Archived decisions

Contact: David Evans tel 01489 576387 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report highlights a number of current issues pertaining to the management of the Harbour Authority, which Harbour Board members would wish to be aware of.

2. Recommendation

That this report be noted

3. Current Issues

3.1 Budget monitoring - at the half way point of the financial year, income is in line with expectations. Expenditure is also on track, despite the cost of the Oil Spill Response exercise (approximately £3,500) which had not been budgeted for. Total staff costs are a little uncertain due to the unpredictable impact of shifting from `inclusive' salaries to `exclusive' salaries plus allowances, as required by the new pay and benefit arrangements. Work has started on preparing the budget proposals for 2008/09.

3.2 Visitor Charges - Winter 2007/08 In an effort to encourage visitors to the Harbour Authority jetties at Hamble and Warsash during the winter months, and to align with other similar harbours in the Solent, the overnight charge for visiting vessels on the jetties has been reduced by 25% (from £2 per metre to £1.50 per metre) for the period 1^st November 2007 to 31^st March 2008. This has been promulgated through the Harbour Authority website, appropriate internet fora and on noticeboards.

3.3 Queens Speech - The recent Queen's speech introduced two Bills to the legislative programme which are likely to impact on the work of the Harbour

Authority.

Marine Bill

Proposes a new system of planning for marine and offshore developments. The Harbour Authority has already been extensively involved in consultation on this Bill.

Marine Navigation and Port Safety Bill

Derived in part from the outcome of the Department for Transport's `Ports Policy Review'. Much of the content is likely to be directed at major cargo and passenger ports rather than recreational harbours, but the Bill proposes giving lighthouse authorities more powers to operate a modern service and will clarify the existing framework for port safety (the Port Marine Safety Code). The latter will undoubtedly have an impact on the River Hamble Harbour Authority.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 This report is a position statement only and no Impact Assessment has been carried out