At a meeting of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at THE CASTLE, WINCHESTER on 24 September 2007.

Present:

Councillors:

p T.K. Thornber, CBE (Chairman)

Also present with the agreement of the Chairman: Councillor M.F. Cartwright; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash; Dr. R.J. Ellis; C.A. Leversha and R.C. McIntosh

320. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were received as all Members of the Cabinet were present.

321. 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.

322. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 23 July 2007 were confirmed as a correct record.

323. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

(i) The Chairman reported that the exemption applied to Item 17 of the
agenda (Report of Investigation into the arrangements for the use of
IT consultants in connection with the Contact Centre) was lifted
and brought this matter forward to be taken as the next item of
business.

(ii) Welcomed Stephen Goodyear and Alastair Rankin of the Audit
Commission to the meeting.

324. REPORT OF INVESTIGATION INTO THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE USE OF IT CONSULTANTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONTACT CENTRE PROGRAMME

Cabinet considered the report of Mr Stephen Taylor, the County Council's District Auditor, Head of Legal Practice and Deputy Monitoring Officer, and the Chief Internal Auditor (Item 17 in the Minute book). The County Council's Monitoring Officer and Head of Corporate and Legal Services summarised the background to the investigation and circulated a supporting report giving a brief overview of the investigation undertaken into the letting of consultancy contracts for the Contact Centre Programme, as well as providing some contextual information.

The Cabinet noted the key messages in the Investigation Report that were summarised in paragraph 3 of the Monitoring Officer's supporting report. In particular they welcomed the findings that there is no evidence that any individual officer acted wilfully in ignoring legal advice or procedures to achieve any personal gain, nor did the investigating team consider there to be gross misconduct on the part of any individual officer, the alleged misconduct, if proved, being at the lower end of the scale. The Cabinet also noted that the Contact Centre development has now been successfully completed and when fully operational should deliver the expected savings of £1m per annum.

During the course of detailed discussion, the Cabinet expressed their view that matrix management must not intervene in the supervisory relationship between line manager and subordinate, this being particularly important where the matrix manager does not have technical expertise in a complex area but only a general management role for a project. Furthermore they requested that immediate arrangements be put in place to ensure that contract values are aggregated wherever possible, and on no account split to stay under the thresholds specified in the County Council's Standing Orders for compliance with tendering processes.

In examining carefully the evidence as to whether there is a "case to answer" in regard to three officers referred to in the Investigation Report, the Cabinet expressed the view that these officers be given the opportunity to respond to the findings in the Investigation Report at any disciplinary hearing(s) held.

In conclusion of full and detailed consideration of the evidence, the Cabinet approved the recommendation in the Monitoring Officer's supporting report together with the recommendations contained in paragraphs 14.1 to 14.7 of the Investigation Report, subject to some amendments (specifically to the recommendations contained in 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6 and 14.7) to reflect the outcome of their deliberation. In addition to a report being submitted to the Cabinet detailing the outcome of recommendation 14.5, the Cabinet requested a report for decision following further investigation of the issues raised in the recommendations contained in paragraphs 14.1, 14.3, 14.4 and 14.6. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1.

That it be noted for the official record that the Executive Member for Environment was of the view that the evidence presented in the Investigation Report was not sufficient to initiate disciplinary proceedings for the Contact Centre Board Chairman and the Head of IT Services and voted against recommendation 14.5 of the investigation report.

For the purposes of accuracy, the Monitoring Officer will check a reference to "paragraph 8.19" as contained in paragraph 10.15 of the Investigation Report to clarify if the reference should be to "paragraph 8.28".

325. DEVELOPMENT OF EXTRA CARE SHELTERED HOUSING

Councillor Felicity Hindson declared a personal interest as a member of the Winchester Management Board of the A2 Housing Group.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Services (Item 5 in the Minute book) setting out an approach to the development of extra care housing within Hampshire. The Director of Adult Services introduced the report and confirmed that this is an exciting partnership project involving the County Council's Property, Business and Regulatory Services, district councils and the housing corporation, and is intended to address the challenge faced by the County Council of a continuing increase in demand of services for older people. The Assistant Director for Commissioning and Partnerships expanded on the key points contained within the report and answered Members detailed questions.

In welcoming the project, Members emphasised the need for the proposals to be attractive and beneficial to the total spectrum of society, including people with disabilities, so that all can benefit from this project. Members also expressed disappointment at the current lack of appropriate capital investment by the NHS.

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 2.

