Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The decision:

a) That the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs be informed that, if it secures cross-local authority support, the County Council supports a future South Downs National Park Authority membership of 39 members. This membership to be made up of 21 members from the constituent local authorities, with Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex County Councils, and East Hampshire, Chichester, Lewes and Winchester District/City Councils each having two members, and the remaining authorities having one member, except Adur and Worthing Councils which share a seat;

and, in the event that a South Downs National Park Authority membership of 39 members is not acceptable:

b) That the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs be informed that the County Council supports a future South Downs National Park Authority membership of 37 members, with 19 members being from the constituent local authorities, with Hampshire and West Sussex County Councils and East Hampshire and Chichester District Councils each having two members.

c) That the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs be informed that the County Council wishes to be included in the list of councils appointing to the National Park Authority.

d) That the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs be informed that the County Council proposes that a future South Downs National Park Authority establishes a committee structure to streamline decision making and ensure a clear division of responsibility between executive, scrutiny and regulatory functions.

2. Reason for the decision:

2.1. The County Council will be a member of the South Downs National Park Authority and is concerned that democratic representation on the National Park Authority should not be compromised. The County Council is also concerned that the size of the Authority should not be regarded as an obstacle to effective decision making.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Not to respond to the consultation. Rejected as this could result in the democratic interests of the people of Hampshire not being reflected by the make up of the National Park Authority.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: none.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker: