At a meeting of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at THE CASTLE, WINCHESTER on 23 June 2008.

Present:

Councillors:

p T.K. Thornber, CBE (Chairman)

Also present with the agreement of the Chairman: Councillor K.G. Chapman; A.P. Collett; B.D. Dash; K. Evans; K. House; P.R.C. Hutcheson and C.A. Leversha

407. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.

408. 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.

409. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 May 2008 were confirmed as a correct record.

410. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

(a) As deputations had been received, the Chairman reported that
Item 8 on the agenda "Approval for the Hampshire Minerals
Plan" would be taken as the first item of business, in accordance
with Standing Order 21 (e) of the County Council's Constitution.

(b) The Chairman confirmed that he was setting aside Standing
Orders to allow each deputation a maximum of 10 minutes in
which to speak.


(c) The Chairman invited Councillors K.G. Chapman, K. House and
B.D. Dash to speak in respect of the Mortimer West End site, Hamble Airfield site and Forest Lodge Farm site respectively.

411. DEPUTATIONS

The Cabinet received deputations from the following people in respect of Item 8 on the agenda "Approval for the Hampshire Minerals Plan":


Mrs Heather Broadbent representing Ancasta Group Limited, Port
Hamble Marina
Ms Paula Saunderson of Hamble
Mr Jim Sey representing DAMAGE - Downton and Milford Against Gravel
Extraction

Dr Susie Tomson of Hamble and representing RAGE - Residents
Against Gravel Extraction)

Mr Bob Bishop of Milford-on-Sea

Mr Laurence Prestage representing HERITAGE - Hordle and Everton Residents in Tandem Against Gravel Extraction)

Mrs Kate Muffett of the Hamble Parish Plan Steering Group

412. APPROVAL FOR THE HAMPSHIRE MINERALS PLAN

Councillor Kendal declared a personal interest that prior to his appointment to the Cabinet, he participated in a protest at Downton Manor Farm and in 2006 gave evidence to the Regulatory Committee in respect of that site. Therefore Councillor Kendal did not take part in discussions about any of the New Forest sites and did not take part in the voting on the proposed recommendations.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item
8 in the Minute book) setting out the background to the process for developing and preparing the Hampshire Minerals Plan and summarising its key components for recommendation to the County Council on 10 July 2008. The Director of Environment, supported by Richard Read (Head of Planning and Development) gave a detailed account of the key points in the report as follows:

· the consultation process and post consultation developments regarding the proposed lower extraction figure of 1.82 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) as opposed to 2.63 mtpa, which had been influenced by a decline in sales of sand and gravel

· that this is a joint Plan with partners Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the New Forest Park Authority and that the Plan will also go through those Councils approval procedures

· confirmed that, in terms of the County Council, the Plan is at the third and final stage and outlined its future progression

· confirmed that the Plan is not just about sand and gravel and covers all minerals (including those such as rock, that are brought into the County from other areas), landfill and aggregate recycling

· the thorough and extensive process that had been undertaken in preparation of the plan over a two year period, which included advice from consultants, independent traffic assessments and environmental impact assessments, a sustainability appraisal and holding stakeholder meetings, Member workshops and numerous ad hoc meetings with individual groups including the River Hamble Harbour Authority

· that strict conditions will be set as part of the planning application process to mitigate impacts, including environmental and traffic issues

· that the 10 sites identified will be capable of supplying the 1.82mtpa to 2020

· confirmed that the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) is currently consulting on apportionment targets

· confirmed that SEERA has requested that the consultation be promoted; accordingly the consultation document is available on the County Council's website together with a local poll offering the opportunity to vote on the proposed apportionment targets:

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/planning/mineralsandwaste/planning-
policy/documents-2/minerals-plan/min-plan-apportionment-
poll.htm

· that the suite of Minerals Plan documents are available in the Members' Rooms and via the County Council's website: /decisions/decisions-index/index-docs-6876

