AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 25 June 2007.

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

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

288. APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J.G. Glen who was representing the County Council at a SEERA meeting in Guildford.

289. 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.

290. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2007 were confirmed as a correct record.

291. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

292. CORPORATE BUSINESS PLAN PROGRESS/BASELINE - 2006/07 YEAR END

BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, LOCAL AREA AGREEMENT AND PERFORMANCE REPORT - 2006/07 YEAR END RESULTS

Due to the close link between Items 5a and 5b on the agenda as `sister' reports, the Cabinet considered them in tandem. Item 5a detailed progress against the activities/projects in the Corporate Business Plan, which supports the Corporate Strategy, to year end 2006/07. Item 5b detailed the results of the County Council's performance against Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs) and the Local Area Agreement (LAA) targets during 2006/07. Approval was sought to publish extracts from both reports together with the Corporate Business Plan, BVPI and LAA outturn results on the Performance Plan web pages by 30 June 2007.

Item 5c (Final Accounts 2006/07) is minuted separately (see minute 293 below) but the point was made during the discussion and debate that the Council's resources have been targeted very specifically towards delivery of corporate priorities.

In regard to progress with the Corporate Business Plan introduced to support the revised Corporate Strategy, the Chief Executive confirmed that the report provided a good headline summary using the red, amber and green `traffic light' system to assess risk against each of the activities, and expanded on some of the results and action proposed in respect of high-risk activities. He highlighted that because the new Corporate Strategy priorities were introduced part way through the 2006/07 financial year, a full set of data was not available at this time but would be collected as the process progresses.

During the course of a full discussion, Members endorsed the strong progress made during the last twelve months and welcomed the introduction of the Corporate Business Plan as it provided a more focussed delivery approach. It was noted that in respect of the supporting people programme, the County Council was the only county authority to receive a 3* award since the introduction of the harder test, which they felt was an excellent result for the County Council and its partners. Members also welcomed the continued overall high level of satisfaction with waste recycling facilities (84%) and emphasised the importance of good communication with the public to ensure that the division of responsibilities between the County Council and district councils is absolutely clear. They recognised the work that Project Integra is doing in relation to this. Of concern is the effects of anti-social behaviour and the worrying position in regard to a potential 14% reduction in Government funding of Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. They also emphasised the importance of embedding S17 of the Crime and Disorder Act within internal processes to heighten awareness of the statutory responsibilities the County Council has to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

In regard to performance against BVPIs and the LAA targets, the Chief Executive expanded on key aspects of the results along with other performance issues, and highlighted the new arrangements and timelines for the future reporting of performance. He drew attention to the fact that as with the Corporate Business Plan, a full set of data was not available at the time the report went to print. Members attention was also drawn to paragraph 3.3 of the report that proposed a departure from the current end of year performance reporting procedure, however the Cabinet were in favour of staying with the existing process that allowed them to review performance collectively.

Again, Members endorsed the strong progress that had been made whilst seeking clarification in regard to some of the results. Concern was expressed about the lack of appropriate weighting in respect of some of the results such as improvement in levels of road safety which took no account of the size and diversity of a county such as Hampshire compared to a smaller, predominantly urban authority. Also highlighted were the results associated with waste management costs which appear to be high but do not take account of the significant investment in infrastructure made by the County Council to improve services.

.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in both reports. A copy of the decision sheets is attached to these minutes as Appendices 1 and 2.

293. FINAL ACCOUNTS 2006/07

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 5c in the Minute Book) setting out the final accounts for 2006/07 prior to the Governance Committee considering the Statement of Accounts on 28 June and approval by the County Council on 12 July 2007. The County Treasurer reported a very positive outcome given the difficult start to the 2006/07 financial year and drew Members attention to the variations in service cash-limited expenditure detailed in Table 1 of the report. He expanded on the key points in respect of expenditure on services and future spending proposals, both linked to corporate priorities, and the position in regard to balances. He also drew attention to specific action required as detailed in the recommendations sought.

