Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 7 July 2008.

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

Also present with the agreement of the Chairman: Councillors M.F. Cartwright; K.G. Chapman; A.P. Collett, P.A. Heath; P.R.C. Hutcheson; Mrs C.A. Leversha; Mrs A.M. McNair-Scott

418. APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J.K. Glen.

419. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a personal or prejudicial interest in any matter considered at the meeting declared that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, considered whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with paragraph 12 of the code.

420. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2008 were confirmed as a correct record subject to a minor correction to Minute 416 and the strengthening of minute 417, fourth paragraph to read as follows:

"In conclusion and with considerable reservations, 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...".

The list of conditions (a) to (f) remain unchanged.

421. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

(i) Welcomed Mo Saqib to the meeting, who is currently shadowing
Councillor Collett.

422. RURAL DELIVERY STRATEGY FOR HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL - SUPPORTING HAMPSHIRE'S RURAL COMMUNITIES

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Rural Delivery Task Group) (Item 5a in the Minute book) highlighting the key service delivery issues faced by the County Council in supporting rural communities. The Chief Executive together with members of the Rural Delivery Task Group expanded on the key points in the report. In particular they highlighted the importance of the County Council having clear aspirations to take this work forward; drew attention to the approach for delivering a Rural Strategy, as set out in recommendation 1.1(b); and emphasised the team effort that had gone into the preparation of this document.

The Cabinet welcomed the very comprehensive document, prepared in a relatively short time, bringing together in one place the various strands of work being carried out in departments. They discussed the significant challenges facing the rural community such as accessibility issues including public, community and school transport facilities, the need for small village schools to pool resources, isolation, deprivation, the opportunity to improve skills which impacts on employment growth, communication facilities, issues affecting young people, general well-being and potential inequalities. They also emphasised the importance of Parish and Town Councils, as well as District Councils, all religious councils and other groups and organisations supporting Hampshire's rural communities being consulted on the proposals. In conclusion, they agreed that everything practicable should be done to maintain rural life and to support rural communities.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 1.

423. CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE CONFERENCE AND HAMPSHIRE RURAL FORUM

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment, as a linked report to 5a above, outlining 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 and proposed two complementary partnerships, to be supported by the County Council, to strengthen and replace existing partnerships.

In expanding on the report, the Director of Environment highlighted the key drivers for change, detailed the background to the development of the Central Hampshire Conference and the setting up of a Hampshire Rural Forum to address rural issues across the county, which links into the Rural Delivery Strategy.

In the course of the ensuing discussion, the Cabinet requested the inclusion of Rushmoor Borough Council and the South Downs National Park in the Central Hampshire Conference proposal.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 2.

424. REVIEW OF CURRENT SCRUTINY ARRANGEMENTS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Policy and Resources Select Committee setting out the background to, and the outcomes of a review of the County Council's current scrutiny arrangements. The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Select Committee reported that this had been a very wide ranging review, consulting with County Councillors and officers. This had resulted in a wide variety of views being expressed, which had informed the report's recommendations. The main objective of the review was to help the scrutiny framework evolve and to strengthen partnership working. The review had been Member led, with the evidence gathered being very ably summarised by the manager of the Scrutiny Team.

The Cabinet acknowledged the very thorough review that had been undertaken and in the interests of having the opportunity to respond to the outcomes effectively, it was agreed that a Panel be convened to review all the recommendations with the exception of G1, H, I, J, K, N & S, which are matters that fall properly to the Select Committees to resolve. It was agreed that the Panel comprise Councillors Perry, Felicity Hindson and Ellis, together with Councillor Cartwright, Chairman of the Policy Review Select Committee and the Leaders of the opposition, Councillors Collett and Jo Kelly, with the remit to report back to Cabinet as soon as practicable. The Cabinet also highlighted the importance of due consideration being given to the resource implications for departments when determining topics for inclusion on Select Committees future work programmes. Furthermore, the Panel were requested to be mindful of this when considering the recommendations of the review report.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 3.

425. RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JUNE 2008

With the concurrence of the Chairman under Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, this matter has been included on the agenda to ensure that the Leader's changes are report in line with the Constitution's requirements at the earliest opportunity.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive detailing changes to the Cabinet portfolios made by the Leader of the Council with effect from 1 June 2008, pursuant to the requirement in Part 1, Chapter 15 of the County Council's Constitution.

Accordingly, the Cabinet noted the changes detailed and requested some further changes as follows:

· agreed that the County Council input to the district based Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships remain in the portfolio for the Executive Member for External Relations and Communications

· to emphasise the importance of skills development, that the relevant Executive Member portfolio be renamed "Executive Member for Skills and Economic Development and Human Resources"

The Cabinet agreed that the recommendations, together with the revisions detailed above be reported to the full Council on 10 July 2008. The decision sheet is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 4.

