Contact: Stuart Jarvis, ext 6124 email: [email protected]

Kevin Gardner ext 7381 [email protected]

1. Summary

The following decision is sought:

That the Cabinet:

1.1 Approves the establishment of joint arrangements between the County Council, Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils, East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester District/Borough Councils (together referred to as "the PUSH Authorities") to replace the existing voluntary partnership for Urban South Hampshire "PUSH" based on the broad structure and functions described in Section 4 of the Report, and Appendices 1 and 2.

1.2 Approves the establishment of a Joint Committee with delegated authority to discharge such functions of the Executive as are necessary to implement the Business Plan for PUSH, subject to the Business Plan being approved on an annual basis by the County Council.

1.3 Appoints the Leader as the County Council's representative on the Joint Committee or, in the event that the Leader is unable to attend, such other member of the Executive as is nominated by the Leader.

1.4 Authorises the Leader to finalise the detail of the joint arrangements, in consultation with the Director of Environment and the Chief Executive, on the basis set out in the Report and Appendices.

1.5 Recommends to the County Council

(i) The approval of the joint arrangements referred to in paragraph 1.1 above and the establishment of an Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as part of these arrangements, with authority to carry out overview and scrutiny functions in relation to the matters delegated to the Joint Committee.

(ii) The appointment of a non-executive member as its representative on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and a second non-executive member to serve as deputy member in their absence.

(iii) That authority is given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Director of Environment, to finalise the detail of the joint arrangements in relation to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, on the basis set out in the Report and Appendices.


(iv) That the Chief Executive be authorised to amend Chapter 6 paragraph 6.3 and Chapter 11 paragraph 11.1 of Part 1 of the Council's Constitution to give effect to these decisions.

2. Reason

2.1 The formulation of a formal Joint Committee will strengthen the Governance of the Partnership, to improve local accountability. The new arrangement will also enhance the ability and capacity of the Partnership to deliver the sub-regional strategy which will contribute to quality of place and well-being of South Hampshire communities, through provision of employment, housing, infrastructure and facilities to meet social and community needs, whilst protecting the environment and delivering sustainable communities.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To carry on with the existing voluntary arrangements. This was rejected as it would not deliver the accountability and transparency of decision-making or allow the Joint Committee to play a fully effective part in the development of South Hampshire. A number of options for different aspects of the proposed joint arrangements have been considered at the March and June meetings of the PUSH Leaders and Chief Executives Group, and at a specially arranged Workshop in May. The proposals set out in the Report and Appendices represent the agreed outcome of these discussions.

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

1396Decn/SJ/KG/hw