Members welcomed the improved outturn (a total of £4.5m overspending against the 2006/07 cash limit, which was £6.4m lower than anticipated when the revised budget was approved in February 2007). They were also mindful of the challenges that still lay ahead and the effect that the outcome of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 (CSR07) could have on the County Council's overall financial position for 2007/08. The Cabinet concluded the discussion by adopting the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

295. THE COUNTY COUNCIL'S STRATEGIC APPROACH TO THE PROVISION OF SCHOOL PLACES

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services (Item 6 in the Minute Book) setting out the County Council's strategic approach to the provision of school places to forward plan for the combination of a modest, but sustained increase in the birth rate and the imminent construction of three major development areas. The Deputy Director of Children's Services, supported by the Children's Services County Manager (Organisation) and the Strategic Planning Manager expanded on the key points of the approach and the implications arising from the demographic trends of recent years, particularly in regard to surplus places and the effect on capital funding.

Members discussed the strategic approach in detail, particularly the capital funding position and the implications for the County Council in terms of the in-flow/out-flow from schools within the boundary of Hampshire's unitary authorities, the effect of immigration as well as inward migration to Hampshire from other parts of the country. In conclusion of a full discussion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

296. CORPORATE TRAVEL STRATEGY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) seeking approval of a Corporate Travel Strategy for the County Council for the period to 2011 as a replacement for the Green Travel Plan for Winchester-based staff, produced in 1999. The Director of Environment expanded on the report particularly in regard to flexible and mobile working, confirmed that the new strategy had been prepared on behalf of the Corporate Sustainable Development Steering Group and highlighted the main targets set by the strategy which had taken account of the implications of the strategic property review and the refurbishment of Ashburton Court.

In conclusion of a full discussion during which Members detailed questions were answered, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

297. PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and the Chief Executive (Item 8 in the Minute Book) setting out proposals to establish a formal joint committee with the unitary councils of Portsmouth and Southampton and the District/Borough Councils of East Hampshire, Havant, Gosport, Fareham, Winchester, Eastleigh, Test Valley and the New Forest to replace the existing, informal arrangements of the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH). The Deputy Director of Environment highlighted the key points of the report and confirmed that the proposals had, in the main, been developed to ensure the transparency and accountability of decisions being made, and to adopt the central principle of subsidiarity, thus addressing Members concerns previously raised.

The Cabinet welcomed the proposals and in adopting the recommendations set out in the report, sought assurance that all meetings of the new formal joint committee will be held in public. The proposals would be submitted for consideration by the County Council at its meeting on 12 July 2007. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 6.

298. SOUTH HAMPSHIRE STRATEGIC EMPLOYMENT ZONE AREA ACTION PLAN - ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) setting out a proposed response to the South Hampshire Strategic Employment Zone Area Action Plan (AAP) for the Issues and Options consultation stage which closes on 26 June 2007. The Deputy Director of the Environment expanded on the key points of the proposed response, which supported the promotion of the regeneration of one of the county's significant towns, helping the prosperity of the county.

During the course of a full discussion, Members were of the view that regeneration proposals cannot be implemented without delivery of the Chickenhall Lane Link Road and therefore opposed Option 6 of the AAP. They also highlighted the importance of upgrading Junction 5 of the M27 to deal with increased traffic flows. The Cabinet concluded the discussion by adopting the recommendations set out in the report subject to amendments to recommendations (vi) and (viii). A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 7.

299. ASHBURTON COURT - DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) outlining further opportunities in regard to the Ashburton Court refurbishment project such as efficiencies in staff occupancy levels, the release of further buildings and a reduction in long term revenue costs. The report was supported by a short DVD produced by the Carbon Trust on the work they are doing with the County Council to achieve the best, and most sustainable results from the refurbishment project.

The Cabinet adopted recommendations 1 and 2 set out in the report but deferred recommendation 3 (consideration of replacement names for Ashburton Court and Nuance House). A copy of the revised decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 8.

300. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item 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, namely that the value of the property could prejudice and adversely affect the County Council's negotiating position in property related matters.

301. DATA CENTRE AND FINANCIAL ISSUES

The Cabinet considered the exempt report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services and the County Treasurer (Item 12in the Minute Book) seeking approval to include a Data Centre in the scope of the Ashburton Court refurbishment work and consideration of financial issues.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 9.

Contacts: Gary Smith, ext 7402 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

1. That extracts from the Corporate Business Plan progress/baseline report and the results are published as part of the Performance Plan website by 30 June 2007.

2. That strong progress made during the year and the work by staff to achieve improved results is recognised and that any risks/areas for improvement are noted.

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council is required to publish year end performance results as part of the statutory annual Performance Plan.

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

Contacts: Gary Smith, ext 7402 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1. That extracts from the BVPI, LAA and Performance Report and the outturn results are published as part of the Performance Plan website by 30 June 2007.

2. That strong progress made during the year and the work by staff to achieve improved results is recognised and that any risks/areas for improvement are noted and remedial action taken.

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council is required to publish year end performance results as part of the statutory annual Performance Plan.

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: Nick Gibbins, (01962) 847544; [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 There is a total overspending of £4.5m against the 2006/07 cash limit, as reported to the Cabinet in May, £6.4m lower than anticipated when the revised budget was approved in February 2007. Additional spending of £7.3m on services, and the impact of carrying forward an unallocated contingency of £2m within the Adult Services budget, is offset by savings of £4.9m on other budgets.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

a) that the variations in service cash-limited expenditure, as set out in Table 1, be approved

b) that the accounts be closed on the basis that:

· Environment and Policy and Resources retain 50% of their underspendings, and Recreation and Heritage carries forward its overspending to 2007/08, in accordance with the County Council's financial management policy

· Adult Services overspending in 2006/07 be written off in accordance with the Financial Recovery Strategy and that the unallocated contingency of £2m within the Adult Services 2006/07 budget be carried forward to 2007/08.

c) that adjustments and variations on other budgets, as set out in Table 3 be approved

d) that a sum of £1.8m be earmarked from the addition to balances for the additional spending proposals outlined in paragraph 5.2

e) that an invest to save contribution of £175,000 to fund restructuring costs in the libraries service be approved, repayable over the period 2008/09 to 2010/11

f) that contributions to and from earmarked reserves be made as set out in Appendix 4 and the draft protocol set out in Annex 2 to the appendix be approved

g) that the report on the County Council's treasury management activities as set out in Appendix 5 be approved

h) that the prudential and financial health indicators set out in Appendix 6 be approved

i) that the backward look annual efficiency statement for 2006/07 be approved for submission to Communities and Local Government, as set out in Appendix 7

j) that the final accounts of the County Council for 2006/07 be approved

k) that the final accounts of the Hampshire Pension Fund contained in Appendix 8 be approved

l) that progress in implementing financial management policies, as set out in Appendix 9, be noted

m) that capital payments for the year be financed as set out in Table 3 of Appendix 10

n) that the carry forward of capital schemes from 2006/07 to 2007/08 as set out in Annex 4 of appendix 10 be noted

o) that services' capital programme cash limits for 2007/08 be increased by the sums shown in:

(a) column 6 of the table in Annex 1 to Appendix 10 (to reflect the carry forward of capital schemes and the balance of cash limits from 2006/07)

(b) columns 3 and 4 of the table in Annex 7 to Appendix 10 (to reflect services' share of capital receipts)

p) that the partnership accounts for 2006/07 set out in Appendix 11 be noted in recognition of the County Council's responsibility for financial stewardship.

2 Reason

2.1 To enable the Cabinet to review the 2006/07 final accounts, prior to the Statement of Accounts being submitted to the Governance Committee for approval.

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 Not applicable.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

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

Contacts: Ann Begley, County Manager (Organisation) Children's Services, 01962
846518
Bob Eardley, Strategic Planning Manager, Children's Services, 01962
846275

1 Summary

1.1 That the overall approach towards the management of school places set out in this paper is endorsed by Cabinet.

1.2 That the policy for managing surplus school places will be to:

a) reuse general teaching accommodation in schools with surplus places for specialist curriculum provision or community facilities, such as children's centres;

b) amalgamate infant and junior schools to form primary schools, thus retaining provision within communities;

c) pursue area reviews exceptionally and only where other options to reduce surpluses have proved unviable.

2 Reason

2.1 The proposals in this report support the Corporate Strategies "Maximising well-being" and "Enhancing our quality of place" by proposing policies for the effective management of school places and financial provision for building new schools.

2.2 The decision supports the five outcomes specified in the Children Act, with a summary of how the proposals in this report contribute to their achievement:

· being healthy (enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle): through proposals which include the encouragement of walking and cycling to and from school;

· staying safe (being protected from harm and neglect): by creating safe environments in schools;

· enjoying and achieving (getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood): by providing a high standard of education and care for children in suitable buildings;

· making a positive contribution (being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour): by encouraging the flexible and creative use of accommodation;

· economic well-being (not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life): by ensuring that proposals will not disadvantage children, will protect equality of opportunity and support children from no or low income families to secure skills and qualifications.

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 None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman

Contact: Andy Wren, ext 7500 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the County Council's Corporate Travel Strategy be adopted.

(ii) That a travel coordinator be appointed, with a small programme budget, funded initially from departmental travel budgets with a review after two years.

2. Reason

2.1 This strategy:

(i) improves alternative methods of travel in order to reduce the reliance on private cars;

(ii) promotes flexible working to reduce the need to travel;

(iii) raises the profile of travel initiatives and ensures staff are fully informed of travel choices; and

(iv) ensures the County Council continues to provide first class services whilst minimising the impact of travel on the local and global environment.

2.2 As a transport authority the County Council has a responsibility to encourage all major employers to adopt travel plans. It is helpful if the Council sets an example to other organisations, and leads the way for Hampshire.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking no action. As part of the planning agreement process for the refurbishment of the Ashburton Court complex the County Council is committed to recruiting a travel plan coordinator to oversee and implement the Ashburton Court Travel Plan. A corporate travel plan officer could perform this role as part of their position, satisfying this planning agreement.

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: 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

Contact: Antony Payne, ext 6766 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That the County Council responds to the South Hampshire Strategic Employment Zone Area Action Plan - Issues and Options consultation by:

(i) supporting the long-term vision and strategy that the Area Action Plan proposes for its area;

(ii) supporting an employment led strategy as set out in Option 1, though accepting the likely need for `enabling' uses within the proposals, as set out in Options 2 and 3 in order to expedite progress;

(iii) supporting a level of ambition and appropriate balance in the economic sectors and types of employment to be sought within the Zone to support the sub-regional strategy;

(iv) supporting joint working for the delivery of the Chickenhall Lane Link Road and the South Hampshire Strategic Employment Zone;

(v) supporting the raft of transport objectives contained in the Area Action Plan;

(vi) opposing Options 4 and 5 (which propose retail and leisure development within the Zone);

(vii) opposing Option 6 (which excludes the Chickenhall Lane Link Road);

(viii) requesting that the Borough Council includes provision for strategic waste management facilities, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) within its preferred option; and

(ix) supporting a regeneration strategy for the sub-regionally important South Hampshire Strategic Employment Zone, with provision with ambitious high tech and advanced manufacturing development, and a delivery strategy which maximises opportunities to secure funding to bring forward infrastructure provision and development.

2. Reason

2.1 The options for development set out for the South Hampshire Strategic Employment Zone will aid the regeneration and future development of Eastleigh and improve its status as a secondary regional centre. The development of the Strategic Employment Zone will significantly contribute to the economic growth of South Hampshire and the delivery of the sub-regional strategy.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To make no response to the consultation, which was rejected as the County Council is a key stakeholder and development partner, and would not wish to forgo the opportunity to influence the emerging area action plan.

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

1371Decn/AP

Contact: Andrew Smith Ext: 7826 email: [email protected]

John Duggan Ext: 7873 email: [email protected]

Contact: Andrew Smith Ext: 7826 email: [email protected]

Jon Pittam Ext: 7400 email: [email protected]

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE - Chairman

1106Decn/AC