Hampshire County Council

Appendix 1

Cabinet (Item 5a)

7 July 2008

Rural Delivery Strategy for Hampshire County Council - Supporting Hampshire's Rural Communities

Report of the Chief Executive (Rural Delivery Task Group)

Contact:

John Tickle, Tel: ext. 6000, e-mail: [email protected]

Ian Parker, Tel: ext. 7269, e-mail: [email protected]

John Rees-Evans, Tel: ext. 6628, e-mail: [email protected]

Stuart Jarvis, Tel: ext. 6126, e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That Cabinet:

a) Agrees the vision underpinning the role of the County Council in supporting rural communities and that this should link to the Local Area Agreement and Sustainable Community Strategy - "Rural Communities that are resilient and sustainable socially, economically and environmentally".

b) Supports the development of a Rural Delivery Strategy for the County Council and agrees the timeline and approach set out in Appendices 1 and 2, including appropriate external consultation, and that this process:

i. reviews existing spatial policy to identify the changes needed to deliver sustainable rural communities;

ii. builds upon successful projects and experience emerging from the Rural Pathfinder Programme and other good practice;

iii. engages effectively with key partner organisations involved in supporting rural communities;

iv. establishes an appropriate mechanism to monitor and review the implementation and effectiveness of the strategy;

v. supports the development of the socio-economic profile for rural areas as an important evidence base for future action.

c) Fully supports and facilitates better inter-departmental collaboration and co-ordination of work to maximise effectiveness and efficiency, with particular focus upon existing County Council assets, information, grant support initiatives and accessibility to services in rural areas.

d) Approves the implementation of a series of early interventions to support capacity building in rural communities, listed in Appendix 3 (identifying the resources required to achieve them.)

e) Agrees the need for a more joined up approach to the communication and `branding' of support for rural communities and development of an associated communication and marketing plan.

f) Supports the move to develop a Hampshire Rural Forum and Central Hampshire Conference with a focus upon securing advice, support and action in rural communities. (See separate agenda item).

2. Reasons for the Recommendation

2.1 This report and supporting document highlights the key service delivery issues faced by Hampshire County Council in supporting rural communities and areas. It considers how the County Council can improve its service delivery and work more effectively with its partners to support rural communities. The crucial interdependence between more rural areas and major urban settlements is recognised as a key factor in sustaining the vitality of the County. With the planned level of development in Hampshire over the next 20 years, major changes in agriculture, and the expectation of the designation of a second national park, it is of vital importance that the County Council protects and enhances the rural environment, its economy and its communities. Hampshire County Council is uniquely placed through its delivery of services and the management of its assets to influence the shaping of Hampshire's rural areas and their links to urban areas.

2.2 The key challenges, opportunities and service delivery issues include:

- accessibility to services and the costs/impacts of delivery in rural areas

- small pockets of disadvantaged, harder to reach groups dispersed across rural areas

- strong reliance on external partners, particularly the voluntary sector, in developing capacity to support rural communities

- the need to support business and rural economic development

- significant economic and social change in rural areas; increased housing cost, lack of employment opportunities and threatened loss of services

- the importance of developing an evidence base and rural profile to inform and assist policy and service development

- the strong environmental importance of rural communities and areas, the quality and designation of a large part of the County including one existing and a further proposed National Park

- the opportunities provided by the County Council's own assets to respond to community needs e.g. extended community use of schools; infrastructure development; access to the countryside; multiple use of premises; grants and support for rural enterprises and activities.

2.3 The proposed outcomes of the development of a Rural Delivery Strategy for Hampshire County Council are;

a) Adopting a clear vision underlying our work in supporting rural communities and providing a focus for greater recognition and understanding of the major contribution that Hampshire County Council is making and will continue to make to rural communities.

b) Recognising the crucial role played by rural areas and communities in terms of the social, economic and environmental vitality of the County.

c) Developing a new approach to rural spatial policy recognising the importance of appropriate, managed development to support employment, local housing and retention of services in rural communities.

d) Developing an effective evidence base to inform future action and service development across the organisation by developing the Rural Profile.

e) Securing more effective engagement with rural communities and partner organisations through the development of a Rural Delivery Strategy for Hampshire County Council.

f) Providing improved accessibility to services within rural communities

g) Identifying some potential early interventions for Members in making a difference and building capacity within rural communities.

h) Achieving more effective corporate collaboration and co-ordination when delivering and developing services within rural communities through `rural proofing' of our work.

i) Strengthening the role for Hampshire County Council at regional and national levels by building on the lessons of the Rural Pathfinder.

2.4 These decisions relate strongly 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

Not developing a Rural Delivery Strategy for Hampshire County Council. This was rejected on the basis of a perceived need to coordinate and develop support for rural communities within the context of an appropriate corporate service delivery framework for the County Council. It was also seen as essential to consult with key partner organisations and agencies to seek effective joint working in this area.

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. Reasons for matter being dealt with, if urgent - Not applicable.

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

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 were made:

(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

Contact: Denise Holden, ext no: 7338, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That a Panel comprising Councillors Perry, Felicity Hindson and Ellis, together with Councillor Cartwright, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Select Committee and Councillors Collett and Jo Kelly be convened with the remit to consider the recommendations below in detail and report back to the Cabinet as soon as practicable.

A) There is a clearly defined mechanism agreed through which Select Committees can bring issues, reports and recommendations to the attention of the relevant Executive Member, or where appropriate the Cabinet, and a clear timeframe for providing a response to the appropriate Select Committee.

A1) When a response is made, if recommendations are not accepted an explanation is provided.

B) Where recommendations are accepted there will be an agreed process for following up progress with implementation and reporting this to the relevant Select Committee, with sufficient time allowed in meetings for Members to give full consideration to the actions initiated.

C) Make explicit the means by which Executive Members are able to feed into and inform Select Committee work programmes.

D) At the point of selecting a topic for inclusion in the work programme, Select Committee Chairmen ensure that the prioritisation and scheduling of work allows for maximum opportunities to inform or improve the service/topic under consideration.

E) The scope for Select Committee Members to access the expertise within Departments to obtain professional and technical advice/input is explored, taking account of the need to manage an appropriate separation of the work of Departments and scrutiny.

F) The point of contact between lead scrutiny officers and each Department is formally agreed to ensure that information is properly routed both through Departments and to Select Committee Members.

F1) Briefings and reports for Members can be easily identified and accessed through the County Council website.

G) Informal meetings are set up between the relevant Select Committee Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, Opposition Spokespeople, Executive Members and key officers to provide an early alert to emerging issues and facilitate `real time' scrutiny of decisions, policy development and work programmes.

L) Consideration is given to the most effective way to support Members in building a knowledge base of, and engagement with, the work of the County Council. This may include the introduction of a `job description' for certain roles, a system of `lead scrutineers/member champions', or specified training completed prior to a Member being appointed to a particular role. The role of the Chairman in supporting non-Executive Member development should be included in this work.

M) Consideration is given to the resources available to support non-executive Members in the conduct of overview and scrutiny.

O) The `Call in' process is reviewed, taking account of national
best practice.

P) The way in which reports and other information is presented to Members be reviewed to ensure that all relevant evidence and supporting information is included, previous work can be easily tracked and links with corporate polices are clear.

Q) A `plain English' handbook is developed setting out the role
and function of the Select Committees and the procedures that support their work. This will be clearly accessible on the website and widely circulated in the County Council.

R) The scope to build Select Committee Member understanding of the key issues with regard to performance and finances, and better alignment with the annual cycle of both disciplines, is explored with the appropriate key leads in the County Council.

T) Work on the website for Hampshire County Council Select Committees continues and includes work programmes and other support activities as well as the handbook (see recommendation R above)

U) The Hampshire County Council media protocols are revised to ensure they properly reflect the role of the Select Committees

That the views of the Cabinet are shared with the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Select Committee.

NB: In regard to recommendations G1, H, I, J, K, N, and S, the Cabinet agreed that these fall properly to the Select Committees to resolve therefore they were not included in the remit of the working group.

2. Reason

2.1 The current arrangements for the local government overview and scrutiny function at Hampshire County Council were set up in Autumn 2006. In July 2007 the Policy and Resources Select Committee decided it was appropriate to review these arrangements to ensure that they were operating effectively.

2.2 Evidence was gathered by seeking the views of Select Committee Members, Executive Members and Senior Officers. A review group comprising the Select Committee Chairmen and Opposition Spokespeople was convened to consider the evidence. The review identified examples where scrutiny has been successful, and where there are opportunities to strengthen the scrutiny function.

2.3 The review group agreed that some clear messages emerged from the evidence. The Members of the review group are confident that recommendations A to U presented in their report respond to the issues raised in the evidence gathered.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 This review was thorough and involved all key stakeholders so other options for reviewing the scrutiny function were not necessary.

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: David Hinxman, Head of Democratic Services tel: 01962 847339; email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

To note, pursuant to Part 1, Chapter 15 of the Constitution, the changes to Cabinet portfolios made by the Leader of the Council with effect from 1 June 2008 subject to the following revisions:

· agreed that the County Council input to the district based Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships remain in the portfolio for the Executive Member for External Relations and Communications; and


· to emphasise the importance of skills development, that the relevant Executive Member portfolio be renamed "Executive Member for Skills and Economic Development and Human Resources"

2. Reason

2.1 To comply with the provisions in the Constitution which also require the changes to be reported to the County Council. This will be done on 10 July 2008.

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 - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman