COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, 22 NOVEMBER 2007

HAMPSHIRE

At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on

Thursday 22 November 2007.

Chairman:

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Mrs. P. M. Devereux

Vice Chairman:

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T. G. Knight

Councillors:

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F. G. Allgood J.P.

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Felicity Hindson, M.B.E.

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Mrs. C. A. Bailey

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G. M. Hockley

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Mrs. P. G. Banks

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Keith House

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R. J. Baulk

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R. Hughes

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I. F. E. Beagley

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P. R. C. Hutcheson

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D. R. Blampied

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S. C. James

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Carol Boulton

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Jo Kelly

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Alan Broadhurst

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M. N. Kemp-Gee

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J. V. Bryant

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M. J. Kendal

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Mrs. A. Buckley

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R. J. Kimber

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Mrs. E. M. Byrom

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D. A. Kirk

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Adam Carew

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Mrs. C. A. Leversha

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M. F. Cartwright

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A. R. Ludlow

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K. G. Chapman

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Peter Kent Mason

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P. J. Chegwyn

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J. J. W. Maxwell

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N. R. G. Clarke

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R. C. McIntosh

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A. P. Collett

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Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott

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M. G. Cooper

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E. J. Neal

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B. D. Dash

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Sam Payne

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Colin Davidovitz

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R. J. Perry

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G. W. Davies-Dear

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Mrs. P. G. Peskett

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Mrs. P. Dickens

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Mrs. J. A. Porter

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A. G. Dowden

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Roger H. Price J.P.

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L. T. Dunsdon

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S. H. Reid

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P. R. Edgar

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A. W. Rice, TD

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Anne Edwards

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Mrs. A. M. Roling

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Dr. R. J. Ellis

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David Simpson

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A. D. G. Evans

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Mrs. M. D. Snaith

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K. D. Evans

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Mrs. E. F. Still

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Mrs. J. K. Frankum

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T. K. Thornber, C.B.E.

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E. F. Gale, M.B.E.

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Mrs. M. J. Tucker

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K. L. Gill

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John K. West

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D. Gillett

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Mrs P.A. West

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J. K. Glen

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A. Weeks

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B. T. Gurden

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Mrs. S. A. Wheale

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D. Harrison

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M. J. Woodhall

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P. A. Heath

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Seán D. T. Woodward

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Mrs. K. Heron

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D. F. Wright J.P.

233

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. Banks, who was

attending an NHS conference as a representative of the County Council, Carol Boulton, Davies-Dear, Gillett, House, Hughes, Hutcheson, Kemp-Gee and Woodward.

234

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or

prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that 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 is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with paragraph 12 of the Code. The declaration should be made at the time of the relevant debate.

235

TOWER ARTS CENTRE, WINCHESTER - DEPUTATION

The Council suspended Standing Order 21 so as to receive a late deputation

concerning the Tower Arts Centre, Winchester. Local residents Miles Bannister, Christopher Jarman and Jane Jessop spoke in support of the Tower Arts Centre.

236

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman reported her privilege to attend visits to Hampshire by the Duke of

Kent and the Duke of Gloucester, the latter visiting the County Council's Andover Day Care Centre. The Chairman had also hosted events in support of the Hampshire Association of Local Councils, Age Concern and the voluntary sector. The Leader and the Chairman had also jointly hosted a celebration for those couples resident in Hampshire who, like The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, were celebrating their diamond wedding anniversaries in 2007. The Chairman also reported on the wide range of engagements which she had attended to represent the County Council.

237

LEADER'S REPORT

The Leader was delighted to report a number of awards received:

·

Older Car Drivers' Commendation

·

Chartermark 2007 for Corporate Information Services

·

ISO Quality Accreditation renewal for Democratic Services in the Chief Executive's Department

·

ENHANCE Project of the Year in the Construction Excellence London and South East Awards

·

Minstead Study Centre Green Apple Award, Built Environment and Architectural Heritage

·

Lanterns Children's Centre City of Winchester Trust Design Award

The Leader also took the opportunity to report briefly on the Individual Member

Budget Scheme which illustrated how grants were being made to benefit community projects and initiatives in members' county electoral divisions. Members were supporting a wide range of excellent causes and there had been a great deal of positive feedback both from the community and from members themselves. The scheme would be reviewed in Spring 2008 and a full report made available to the County Council listing all grants made by each individual member of the County Council.