· confirmed that statutory planning procedures had been robustly followed and was confident that a very thorough job had been done in the preparation of the draft Plan

It was also noted that the Cabinet had undertaken a tour of potential sites. Councillors Mrs Banks, Glen, Mrs Hindson, Kendal and Perry visited Daedalus, Chilling and Brownwich Farms, Hamble Airfield, Pickwell Farm, North of Portsmouth Road (a late proposal by the land owner) during the morning of Friday 30 May 2008. In the afternoon, the Councillors (without Councillor Glen) visited Forest Lodge Farm, Downton, Ashley Manor Farm, Roeshot Hill, Purple and Blue Haze and Plumley Wood. They also took the opportunity to look at Cobley Wood, Midgham Farm and Bicton as these had been suggested by objectors to other sites as alternatives. During the morning of Monday 9 June Councillors Thornber, Mrs Banks, Dr. Ellis, Glen, Mrs Hindson, Kendal, Kirk, Perry and Mrs Snaith visited Bunny Lane, Dunwood Nurseries (late site proposed by the land owner), Michelmersh Brickworks and Mortimer West End. In the afternoon, the Councilllors (without Councillor Glen) visited Eversley Common Quarry, Frith End Quarry, Bordon/Whitehill, Selborne Brickworks and Kingsley Quarry. It was noted for the record that Councillor Thornber confirmed he would not vote on the proposals as he had been unable to attend the tour of sites on Friday 30 May 2008.

It was also noted that the Cabinet report had been considered and commented on by the Environment and Transportation Select Committee and a large volume of correspondence on the matter had been received.

During the course of the ensuing discussion, the Cabinet thanked the deputations for attending the meeting and putting forward their views. In considering the report, the Cabinet were mindful that the preparation, consideration and submission of a Minerals Plan for Hampshire is required by Government and the County Council therefore has a duty to comply. More importantly, if no plan were prepared, the County would be vulnerable to sites being allowed through planning application appeals. A planned approach would deliver better outcomes. They welcomed the confirmation by the Director of Environment of due diligence in respect of the process and that robust and thorough work had been carried out by officers experienced in this field to ensure that the right sites were identified whilst balancing industry, environmental and traffic issues across the county. They also welcomed that strict controls would be put in place via the planning application process to ensure mitigation of impacts in regard to environmental and traffic issues. The many views expressed at the stakeholder, Member and other meetings had been very helpful and all had been taken into account. On two specific points, the Chairman requested that the present usage of minerals, which points to a target below 1.82 mtpa, be researched and the results communicated to the Cabinet and the Cabinet sought clarification as to whether or not there were any proposals for housing development on the Hamble Airfield site as part of the draft South East Plan. In response to the latter, the Director of Environment confirmed that the County Council does not have local planning powers however it has been involved, together with the County Council's district council partners, in developing the strategic approach to future growth in South Hampshire for the South East Plan and that there was no suggestion that housing development should take place on this particular site.

In conclusion of a full discussion and having taken all views expressed into consideration, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report, subject to the deletion of the word "significant" in the last line of recommendation (ii), for progression to County Council on 10 July 2008. The substantive decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 1.

413. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON "PROSPEROUS PLACES - TAKING FORWARD THE REVIEW OF SUB NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 5 in the Minute book) setting out the background to, and a draft response to the Government's consultation on taking forward the review of Sub National Economic Development and Regeneration. The Head of Economic Development expanded on this significant consultation document and drew attention to the key areas of the proposals.

During the course of the ensuing discussion, the Cabinet welcomed the opportunity to engage in the debate that this consultation has engendered. They expressed concerns about:

· integrated regional strategies

· accountability and governance

· Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) remit to assess the capacity of a local authority to manage delegated budgets

· sub-regional partnerships and Multi Area Agreements

Specific points were raised as follows:

· the Leaders' Forum proposed should be the `accountable body' for the region

· the RDAs should report to the Leaders' Forum, providing it with expert advice, and proposing technical reports

· that RDAs should have 70% (rather than 50%) of their membership made up of elected representatives from local authorities

· programme and project budgets of the RDAs should be delegated or, preferably devolved, to the upper tier and unitary local authorities in the region, for them to implement with their partners.

· expressed concern that the transfer of powers to develop the integrated Regional Plan to a non-elected body reduces the accountability of proposals and thus the sensitivity to local and community wishes. Furthermore, it is in conflict with other government policies which seek to give greater powers and influence to local communities and to the role of democratically elected members as leaders of those communities.

· expressed the view that the County Council is a large and significant authority and therefore could be a region in its own right, as recognised by the Council of Europe

In conclusion of a full discussion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to some strengthening of the draft response to reflect the views expressed above. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 2; the finalised consultation response will be available on the County Council's website at: /decisions/decisions-index/index-docs-6876.

414. CORPORATE PERFORMANCE REPORT 2007/08

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6a in the Minute book) summarising the key performance achievements and issues from the 2007/08 reporting year together with the end of year corporate performance results in relation to the Best Value Performance Indicators, Corporate Business Plan and the Local Area Agreement.

The Chief Executive drew attention to the key components of the report and was pleased to confirm the overall strong progress made during the year. There were some targets where the County Council is not improving as quickly as desired therefore further work would be undertaken and a report on a revised improvement framework would be submitted to the Cabinet in September. Chief Officers would also be working on outstanding issues in the Corporate Assessment Improvement Plan. In terms of comparative performance with other local authorities, the County Council along with many other authorities will be working with Pricewaterhouse Cooper (PwC), for a relatively small cost, to do some benchmarking work. The data resulting from this work will be shared with the Audit Commission as part of follow-on work agreed after the County Council's last Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

The Cabinet noted and welcomed the overall strong progress and expressed the following views for a number of specific areas covered in the report, namely:

· that the first three months of the current financial year shows a downward trend in regard to road casualties, which was welcomed

· recognised the sterling efforts of library staff to improve the overall service they provide, with efforts being concentrated in the current financial year on improving book stock

· that the Adult Services improvement to three stars is the top rating available and was achieved at the same time as the successful delivery of the financial recovery and modernisation programme

· the good progress being made in respect of the Adult Services Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) list of areas for improvement

· the good progress of re-enablement work by Adult Services which allows people to gain more independence and reduces the reliance on intensive home care

· the success of the Crime and Disorder Data Information Exchange (CADDIE) with over 1 million hits on the website since its launch.

In conclusion of a detailed discussion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 3.

415. FINAL ACCOUNTS 2007/08

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 6b in the Minute book) setting out the final accounts for the financial year 2007/08. In expanding on the report, the County Treasurer drew attention to an overall underspending of £8.2m (1.4%) against the 2007/08 cash limit. Spending on service cash limits was £3.4m (0.25%) lower than budgeted mainly in the Adult and Children's Services' departments as detailed in section 1 of the report. Further savings of £6.5m have arisen on other budgets, mainly interest from more favourable cash flow and higher balances than forecast, and from the effects of a relatively mild winter.

During the course of the ensuing debate, the Cabinet welcomed the one-off investment of £3.2m primarily for repairing potholes, for accelerating the application of 30 mph limits in villages, and other road and pavement maintenance. The Cabinet also noted the difficulties surrounding the Sure Start Grant rules, which the County Council and many other local authorities had experienced and were of the view that it would be helpful in future if less of this Grant was ring-fenced to provide more flexibility. They did however note that the Grant allocation for 2007/08 had been used as flexibly as possible which had prevented part of it being returned to the Government.

In conclusion of a detailed discussion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 4.

416. HAMPSHIRE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 7 in the Minute book) setting out the draft Hampshire Sustainable Community Strategy for the period 2008-2018 for recommendation to the County Council on 10 July 2008 together with the Local Area Agreement (LAA) for approval. In expanding on the report, the Chief Executive drew Members attention to section 2.6 setting out the ambitions for Hampshire, which included a proposed tenth ambition regarding the County Council's drive for value for money as a critical element of service delivery.

During the course of the ensuing discussion, Members expressed their support for the ten ambitions set out in the report and that the need for an adequate level of infrastructure (Ambition 3) would indeed be recognised by the Government. They also emphasised that the quality of life analysis highlighted the poor conditions in Gosport against a range of indicators and strongly advocated that strategic leadership was required with cross-political support to identify long term approaches to the underlying problems; the example of dealing with waste through Project Integra was cited. Furthermore, the analysis indicated a number of areas of multiple deprivation in pockets across Hampshire and there was an opportunity for the Hampshire Senate, collectively, to address these priority areas. This would need to be central to the work of partner agencies since there were many examples of initiatives and funding having had little impact due to their short term nature. Finally, the Chairman reported that he and the Chief Executive were due to meet with the Leader and Chief Executive of Gosport Borough Council, which would provide an opportunity to share the Cabinet's views and have an initial discussion about long term approaches to the problems in this area.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to an amendment to reflect more explicitly the County Council's ambition to focus on areas of multiple deprivation and to tackle inequalities. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 5.

417. APPROVAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP FOR SOUTH HAMPSHIRE (PUSH) BUSINESS PLAN 2008-11

Councillor M.J. Kendal declared a personal interest and reported that in his capacity as a District Council Leader had supported the PUSH Business Plan at a PUSH Committee meeting. It was also noted that Councillor T.K. Thornber had considered the PUSH Business Plan in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of the PUSH Committee.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and Chief Executive (Item 9 in the Minute book) setting out the background to, and the key components of the PUSH Business Plan 2008-11 for recommendation to the County Council on 10 July 2008 for approval. The Chief Executive confirmed that the full Business Plan document together with its appendices (some 110 pages) was available in the Members' Rooms. The Chief Executive also expanded on the position with the Hampshire Multi Area Agreement (MAA) and the difficulty that had been experienced in getting the County Council's input adequately recognised.

A full and detailed debate ensued during which the Cabinet expressed strong concerns about some elements of the Business Plan, particularly around the statutory functions of the County Council and that of any MAA, the effectiveness of the PUSH governance arrangements, financial implications and the future role of the County Council in this partnership. The Cabinet confirmed its strong desire to work in collaboration with other authorities, particularly where this added value for the people of Hampshire.

In conclusion the Cabinet agreed to recommend the PUSH Business Plan to the County Council on condition that significant progress is made to address the following issues:

(a) the future scope of the Plan is reshaped to focus on key
deliverables that need substantial joint action by several partners


(b) that statutory responsibilities, accountabilities and ambitions of the
County Council for the whole of Hampshire are recognised, including the Local Area Agreement and statutory Department for Education and Skills (DfES) targets, and noting that Hampshire wide commitments and arrangements need to be acknowledged and embraced in future updates


(c) the responsibilities and Terms of Reference for Transport for South Hampshire are not affected by the Plan


(d) further discussion on the governance arrangements alluded to in
the document which need to be proportionate and appropriate in relation to the revised scope of the Business Plan

(e) That progress with the above issues to be evidenced and reported
to the County Council as part of the annual submission in 2009.

(f) the Leader be authorised to conclude any negotiations on the MAA
subject to the Agreement adding value to outcomes for residents of Hampshire.

Contact: Adrian Flavell, ext 6730 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(i) That the Cabinet recommends to the County Council that
the Hampshire Minerals Plan:

(a) shall provide for 1.82 million tonnes per annum of sand and gravel;

(b) be approved for publication, consultation on its soundness and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State in accordance with Regulations 27-30 of The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008; and

(c) be adopted by the County Council as an interim framework for the operation of planning control until this Plan is superseded.

(ii) That the County Council be further recommended to authorise the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment, to finalise the Hampshire Minerals Plan prior to submission and supporting documents, provided that these do not materially change the overall direction, shape and emphasis of the document, and do not raise any new issues.

(iii) That the Cabinet delegate authority to the Leader of the County Council to finalise the consultation responses to the following documents in line with proposals set out in this report:

(a) Government consultation on the `Draft Revised National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates in England: 2005-2020'; and

(b) the South East England Regional Assembly consultation on the `Review of Sub-Regional Allocation of Land-Won Aggregates'.

2. Reason

2.1 The Hampshire Minerals Plan is an important component of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework. It develops proposals to supply the minerals that Hampshire needs over the plan period to 2020, to support housing development and deliver other key infrastructure requirements to maintain its prosperity. It supports the Sustainable Community Strategy and Corporate Business Plan outcome 1.7.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The delivery of the Hampshire Minerals Plan is a statutory duty and is subject to specific regulations for its preparation. The following options were considered:

(i) Delaying the Plan

This was rejected as under new advice from Government the whole plan would need to be `rolled forward' to 2026. Early completion and adoption of the plan will ensure consideration of minerals development through a plan led system. Without this, the County Council is open to the risk of receiving individual applications which would need to be considered on a site by site basis. Proceeding with the plan enables sites to be tested on a systematic basis and tested against other sites. Many sites have been tested through this process and rejected to develop the best performing options, as set out in section 7.

(ii) Preparing the Plan on the basis of present guidelines to provide for 2.63 million tonnes per annum of sand and gravel

This was rejected on the basis that current production trends clearly do not sustain this. Planning on a higher level of production would identify sites that may not be realised for many years and cause undue uncertainty for the public. Moreover, the Sustainability Appraisal prepared as part of the Plan concludes that the only sustainable level of production over the whole Plan period is under two million tonnes per annum.

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

1578Decn/AF

Contact: John Rees-Evans, Head of Economic Development

Ext no 6381, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 On the 31^st March, the Government published its consultation:-

"Prosperous Places. Taking Forward the Review of the Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration"

The Consultation is based on a review originally published by HM Treasury on 17^th July 2007.

The present consultation (closing date 20^th June) has been published jointly by two Government Departments: DCLG and DBERR.

They are seeking, in summary, views on proposals for:-

· a new, integrated regional strategy

· the replacement of voluntary Regional Assemblies with a locally determined "Leaders Forum" for elected Local Authority Leaders and the transfer of responsibilities for spatial and transport planning to the Regional Development Agencies

· the introduction of a new statutory economic assessment duty for upper tier and Unitary Local Authorities.

1.2 The report attached is made up of three parts: a discussion paper on the proposals (Appendix 1), a draft response for the Leader to send to Government setting out the Council's views (Appendix 2) and a series of proposed answers to the questions posed in the consultation (Appendix 3).

1.3 Since the deadline for the response was the 20^th June, the Leader has already sent a preliminary response to Government, based on the documents attached.

1.4. The following decisions were made:

(a) That Cabinet welcomes the move to an integrated regional strategy but strongly believes that this should be the responsibility of democratically elected representatives

(b) That Cabinet supports the setting up of a Leaders' Forum for the region

(c) That Cabinet welcomes the strong support given by the Sub National Review to the role of Local Authorities in helping shape their local economy and supports the proposal to establish a statutory duty for Local Authorities and particularly upper tier Authorities to undertake an economic assessment of their areas

(d) That Cabinet authorises the response from the Council as per the proposed letter from the Leader in Appendix 2 and the responses to the questions set out in Appendix 3 subject to some strengthening to reflect the views expressed at the meeting.

2. Reasons

2.1 The significant changes proposed in the consultation and especially the proposal to abolish Regional Assemblies and pass their role to unelected Regional Development Agencies require a robust response from the Council. The Council plays a significant role in the economic, social and environmental prosperity of Hampshire and believes this should be fully acknowledged in the implementation of the Review.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 These are considered in more detail in the discussion document attached. However, to accept the transfer of power to Regional Development Agencies would not properly reflect the Council's wish to see more democratic accountability in the planning process.

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: Gary Smith, Ext: 7402, email: [email protected]

1. Summary:

The following decisions were made:

1.1 That Cabinet agree that the 2007/08 year end corporate performance results are published as part of the performance plan website and results are used to inform the continuing development of the Corporate Business Plan.

1.2 That strong progress made during the year and the work by staff to achieve improved results is recognised and that any areas of risk are noted and action taken, as appropriate.

1.3 That a further report be brought to Cabinet in September 2008 on the proposed revised improvement infrastructure.

2. Reason

2.1 These decisions relate to all the work carried out in support of the Corporate Strategy priorities: Hampshire safer & more secure for all, Maximising wellbeing and Enhancing our quality of place.

3. Other Options considered and rejected - none

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 - Chairman

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

1. Summary

1.1 There is an overall underspending of £8.2m (1.4%) against the 2007/08 cash limit.

1.2 Spending on service cash limited budgets is £3.4m (0.25%) lower than budgeted, mainly as a result of savings on Adult and Children's Services. This satisfactorily completes the recovery and modernisation programme over two years which was set for Adult Services.

1.3 £1.7m is added to balances after allowing for the carry forward of over and underspendings and in accordance with the financial management policy. Further savings of £6.5m have arisen on other budgets, mainly interest from more favourable cash flow and higher balances than forecast.

1.4 It is proposed that the total saving of £8.2m, together with a saving of £0.1m in 2008/09 on the set up costs of the Hampshire Senate, is added to balances in the first instance. £5.1m will be used to reduce the council tax increase to 3% (from 3.5%) in each of 2009/10 and 2010/11. The remaining £3.2m will be used in one off investment, primarily for reinstating potholes and other road and pavement maintenance, and to improve the quality of life in the Council's residential homes for the elderly.

1.5 The following decisions were made:

(a) that the outturn variations in service cash-limited expenditure, as set out in Table 1, be approved

(b) that Adult Services, Children's Services, Environment and Policy and Resources retain 50% of their underspendings, and Recreation and Heritage carries forward its small overspending to 2008/09, in accordance with the County Council's financial management policy

(c) that adjustments and variations on other budgets as set out in Table 3, be approved

(d) that extra balances be used as set out in Table 5

(e) that contributions to and from earmarked reserves be made, as set out in Appendix 4, and the draft protocol, as set out in Annex 2 to Appendix 4, be approved

(f) that the report on the County Council's treasury management activities, prudential and financial health indicators as set out in Appendix 5 be approved

(g) that the proposed policy on the level of minimum revenue provision for the repayment of debt for 2007/08 and 2008/09, together with the prudential indicators, be submitted to the County Council for approval

(h) that the backward look efficiency statement for 2007/08 be approved for submission to Communities and Local Government, as set out in Appendix 6

(i) that the final accounts of the County Council for 2007/08 be approved

(j) that the final accounts of the Hampshire Pension Fund, as set out in Appendix 7 be approved

(k) that progress in implementing financial management policies, as set out in Appendix 8 be noted

(l) that service capital programme cash limits for 2008/09 be increased by the sums shown in:

i) column 6 of the table in Annex 1 of Appendix 9 (to reflect
the carry forward of capital schemes and the balance of
cash limits from 2007/08)

ii) column 3 and 4 of the Table in annex 7 to Appendix 9 (to
reflect services' share of capital receipts)

(m) that the partnership accounts for 2007/08 set out in Appendix 10 be noted in recognition of the County Council's responsibility for financial stewardship

(n) that the annual internal audit assurance statement, set out in Appendix 11, which concludes that the County Council has an appropriate framework of control that provides reasonable assurance regarding the effective, efficient and economic achievement of the County Council's objectives, be noted

(o) that £0.5m be allocated from the Invest to Save reserve in 2008/09 to finance the costs arising from the corporate services and efficiency reviews, as proposed by the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive, subject to a further report to Cabinet in July 2008

(p) that the balance of the contingency in the 2008/09 budget for unfunded budget pressures of £156,000 be allocated to provide continuing funding to the end of the financial year for Hampshire Action Team support and revised scrutiny arrangements.

2. Reason

2.1 To enable the Cabinet to review the 2007/08 final accounts, prior to the Statement of Accounts being submitted to the Governance Committee for approval.

3. Other options considered and rejected - not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE - Chairman

Contact: Robert Ormerod, Ext: 5122, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Cabinet recommend the draft Hampshire Sustainable Community Strategy to Full Council for approval on the 10 July 2008, subject to an amendment to reflect more explicitly the County Council's ambition to focus on areas of multiple deprivation and to tackle inequalities.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision relates to all three of the Corporate Strategy priorities: Hampshire safer & more secure for all, Maximising wellbeing and Enhancing our quality of place.

3. Other Options considered and rejected

None - the strategy is a statutory requirement

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

Contact: Alison Quant, tel 01962 845099 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 On 12 July 2007 the County Council established a Joint Committee with other Councils in South Hampshire to promote and steer the sub-regional strategy for sustainable economic growth. This arrangement replaced the former voluntary Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH). The Joint Committee was given delegated authority to discharge such functions of the Executive as are necessary to implement the Business Plan for PUSH, subject to the Plan being approved annually by the County Council. The Council appointed the Leader of the Council as its representative on the Joint Committee, with another member of the Executive as substitute. A PUSH Overview and Scrutiny Committee was also set up.

1.2 The first Business Plan 2008-11 was agreed by the PUSH Joint Committee on 18 March 2008, for recommendation to partner authorities. A South Hampshire Multi Area Agreement (MAA) is also being developed to proved a mechanism to improve partnership working with Government and assist in the delivery of the Business Plan objectives. The MAA would be complementary to the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Area Agreements (LAAs). The MAA also includes transport provisions which have been prepared by Transport for South Hampshire, which were approved by the Joint Committee on 14 April.

1.3 The following decisions were made:

That Cabinet recommends to the County Council that the PUSH Business Plan be approved on condition that significant progress is made to address the following issues:

(a) the future scope of the Plan is reshaped to focus on key
deliverables that need substantial joint action by several partners


(b) that statutory responsibilities, accountabilities and ambitions of the
County Council for the whole of Hampshire are recognised, including the Local Area Agreement and statutory Department for Education and Skills (DfES) targets, and noting that Hampshire wide commitments and arrangements need to be acknowledged and embraced in future updates


(c) the responsibilities and Terms of Reference for Transport for South Hampshire are not affected by the Plan


(d) further discussion on the governance arrangements alluded to in
the document which need to be proportionate and appropriate in relation to the revised scope of the Business Plan

(e) That progress with the above issues to be evidenced and reported
to the County Council as part of the annual submission in 2009.

(f) the Leader be authorised to conclude any negotiations on the MAA
subject to the Agreement adding value to outcomes for residents of Hampshire.

2. Reason

2.1 The Business Plan sets out the outcomes the Partnership is seeking and identifies the supporting actions and resources required to deliver the strategy for South Hampshire through provision of employment, housing, infrastructure and facilities to meet social and community needs, whilst protecting the environment and developing sustainable communities. The MAA provides a mechanism for securing greater Government and stakeholder commitment to the implementation of key aspects of the Business Plan.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to approve the Business Plan. The County Council is a key player in the delivery of the ambitious strategy for South Hampshire and not approving the Plan would compromise delivery of the Plan outcomes.

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

1707Decn/AQ