Contact: Rosalind Rutt, ext 6745 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The report considers opportunities for closer and more outcome focused joint working between local authorities in Central Hampshire. It also identifies the need for more coherent and effective partnership working across rural Hampshire as a whole. Two complementary partnerships are proposed, supported by the County Council, which would strengthen and replace existing partnerships.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the development of the Central Hampshire Conference be supported, and that Hampshire County Council offers to act as the lead authority, convenor and budget holder for the first two years.

(ii) That the setting up of a Hampshire Rural Forum to address rural issues in all of the county, replacing the Committee for Rural Hampshire, be supported.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision enables the County Council to lead and work more effectively in partnership with other local authorities and organisations in Hampshire to address rural issues and improve rural service delivery.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To continue the current arrangements of participating in the existing Central Hampshire and New Forest Group and supporting the Committee for Rural Hampshire. These would not achieve the step change required for more efficient and customer-focused joint working for central and rural Hampshire.

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

1699Decn/RRt