Archived decisions

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

1. Summary

1.1 This report forms an update for members of the Harbour Management Committee on a number of current management issues.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That the Management Committee notes this report.

3. Issues

Freedom of Information Act requests

3.1 As previously reported, the Harbour Office staff and other County Council officers have received a significant number of Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations requests made on behalf of Warsash Sailing Club. The original requests (made over a year ago) were the subject of an appeal to the Information Commissioner and these requests have now been answered. A series of more recent requests have been received from the same source, mainly relating to Harbour Dues, the former Supervision Charge and other financial matters, and are currently being dealt with.

Crown Estate Management Agreement

3.2 The Management Agreement, whereby the Harbour Master manages some 600 mid-stream moorings (including the waiting list and sub-letting arrangements) on behalf of The Crown Estate, fell due for renewal on 1 April 2007. Following lengthy negotiations, a revised Management Agreement has now been signed. This involves the payment of a fixed sum to the Harbour Authority for the management of the moorings, plus 20% of the gross income from the waiting list and 25% of the net income (after deduction of Harbour Dues and refunds to mooring holders) from sub-lets. This new agreement is valid until 31 March 2012.

Crown Estate Lease

3.3 The Harbour Authority leases the space occupied by its jetties and pontoons from The Crown Estate. The various leases covering these structures have now been amalgamated into a single lease to include the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash, the Fishermen's Jetty, Hamble Jetty and the Visitors' Pontoon. The new lease has yet to be finalised but will include an annual lump sum rental plus 15% of gross visitor income. It will be valid until 31 March 2036.

Seasonal Coxswains

3.4 Following a comprehensive selection process, a total of four seasonal coxswains have been appointed. Two started just before Easter and two will start at the beginning of May. Two will then complete their contracts after the August Bank Holiday, and the other two will continue until late September.

Marine Bill

3.5 The government has recently issued its draft Marine Bill for consultation. The public consultation period ends on 26 June 2008, but initial indications are that there is nothing in the draft Bill that need cause concern for the management of the River Hamble.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 This report is a position statement only and the recommendations, if accepted will not result in any changes to the services provided by the Harbour Authority.

5. Conclusion

5.1 This report deals with current management issues pertaining to the River Hamble and does not recommend any changes to existing policies.