With regard to Light Rail in South Hampshire, the Leader recalled that the

National Audit Office had been asked to review the role of the Department for Transport in the proposed Light Rail schemes not only in South Hampshire but in Leeds and Manchester also. The Leader reported completion of the review and the conclusion of the National Audit Office that the Department for Transport's evaluation of the Light Rail proposals had been robust, the Department had taken too long in evaluating the proposals and that it should speed up this process. The National Audit Office were also critical that the Department for Transport had not given promoters and consortia a clearer idea of the criteria their proposals would have to meet in order to be successful. That latter point was precisely the concern that the County Council had raised and the National Audit Office had indicated their gratitude to the County Council for that. The National Audit Office had been particularly grateful to Alison Quant, Director of Environment, and her team for providing assistance to them.

The Leader also recorded that, at the previous meeting of the Council,

consideration had been given to a late motion from Councillor Simpson regarding the Royal British Legion's "Honour the Covenant" campaign. The County Council had subsequently made representations to the Ministry of Defence supporting the campaign to get fairer treatment for people in the Armed Service and a response had now been received from the Veterans' Policy Unit at the Ministry of Defence welcoming the Royal British Legion's campaign and stating that the Ministry's record spoke for itself. The Ministry believed that it had been quick to identify issues of actual or potential concern and to address them and that indeed, the Royal British Legion itself, had acknowledged the many improvements made by the Government that had brought benefit to the Armed Services. The Ministry accepted that there were wider issues with regard to levels of public recognition for those who had served with such distinction and for those who had sacrificed so much and that it was willing to play a part in that debate and in taking forward any conclusions which emerged from it. The Ministry's full response was available to members on request. The Leader also explained that the County Council was developing its own plans to recognise the contribution of the Armed Services to the Hampshire community.

In conclusion the Leader paid tribute to the long and distinguished career of Peter Robertson, the County Council's Chief Executive since 1996, who was retiring on 17 December 2007. Peter's ten years as Chief Executive had seen considerable change in local government. Throughout all these changes, Peter had helped each successive Administration to respond to the demands made of the County Council. Since ratings had begun five years ago, the County Council had been rated `excellent', or now, a `four star' authority. Peter's leadership and stewardship of his Corporate Management Team had made a significant contribution in this respect and the Leader wished to place on record the County Council's gratitude for his commitment to local government and, since 1990, to Hampshire County Council. Councillors Collett and Kelly, leaders of the Liberal Democrat and Labour groups respectively, echoed the comments made by the Leader and expressed their appreciation of the contribution Peter had made to the success of the County Council. All members stood and applauded to mark their appreciation. Peter thanked members for their kind words. He believed that the Council's future remained in safe hands. He also thanked members for their support and closed by highlighting the pleasure and personal satisfaction which working in Hampshire had brought.

238

QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 20(b)(i)

Councillor Thornber, Leader of the Council, answered a question from

Councillor Mrs Buckley concerning Hampshire Now and information about claiming for Council Tax Benefit.

Councillor Thornber, Leader of the Council, answered a question from

Councillor Dowden about the Government Green Paper on funding and reforms for Adult Social Care.

Councillor Thornber, Leader of the Council, answered a question from

Councillor Mrs Bailey concerning funding of the Tower Arts Centre, Winchester.

Councillor Kirk, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, answered a

question from Councillor Mrs Porter about the County Youth Service and Universal services after April 2008.

Councillor Mrs. Snaith, Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, answered

a question from Councillor Mrs Dickens concerning statements made by the Executive Member in relation to the Tower Arts Centre, Winchester.

Councillor Thornber, Leader of the Council, answered a question from

Councillor Mrs Porter concerning the King's School business plan for the Tower Arts Centre, Winchester.

Councillor Kendal, Executive Member for Environment, answered a question

from Councillor Mrs Dickens concerning the number of schools signed up for the "Twenty is plenty" signage scheme.

239

ESTABLISHMENT OF EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL

The Council considered a proposal by the Leader of the Council to establish an

Education Advisory Panel reporting to the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) principally concerning schools' performance and standards. The Leader accepted a suggestion that the panel should comprise ten members, 6:3:1. The Leader proposed that Councillor Mrs. West be appointed Chairman of the advisory panel.

RESOLVED:

That an Education Advisory Panel be established (6:3:1); that Councillor Mrs.

West be appointed Chairman of the advisory panel and that the revised proportionality table be approved as appended to these minutes.

240

SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Colin Davidovitz be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Sir Harold

Hillier Gardens Advisory Committee.

241

CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION

The Council considered the report of the Commission and the

recommendations of the Cabinet (Item 8 in the Minute Book). Prior to consideration of the matter the Council had received a presentation by the Director of Environment drawing attention to the key issues to be taken into account with regard to the County Council's response to the findings of the Commission. In presenting the Cabinet's report, the Leader drew attention to the omission of recommendation (vi) of the Cabinet as follows:

"(vi)

that the County Council will work closely with its partners in the Local Area Agreement to help the towns, villages and settlements of Hampshire to become more sustainable communities."

Councillor Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Councillor Collett, moved the following

amendment: "that the following clauses be added to the Cabinet's recommendations:

(vii)

that, in addition to responding to the impacts of climate change on Hampshire, the County Council will set a series of targets and actions to reduce our carbon footprint to zero;

(viii)

that the County Council will seek to play a leading exemplary role, both locally within the Hampshire community and nationally within the local government sector, in eliminating the man-made causes of climate change."

There followed a wide ranging debate touching upon all the key areas of concern

in relation to climate change. There was consensus and support for the leadership role which the County Council should play in combating and preventing the adverse impacts of climate change.

Having regard to the issues raised during the debate, the Leader proposed

adjustments to the amendment which Councillor Mrs. Bailey accepted. The Leader also proposed that Councillor Ludlow be invited to join the Commission given the knowledge and experience he could bring to the debate.

The additional recommendation reported by the Leader and the amendment

revised by the Leader and accepted by Councillor Bailey were put to the vote and approved.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the report and conclusions of the Commission of Inquiry be noted and that the Council records its thanks to the Commissioners for their work to date on this important matter;

(ii) That the following policy be adopted:

The County Council, through its own operations and in partnership with others, will seek to ensure a resilient, sustainable Hampshire by placing climate change considerations at the heart of its decision making processes, its policy development, and its operational activities;

(iii) That the actions set out in paragraph 4 of the report of the Cabinet be approved as the basis of an Action Plan for the County Council in 2008/09, subject to resource availability and agreement of Partners where required;

(iv) That the Commission of Inquiry be asked to reconvene on a regular but infrequent basis in the future to monitor progress, review the changing state of knowledge and advise the County Council further on relevant considerations;

(v) That a Member of the Cabinet be appointed to champion Climate Change matters across the County Council's activities and operations;

(vi) That the County Council will work closely with its partners in the Local Area Agreement to help the towns, villages and settlements of Hampshire to become more sustainable communities;

(vii) That, in addition to responding to the impacts of climate change on Hampshire, the County Council will set a series of targets and actions endeavouring to reduce our carbon footprint to zero;

(viii) That the County Council will continue to play a leading exemplary role, both locally within the Hampshire community and nationally within the local government sector, in seeking to eliminate man-made causes of climate change.

242

TRANSPORT FOR SOUTH HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS PLAN 2007 - 09

The Council considered and approved the report of the Executive Member for

Environment recommending approval of the Transport for South Hampshire Business Plan 2007 - 09 (Item 9 in the Minute Book).

RESOLVED:

That the Transport for South Hampshire Business Plan 2007 - 09 be approved.

243

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR POST OFFICES

The Council considered the following Notice of Motion received from

Councillor Perry and seconded by Councillor Woodhall. In introducing the motion Councillor Perry, with the leave of the Council, replaced the word "government" in line 1 with the words "post office" and added the third paragraph as follows:

"This Council strongly criticises the Post Office's current proposals for post

office closures in Hampshire as symptomatic of their consistent failure to recognise the needs of shire counties where in rural villages, suburbs and towns the post office is not only an important service in its own right but often is a crucial factor helping in the retention of a local shop.

We urge the Government instead of managing decline of the Post Office

network to seek to bring new business opportunities to the network thereby increasing the financial viability of local businesses.

Post Offices have a vital role in community cohesion and place shaping which

Governments says it is committed to developing."

Councillor Buckley, seconded by Councillor Dash, moved the following

amendment:

"This Council further resolves to develop a strategy to do everything we

can to save Post Offices in Hampshire, including the investigation of opportunities to provide County Council services through Post Offices in order to help keep as many of them as viable as possible.

This Council is also dissatisfied with the lack of detail received during consultation on proposed Post Office closures in the county and requests that further information be given, and the consultation period be extended, to allow for more informed decisions. This information should include basic information on each affected Post Office, such as the average weekly number of transactions, evidence of the claimed lack of need and the attitude of individual Postmasters to the proposals."

There followed a full debate of the wide range of issues involved culminating in

the acceptance of a motion moved by Councillor Mrs. Frankum pursuant to Standing Order 19(d) that the question be now put.

Each of the seconders spoke in support of the motion and amendments

respectively and, in summing up, Councillor Perry not only referred to a petition he had received concerning the Winchester to Romsey bus link and the impact of that on communities which bore a marked similarity to those concerning the closure of post offices, but also accepted adjustments to the amendments suggested by the Leader of the Council which he would be willing to support. Councillor Mrs. Buckley indicated her willingness to accept the adjustments and accordingly it was

RESOLVED:

This Council strongly criticises the Post Office's current proposals for Post

Office closures in Hampshire as symptomatic of their consistent failure to recognise the needs of Shire counties; where in rural villages, suburbs and towns the Post Office is not only an important service in its own right but often is a crucial factor helping in the retention of a local shop.

We urge the Government instead of managing decline of the Post Office network, to seek to bring new business opportunities to the network thereby increasing the financial viability of business.

Post Offices have a vital role in community cohesion and place shaping, which Government says it is committed to developing.

This Council further resolves to develop a strategy to do everything we prudently can do to save Post Offices in Hampshire, including the investigation of opportunities to provide County Council services through Post Offices in order to help keep as many of them as viable as possible.

This Council is also dissatisfied with the lack of detail received during consultation on proposed Post Office closures in the county and requests that further information be given, and the consultation period be extended, to allow for more informed decisions. This information should include basic information on each affected Post Office, such as the average weekly number of transactions, evidence of the claimed lack of need and the attitude of individual Postmasters to the proposals.

244

HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

On this occasion no questions had been received under Standing Order 20(d).

There was no report of the Authority.

245

HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

No questions had been received pursuant to Standing Order 20(e). The report

was presented by Councillor Cartwright, Chairman of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority and he took the opportunity to draw the Council's attention to the outstanding work undertaken by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service combating a recent blaze in Warwickshire where, tragically, three local firefighters had lost their lives. The Chairman of the Council undertook to write to the Chief Fire Officer thanking him and his officers for their valuable contribution in very dangerous conditions.

246

REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

The Council received the reports of the following:

a)

Cabinet/Leader;

b)

Executive Member for Adult Social Care;

c)

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

d)

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) and Executive Member for Children and Families;

e)

Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage;

f)

Executive Member for Environment.