326. APPROVAL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION OF THE HAMPSHIRE MINERALS PLAN (PREFERRED OPTION)

Councillor Mrs Banks declared a personal interest in regard to the New Milton/Lymington site as the proposals may affect neighbours and friends living in that area. Councillor Kendal declared a personal interest in regard to the same site by virtue of where he lives.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute book) setting out the background to the process for developing the Hampshire Minerals Plan, explaining the requirement for a formal consultation on proposals at this stage, outlining the principal issues that are addressed in the consultation paper, and seeking approval for it to be published for public comment. The Director of Environment expanded on the main points contained within the report and confirmed that considerable informal consultation had already been undertaken in formulating the current proposals, resulting in around 7,000 responses being received. It was also highlighted that the identification of sites in the Hampshire Minerals Plan follows a thorough process of environmental and sustainability appraisals being carried out. However, there are still some choices that are being closely ranked and following formal consultation new proposals or information may come to light which may change the final choices.

During the course of a full discussion, the Chairman invited local Members attending the meeting for this particular item to put forward their views, and reported the views of other local Members who had submitted representations. The Chairman also confirmed receipt of a representation to the Cabinet from DAMAGE (Downton and Milford Against Gravel Extraction), whose views were noted. The existence and views of another group, SAGE (Shootash Against Gravel Extraction) was brought to the Cabinet's attention and also noted. Officers in the Environment Department noted all comments made in respect of specific sites referred to in the report along with other general comments about the Plan, and answered Members detailed questions.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to the checking of relevant guidance and/or regulations by the Director of Environment to see if the use of the term "preferred options" could be varied in regard to the consultation document since this suggested a greater finality than is the case. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

327. A FORMULAIC APPROACH TO DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute book) detailing the background to, and seeking adoption of a Transport and Contributions Policy as a background for the operation of Highways Development Control. The Director of Environment amplified that the adoption of such a policy will enable the County Council to ensure that each development in Hampshire makes a reasonable contribution towards mitigating its impact on the transport network, and maximises the level of contribution sought from development in order to support the aims of the Local Transport Plan (LTP).

During the course of a full discussion, officers noted Members detailed comments and answered questions. In conclusion the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to an additional resolution that the Cabinet be kept informed of progress. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

328. HOUSING GREEN PAPER - HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute book) setting out a proposed response to the Government's consultation on the Housing Green Paper, and sought approval of that draft response. The Director of Environment expanded on the key elements of the report and confirmed that paper was the last in the series published by the Government just prior to the summer recess. The Green Paper together with its 11 supporting documents has three themes, namely: more new homes (an increase of 20% by the Government to the annual house building target for England by 2016); better homes and creating places people want to live in; and additional affordable housing to rent or buy.

During the course of a full discussion, Members welcomed some elements of the Green Paper but expressed concerns in regard to other elements such as the impact on the environment of an increase to the annual house building target, the categorisation of homeowners back gardens as brownfield sites, the provision of adequate infrastructure improvements, the standard of house building - important to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated, and the absence of any mention of increasing the amount of supported housing such as that for older people or those with learning disabilities. Furthermore, the Cabinet felt that the Government tries to exercise too much central control over standards which should be determined locally and that Councils would be able to do more on affordable housing if the Government returned control over housing finance.

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

329. CORPORATE APPROACH TO MATERIAL RESOURCES - LOCAL AREA AGREEMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute book) seeking the Cabinet's commitment to the shared set of ambitions for a corporate approach to more efficient use of materials. The Director of Environment confirmed that the ambitions set out in the report had been developed jointly with the district councils, all of whom have approved the ambitions, as a clear set of priority commitments to deliver the materials efficiency theme in the Local Area Agreement.

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

330. SOUTH EAST PLAN - REPORT OF THE EXAMINATION-IN-PUBLIC PANEL

The Cabinet deferred the report (Item 10 in the Minute book) to their October meeting to allow further time for consideration; Appendix 7 to these minutes refers.

331. GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON THE FORMULA GRANT DISTRIBUTION METHODOLOGY

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 11 in the Minute book) seeking approval of a proposed response to the Government's consultation on the methodology to be used to distribute formula grant to local authorities in 2008/08 to 2010/11. The County Treasurer expanded on the key consultation proposals as detailed in section 5 of the report and the implications for the County Council, particularly in regard to damping arrangements and area cost adjustment.

In considering the proposed response as set out in Appendix 2 to the report together with some general points of principle about the formula grant distribution methodology not covered in the response template, the Cabinet adopted the recommendation set out in the report subject to further detailed consideration and agreed that the Leader, in consultation with the County Treasurer, finalise the response in order to meet the consultation deadline of 10 October 2007. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 8.

332. 2007/08 BUDGET MONITORING UPDATE

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 12 in the Minute book) reviewing the budget monitoring position for 2007/08 on the basis of the first quarter's budget monitoring together with the initial service budget monitoring reports submitted to Executive Members. In addition, it reviewed the first quarter monitoring of high risk/demand led budgets, overall employee budgets, savings plans and financial health indicators to provide an overall corporate context to budget monitoring.

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

333. 2008/09-2010/11 PROVISIONAL BUDGET STRATEGY

The Cabinet deferred the report (Item 13 in the Minute book) to their October meeting to allow further time for consideration; Appendix 10 to these minutes refers.

334. STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 14 in the Minute book) seeking approval of the policy, strategy and performance framework for risk management 2007-2010, the introduction of a corporate risk register linked to the Corporate Business Plan, and the business continuity management policy and strategy. This followed initial consideration by the Cabinet at its meeting on 23 July 2007.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to further liaison with Executive Members, as required, to receive comments in order to fine tune what is a working document that will be reviewed and updated regularly in consultation with the Cabinet. Any further comments by the Cabinet to be incorporated for the appropriate action to be taken. A copy of the substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 11.

335. REVISION TO THE CONSTITUTION: CHANGES TO THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS - CHILDREN'S SERVICES

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 15 in the Minute book) bringing to the Cabinet's attention as required, a revision to the Constitution in relation to the Children's Services executive portfolios.

In adopting the recommendation set out in the report, the Cabinet noted that it was not intended for the text appearing at the foot of the table as an "N.B." detailing the line of accountability to appear in the updated version of the Constitution. The revision would also be reported to the next meeting of the County Council [on 27 September] as required. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 12.

Contact: Jeff Pattison, tel: (01962) 847330, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

That the Cabinet accepted the report of Mr Stephen Taylor, the County

Council's District Auditor, the Head of Legal Practice and the Chief Internal

Auditor, together with the recommendations contained in paragraphs 14.1 to

14.7 of the Investigation Report, as amended:

"14.1 In a case such as this, where there is "matrix management" of a
senior manager by the Chief Officer of another department, clarity
should be given at the outset of the project as to who has Chief
Officer responsibility for ensuring compliance with Standing Orders
(paragraph 13.7).

14.2 It is important that those giving leadership to a corporate project remain mindful of the need to give a clear and consistent message that corporate advisers have an important role to play in protecting the Council's interests and that, if in doubt, advice should be taken (Paragraph 13.9).

14.3 Consideration should be given to all procurement (or possibly that of a value beyond a given financial threshold aligned with EU Procurement Regulations and Standing Orders) being handled centrally, by specialists suitably trained and experienced. This would give greater comfort in ensuring that processes will be consistently and properly applied, best value consistently obtained, and reduction of risk from non-compliance. Further, in a world of "shared services" this may also present a business opportunity through provision of a service that other local authorities and public bodies may wish to buy into (paragraph 13.11), and that special consideration be given to any proposals in respect of voluntary bodies, and partnerships that the County Council has entered into (paragraph 13.11), and that special consideration be given to any proposals in respect of voluntary bodies, and partnerships that the County Council has entered into.

14.4 If responsibility for procurement remains with departments, and is not handled centrally, consideration must be given to extending the role of County Supplies, which currently monitors procurement practice for value for money purposes, so that they assume responsibility to monitor, promote best practice and report on areas of non-compliance (paragraph 13.12).

14.5 That hearings be initiated within the disciplinary process commenced in accordance with paragraphs 13.20 - 13.27 of the report. At that point the officers involved will be given the opportunity to respond and the outcome of the disciplinary process be reported to the Cabinet.

14.6 The practice of a consultant being involved in the selection of staff or other consultants, including consultants from their own agency, must be reconsidered. The role and influence of contractors/consultants in future decision making must be limited to an advisory one only, with clear arrangements in place to ensure that proper accountability exists and potential conflicts of interest are avoided (paragraph 13.31).

14.7 In cases of similar significance to this, the Cabinet to be notified immediately and informally, and a report by the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer should be brought no later than three months from the date of becoming aware of the relevant circumstances, provided that action is taken as quickly as possible to remedy any defects that exist (Paragraph 13.35)."


In addition, that a report be submitted to the Cabinet for decision within three months, following further investigation of the issues raised in recommendations 14.1, 14.3, 14.4 and 14.6 above.

2. Reason

2.1 The Cabinet considered an initial report on 23 April 2007 and resolved that a full investigation be undertaken into the circumstances surrounding the letting of the consultancy contracts referred to in the April report, supervised by Stephen Taylor, the County Council's Relationship Manager at the Audit Commission and undertaken by the County Council's Chief Internal Auditor and the Head of Legal Practice, to be completed within three months with a final joint report being submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 A report of the investigation requested by Cabinet, and its findings was considered by the Cabinet, therefore no other options were appropriate.

