Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record:

Decision Maker:

Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities

Date of Decision:

19 March 2009

Decision Title:

Basingstoke Canal Partnership - Memorandum of Agreement

Decision Reference:

642

Report From:

Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact Name:

John Tickle, Head of the Countryside Service

Telephone:

01962 846000

E-mail:

[email protected]

1) Summary:

    The following decision was made:

    1.1. That the proposed memorandum of agreement, service level agreement and funding formula are approved in principle as a way of securing financial commitments and achieving a more sustainable position for the partnership. On receiving approval in principle some further work is required between the partners to agree the final detailed wording of the Agreement. Consequently, authority is sought for the Director of Recreation and Heritage and the Chief Executive (Head of Legal Practice) to finalise the documentation with other parties

2) Reasons for the decision:

    2.1. Having a partnership of local authorities and other organisations spreads the cost of operating the Canal. On receiving approval in principal, some further work is required between the partners to agree the detailed wording of the Agreement under delegated powers. Clear and effective management arrangements for the Canal will help to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable amenity which, in accordance with all three key areas of the Corporate Strategy, adds to the quality of life of the area.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

    3.1. Option 2:

    3.2. Discount the Memorandum of Agreement and retain a looser partnership approach. This was rejected due to the clear need to establish sustainable funding and joint management arrangements at a time when many partner authorities are facing significant financial challenge. It is important to ensure that there is clarity with respect to the partner roles and responsibilities. Without such an Agreement, the strategic and day to day management of the Canal could be subject to inefficiencies, duplication or lack of responsibility for certain areas of management

    3.3. Option 3:

    3.4. Abandon the partnership altogether- this was rejected as it would be wholly counterproductive in terms of; the public benefits associated with the canal; the effective use of resources; and the interests of the County Council as owner.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

    4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

        a) None

    4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

        a) None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

    None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

    None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

--------------------------------------------------

Date:

19 March 2009

Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities

Councillor Mrs. M. Snaith