Archived decisions

DRAFT Agenda Item: 6

River Hamble Select Committee

Proposed Terms of Reference

1. The Select Committee is proposed as a means to independently review the objection to harbour dues on the River Hamble made by the Warsash Sailing Club in accordance with Section 31 of the Harbours Act 1964 thereby avoiding the considerable cost of a public enquiry.

2. The Select Committee shall comprise NINE members as follows:

    One Hampshire County Councillor County Councillor Seán Woodward

    One Fareham Borough Councillor Councillor Trevor Cartwright

    One Eastleigh Borough Councillor Councillor Susan Ingram

    Three representatives of river users Michael Sterne, David Jobson and John Selby

    Two representatives of river businesses Rupert Boissier and Jon Eads

    One representative of the RYA To be nominated by the RYA

3. The Select Committee will be chaired by Hampshire County Councillor Seán Woodward with Michael Sterne of Warsash Sailing Club as the Vice Chairman.

4. The Select Committee will publicise its work and invite any group's spokesman or any individual with an interest in the conduct of the River Hamble to appear to make representations or present written evidence including appropriate officers of Hampshire County Council.

5. The Committee will:

    a. Investigate the objections by Warsash Sailing Club and the responses by the Harbour Authority

    b. Consider the dues charged by the Harbour Authority to the various categories of river user and any differentials between them

    c. Consider the activities carried out by the Harbour Authority and identify any that are not directly related to that body's powers and whether any additional work carried out should properly met by harbour dues payers

    d. Consider what aspects of the costs and charging regime may assist in meeting the vision of the Hampshire County Council Department of Culture, Communities & Rural Affairs:

                    "To improve the quality of life by providing the best possible access to recreational and heritage services and assets together with developing skills and interests to ensure the better use of these valuable resources"

                    and the following corporate objectives:

                    Providing personal and social development opportunities for 13-19 year olds through youth work, for example, cultural activities, advice, information and counselling, international and residential experiences

                    Promoting and supporting health and healthy lifestyles for all

    e. Investigate the activities of the Harbour Authority office and consider if it could achieve better efficiency and, hence, economy

    and make recommendations to the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee which in turn will make recommendations to the River Hamble Harbour Board and Hampshire County Council as appropriate.

6. Timescale. The Select Committee will aim to complete its work during 2009.