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: Richard Ellis: ext no 01962 847284, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That Cabinet:

a) Agrees the development of a long term strategic approach to the provision of a new generation of housing support and care for older people. The overall target is to commission 400 additional places in Extra Care Sheltered Housing over a five year period, 2008 - 2013. Four new build schemes will deliver 200 of these places, with the balance commissioned by contracting for and enhancing existing provision.

b) Agrees that 4 new extra care schemes are commissioned in partnership with Hampshire's eleven district councils and the Housing Corporation.

c) Agrees to provide up to £5m capital for investment, approximately 10% - 20% of the total required to commission four new Extra Care Housing Schemes, subject to approval of a site specific business cases. The proposed new services will be in Gosport, New Forest, Basingstoke, and Test Valley.

d) Delegates authority to the Executive Member for Adult Social Care to approve each development upon presentation of a site specific business case developed in consultation with County Treasurers, Property & Business Regulatory Services, Legal services and District Councils, where appropriate.

2. Reason

2.1 These recommendations support the Corporate Strategy in that:

a) Hampshire safer and more secure for all: Extra-care offers older people the safety of care and support available on-site where they live and also the security of tenure that they would not enjoy in residential care.

b) Maximise well-being: Extra Care housing promotes independent living and empowers older people who might otherwise have required residential care.

c) Enhance quality of place: Extra Care housing offers older people a higher standard of personal accommodation than they would be likely to enjoy in residential care and access to a range of excellent communal facilities.

d) This report also fits with the Priority D of the Hampshire Local Area Agreement :Improve access to housing and accommodation, in particular to Action 3: Better use of the existing older persons housing stock and ensuring housing schemes are produced across the county.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 To do nothing.

3.2 Sole provision by Hampshire County Council.

3.3 Remodelling of existing services with no other `new' developments.

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: Jeremy Smith, ext 6730 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(i) That the Hampshire Minerals Plan - which proposes sites, areas and areas of search - be commended to the County Council for approval as a basis for consultation in accordance with Regulation 26 of The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004, along with background technical evidence,.

(ii) That the County Council be further recommended to authorise the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment, to make appropriate amendments and updates where required to the consultation document before it is finally published, provided that these do not change the overall direction, shape and emphasis of the document, and do not raise any significant new issues.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision sets out proposed locations for future minerals and landfill development in Hampshire to 2020 to meet the South East Plan targets, following a thorough sustainability and environmental appraisal of a wide range of options. Formal consultation is required at this stage of the plan making process, the results of which will be considered by the Council in drawing up firm proposals in 2008.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The production of the Hampshire Minerals Plan is a commitment made in the Development Scheme, which fulfils statutory obligations on the County Council in its role as Minerals Planning Authority. The content of

the consultation document is set by the requirements of the adopted Core Strategy.

3.2 Proposals which have not been taken forward are detailed in Appendix 4 of the consultation document, alongside justification. Where uncertainty remains over choices, the alternatives are set out in the body of the consultation paper alongside preferences and justification.

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

1436Decn/JS

Contact: Laura McCulloch, tel 01962 857818, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(i) That the proposed Transport Contributions Policy be adopted by the County Council and used as a basis for the operation of Highways Development Control.

(ii) That representations be made to the district and borough councils within Hampshire to incorporate the proposed Transport Contributions Policy within their Local Development Frameworks as they are developed.

(iii) That the Cabinet be kept informed of progress.

2. Reason

2.1 The proposed policy will substantially strengthen the County Council's position in financial negotiations with developers and significantly increase the funding stream for county-wide transport improvement schemes.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The option to continue to collect transport contributions on an ad hoc basis was rejected, as this will not maximise the County Council's ability to secure contributions from development to mitigate their impact on the transport network and improve accessibility.

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
1453Decn/LMcC

Contact: Sue Clark, ext 5890 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the County Council responds to the Government's consultation on the Housing Green Paper on the basis of the commentary in the report.

2. Reason

2.1 The planning system is an important mechanism for enhancing quality of place. This decision seeks to influence the Government's plans for delivering new housing by submitting Hampshire County Council's views.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 That no response is made to the consultation.

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

1465Decn/SC

Contact: Campbell Williams, tel 023 8038 3331, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Cabinet commits to the shared set of ambitions for the corporate approach to more efficient use of materials set out in the appendix to the report.

2. Reason

2.1 The ambitions set out in the report have been developed jointly with the District Councils as a clear set of priority commitments to deliver the materials efficiency theme in the Local Area Agreement. All the District Councils have formally approved this prioritised set of ambitions and it remains for the County Council to formally agree the action priorities. The County Council will also need to further develop its own internal action plans to deliver these ambitions, and will need to continue to provide leadership across the public sector organisations in the county for delivery of each of the different elements.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to sign up to the ambitions. As the Lead Authority for this theme and as this set of priorities has won the support of all the District Councils, it would be a serious setback if the County Council did not formally commit to the ambitions.

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

1448Decn/CW

Contact: Stuart Roberts, ext 6782 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That this item be deferred to the Cabinet's meeting in October to allow further time for consideration.

2. Reason

2.1 By influencing the evolution of the South East Plan, the County Council can ensure that the required new homes and jobs are provided, in the right place and with the necessary investment in infrastructure.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To not react to the Examination-in-Public Panel's recommendations.

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

1466Decn/SR

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

1 Summary

1.4 The following decision was made:

The Cabinet approved the response to the Government's consultation on the methodology to be used to distribute formula grant to local authorities in 2008/09 to 2010/11 as set out in the appendices to the supporting report, subject to further detailed consideration and agreed that the Leader of the County Council, in consultation with the County Treasurer, finalise the response in order to meet the consultation deadline of 10 October 2007.

1 Reason

1.1 The County Council needs to influence the Government in its decisions on formula grant distribution as this could affect the County Council's financial position for the next three years.

2 Other options considered and rejected:

2.1 None.

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

3.1 None.

4 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

4.1 None.

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

5.1 Not applicable.

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

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE - Chairman

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

1 Summary

1.1 This report reviews the budget monitoring position for 2007/08, on the basis of the first quarter's budget monitoring and from reviewing the initial service budget monitoring reports submitted to Executive members.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

· That the progress made in progressing plans for achieving the savings in the budget be welcomed and that the action being taken by all services to contain spending within cash limits be supported.

· That an invest to save contribution of £78,000 to fund a benchmarking review of support services, by Mott Macdonald and RsE be approved, to be repaid by top-slicing savings emerging from the review.

2 Reason

2.1 Budget monitoring reports are submitted regularly to the Cabinet to review whether any action is required to deal with variations between planned and actual spending.

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 - none

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - none

Approved: ......................................... Date: ..........................
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

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

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That this item be deferred to the Cabinet's meeting in October to allow further time for consideration.

2 Reason

2.1 The development of budget options and budget consultation during the autumn will need to continue despite the announcement of the Comprehensive Spending Review for 2007 (CSR07) being deferred until mid-October. This will continue to be based on assumptions about the likely outcome of CSR07 and the next three year grant settlement (to be announced in December).

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 None.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor KT Thornber, CBE - Chairman

Contact: Peter Andrews, ext. 01962 847309, [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

That subject to further liaison with Executive Members, as required, to receive comments in order to fine tune what is a working document that will be reviewed and updated regularly in consultation with the Cabinet:

(a) approved the Policy, Strategy and Performance Framework for Risk Management 2007-2010


(b) approved the introduction of a Corporate Risk Register linked to the Corporate Business Plan


(c) approved the Business Continuity Management Policy and Strategy


(d) any further comments by the Cabinet to be incorporated for the appropriate action to be taken

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council's risk management arrangements are designed to ensure the right balance between innovation & change on the one hand, and the avoidance of shocks and crises on the other. Managing the risks faced by the County Council in a systematic and efficient way is vital to the delivery of services that offer value for money, Outcome MP 1 in the Corporate Business Plan. The provision of robust business continuity arrangements form part of the way that the County Council manages its risk and is included in Outcome 1.6 of the Corporate Business Plan, "Hampshire County Council is prepared in the event of a major emergency/disaster and has adequate contingency arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of vital services.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The framework developed for Risk Management has been based on best practice, both from the private and public sectors. Less robust systems were considered but rejected as being incapable of delivering the maximum business benefits and meeting the detailed requirements of the Audit Commission outlined in the Use of Resources assessment.

3.2 The framework for Business Continuity that the County Council has developed follows the system outlined in the British Standard, BS 25999-1:2006. Less robust approaches were considered but rejected as not being fit to meet the requirements laid on the County Council by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

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: David Hinxman, tel: (01962) 847330, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the action of the Chief Executive pursuant to Part 1: Chapter 15 of the Constitution be noted.

2. Reason

2.1 To report a revision to the Constitution in relation to the Children's Services executive portfolios. The revision will also be reported to the Council as required.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The reporting to Cabinet of revisions to the Constitution is required therefore no other options were considered.

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