COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, 15 MAY 2008

HAMPSHIRE

At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on Thursday 15 May 2008.

Chairman:

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Councillor M.J. Woodhall

Vice Chairman:

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Councillor T.G. Knight

Councillors:

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F. G. Allgood J.P.

Mrs. K. Heron

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Mrs. C. A. Bailey

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Felicity Hindson, M.B.E.

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Mrs. P. G. Banks

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G. M. Hockley

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R. J. Baulk

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Keith House

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I. F. E. Beagley

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R. Hughes

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D. R. Blampied

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P. R. C. Hutcheson

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Carol Boulton

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S. C. James

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Alan Broadhurst

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Jo Kelly

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J. V. Bryant

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M. N. Kemp-Gee

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Mrs. A. Buckley

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M. J. Kendal

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Mrs. E. M. Byrom

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R. J. Kimber

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Adam Carew

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D. A. Kirk

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M. F. Cartwright

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Mrs. C. A. Leversha

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K. G. Chapman

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A. R. Ludlow

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P. J. Chegwyn

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Peter Kent Mason

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N. R. G. Clarke

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J. J. W. Maxwell

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A. P. Collett

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R. C. McIntosh

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M. G. Cooper

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Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott

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B. D. Dash

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E. J. Neal

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Colin Davidovitz

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Sam Payne

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G. W. Davies-Dear

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R. J. Perry

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Mrs. P.M. Devereux

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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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Seán D. T. Woodward

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P. A. Heath

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D. F. Wright J.P.

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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gale, Hockley,

James, Kemp-Gee and Maxwell.

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CHAIRMAN'S OUTGOING REMARKS

The Chairman recalled some of the many memorable events which she

had attended during her year in office, highlighting 11 royal visits to Hampshire, visits to residential homes and hosting many events for the voluntary sector. She paid tribute to the support given her by her chaplain, Canon Michael St. John Channell and thanked both Councillor Knight and Councillor Thornber for their advice and assistance.

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ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

The Chairman called for nominations. Councillor Thornber, seconded by

Councillor Perry, proposed that Councillor M.J. Woodhall be elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year. There being no other nominations it was

RESOLVED:

That Councillor M.J. Woodhall be and is hereby elected Chairman of the

County Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2009.

Councillor Woodhall thereupon made the declaration of acceptance of

office and took the Chair. He presented the outgoing Chairman, Councillor Mrs. Devereux, with a replica badge of office in recognition of her service as Chairman and Councillor Thornber presented her with a box of chocolates.

COUNCILLOR M.J. WOODHALL IN THE CHAIR

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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

All Members who believed they had a personal or prejudicial

interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting were asked to 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, to 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.

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MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 3 April 2008

were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the deletion of Councillor Hutcheson from the list of Members present.

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APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

The Chairman called for nominations and Councillor Thornber,

seconded by Councillor Rice, proposed that Councillor T G. Knight be appointed Vice-Chairman of the County Council for the ensuing year. There being no other nominations it was

RESOLVED:

That Councillor T. G. Knight be and hereby is appointed Vice-Chairman

of the County Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2009. Councillor Knight thereupon made the declaration of acceptance of office.

285

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

Councillor Woodhall took the opportunity to thank the Council for

conferring the honour of Chairman of the County Council upon him and he thanked the outgoing Chairman for her service during 2007/08. He outlined his vision for the forthcoming year in the role of Chairman of the Council and looked forward to working and meeting with all Members of the Council. He reflected on the wide range of opportunities which the office of Deputy Leader of the Council had brought him and thanked the Council for the valuable experience which his time in that office had provided.

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LEADER'S REPORT

The Leader congratulated Councillor Woodhall on his election as

Chairman and Councillor Knight on his appointment as Vice Chairman. The Leader also announced that he had appointed Councillor Perry as his Deputy.

It was with regret that the Leader announced the passing of former

County Councillor Bill Newstead who had represented Leesland County Electoral Division in Gosport from 1981 to 1985. The Council stood in silence.

The Leader congratulated Jon Pittam, County Treasurer, on his

election to the CIPFA Council; Lee Maidment of Adult Services on his election to the Council of the Association of Accounting Technicians and Stephanie Randall of Children's Services' Devolved Finance Unit who had recently won a `Future Leaders' initiative launched by Public Finance and CIPFA. The County Council had also received the `Good Egg' award from Compassion in World Farming for buying food locally for use in the County Council's schools and care homes; the Hampshire County Youth Band were, for the second consecutive year, National Youth Brass Band champions in the County Championship category.

The Leader circulated a summary of grants made by Members under

the devolved budget arrangements approved for 2007/08. Grant making in 2008/09 would recommence from 1 June and close on 28 February. Given elections in 2009, there would be no carry forward at the end of 2008/09. He concluded by welcoming Emma Gordon (Chief Executive's) and Andrew Boutflower (County Treasurer's) and inviting them to present to the Council their winning entry for the Young Local Authority of the Year competition which had been reported at the previous meeting of the Council. The Leader wished them both good luck in the future careers.

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QUESTIONS PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 20(b)(i)

Councillor Thornber, Executive Member for Policy and Resources,

answered a question from Councillor Reid about local members being made aware of media interest in matters concerning their County Electoral Divisions. In replying, the Leader asked all Chief Officers to ensure that local Members' views were incorporated in reports to be considered by Executive Members.

Councillor Kirk, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services

(Education), answered a question from Councillor Kelly about the quality of pupil data used by the Children's Services Department.

Councillor Kendal, Executive Member for Environment, answered a

question from Councillor Reid about procedures concerning the preparation of road schemes to be funded through Section 106 receipts.

Councillor Thornber, Executive Member for Policy and Resources,

answered a question from Councillor Reid about expenditure on a topographical survey of the Manydown land in Basingstoke.

288

PROPORTIONALITY AND APPOINTMENTS

The County Council considered the report of the Chief Executive

(Item 9 minute book). The Leader welcomed Mr James, the recently appointed independent Chairman of the County Council's Standards Committee, to the meeting.

RESOLVED:

a)

That the Proportionality Table set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes be approved;

b)

That the following Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees and advisory panels be appointed:

Committee

Chairman

Vice-Chairman

Policy and Resources Select Committee

Cllr. M.F. Cartwright

Cllr. Mrs. C.A. Leversha

Children and Young People Select Committee

Cllr. Mrs. C.A. Leversha

Cllr. Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott

Culture and Communities Select Committee

Cllr. K.G. Chapman

Cllr. A.W. Rice

Environment and Transportation Select Committee

Cllr. P.R.C. Hutcheson

Cllr. Mrs. S.A. Wheale

Safe and Healthy People Select Committee

Cllr. P.A. Heath

Cllr. E.F. Gale

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cllr. Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott

Mrs. P.A. West

Regulatory Committee

Cllr. R.C. McIntosh

Cllr. I.F.E. Beagley

Governance Committee

Cllr. T.K. Thornber

Cllr. T.G. Knight

Standards Committee

Mr M.C. James

Cllr A.W. Rice

Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee

Cllr. T. K. Thornber

Cllr. R.J. Ellis

Pension Fund Panel

Cllr. T. K. Thornber

Cllr. M.F. Cartwright

Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel

Cllr. T.K. Thornber

Cllr C.R.H. Davidovitz

Education Advisory Panel

Cllr. Mrs. P.A. West

Cllr. R.J. Kimber

River Hamble Harbour Board

Cllr. J.V. Bryant

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River Hamble Harbour Management Committee

Cllr. S.D.T. Woodward

Cllr. R.J. Ellis

SACRE

Cllr. Mrs. A. M. McNair Scott

Mr. S.W. Juniper

289

LOCAL AUTHORITIES (FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES) (ENGLAND) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2008 - LOCAL AREA AGREEMENTS (LAAs)

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 10 in

the Minute Book) concerning arrangements for the approval of LAAs by the Council. Acknowledging the special circumstances at the present time, an amendment was proposed that this function should be vested in the County Council itself. After discussion and in response to a proposal made by the Leader of the Council it was

RESOLVED:

a)

That, taking into account the government's timetable for submission of the LAA covering 2008-11 by the end of May 2008, the Executive be authorised to submit and modify the draft LAA considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 12 May 2008;

b)

That the Policy and Resources Select Committee be asked to consider and report on how best the Council should approach the exercise of its functions in relation to the approval of future LAAs

290

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

The Council considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 11 in

the Minute Book) which had been endorsed by both the Governance Committee and the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

That the revised Financial Regulations set out in the attachment to the

report of the County Treasurer be approved.

291

POST OFFICES

The Council considered the report of the Leader (Item 12 in the Minute

Book) following the discussions at the previous meeting of the County Council. The Leader reported progress and developments including a meeting with the Leaders of all the district councils in Hampshire. The Council was mindful that discussions were continuing with Post Office Ltd and, in that respect, the Leader endorsed a proposal that reinforced the Council's commitment to supporting post offices in rural, urban and suburban areas.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council supports continuing discussions with Post

Office Ltd to explore options for post office services in rural, urban and suburban areas of Hampshire.

292

CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL - NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillor Dowden, seconded by Councillor Gill, presented the

following Notice of Motion which had been submitted to pursuant to Standing Order 17:

`That this Council affirms that the role of Chairman is a non-political post and, in electing a Chairman of Hampshire County Council, it will seek to select the best candidate for the post. Council further notes that, unlike many other authorities, Hampshire County Council does not have an agreed procedure for nomination of candidates for the post of Chairman. Council therefore seeks a panel of members to investigate procedures for the election of Chairman in 2009.'

After a full discussion, the majority of Members did not support the proposal and accordingly the Motion was lost.

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be not approved.

293

HAMPSHIRE'S NEEDS, CAPACITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE - NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillor Perry, seconded by Councillor Reid, presented the following

Notice of Motion which had been submitted to pursuant to Standing Order 17:

`i) Hampshire County Council calls on the Government to recognise that it is locally elected Councils that are best placed to determine the needs, capacity and infrastructure requirements of their area.

ii) This Council asks that, in its consideration of the Inspector's
report on the South East Plan, the Government shall not increase still further the current housing figures proposed for Hampshire in the Plan period and insists that even the currently envisaged level of development should only be permitted if adequate infrastructure, especially, but not only, roads, is guaranteed and properly funded in advance.'

The Council supported the thrust of the Motion and Councillor Perry indicated his willingness to accept an addition as follows which sought to promote better protection of the best and most versatile agricultural land:

`(iii) That this Council calls upon the government to review paragraphs 28 and 29 in PPS 7 (Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas) in order to better protect from development the best and most versatile agricultural land (defined as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification).'

RESOLVED:

i) Hampshire County Council calls on the Government to recognise that it is

locally elected Councils that are best placed to determine the needs, capacity and infrastructure requirements of their area.

ii) This Council asks that, in its consideration of the Inspector's
report on the South East Plan, the Government shall not increase still further the current housing figures proposed for Hampshire in the Plan period and insists that even the currently envisaged level of development should only be permitted if adequate infrastructure, especially but not only roads, is guaranteed and properly funded in advance.

(iii) This Council calls upon the Government to review paragraphs 28 and 29 in PPS 7 (Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas) in order to better protect from development the best and most versatile agricultural land (defined as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification)

294

HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

The Council received the report of the Hampshire Police Authority. No

questions had been received pursuant to Standing Order 20(d).

295

HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

On this occasion there was no report of the Authority and no questions

had been received pursuant to Standing Order 20(e).

296

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;