To make a decision that the County Council provides financial support in the form of a capital grant to the Rowner Renewal Partnership to support regeneration to deliver a safer and more secure community, to maximise the wellbeing of those who live there and to enhance their quality of place.
3. Other options considered and rejected
3.1 The County Council provided the initiative for this project with Gosport Borough Council to establish whether a viable regeneration vehicle for Rowner could be identified. The Rowner Renewal Partnership brings together the partners necessary to overcome the barriers to regeneration and in particular the earlier funding shortfall. The alternative of not supporting the RRP would mean that regeneration could not proceed.
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, C.B.E., Chairman