Archived decisions

Hampshire

__________

At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on 19 November 2009.

Chairman:

p Councillor Tim Knight

Vice-Chairman:

p Councillor Mrs Carol Leversha

68. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dr Ray Ellis; Adrian Evans; Keith Evans; Rupert Kyrle; Mrs Alexis McEvoy and Mrs Patricia West.

Councillor Felicity Hindson extended apologies for the morning session and joined the meeting for the afternoon session.

69. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.

All Members who believed they had a personal or prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting were asked to declare that interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, to consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with paragraph 12 of the Code.

Councillor Frederick Allgood declared a personal interest in relation to Item 16(b) as landlord of Avalon House. Councillor Mrs Phrynette Dickens declared a personal interest, also in relation to Item 16(b) as an employee of Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust.

70. MINUTES.

The minutes of the Special Meeting of the County Council held on 17 September 2009 were confirmed as a correct record subject to noting the following amendments:

Special Meeting:

Page 29: Vice-Chairman Mrs Carol Leversha was not present.

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting:

41c. To record that Councillor Peter Chegwyn was not present at the
meeting held on 16 July 2009.

44. First paragraph - to record that the Leader reported the passing of Sir Miles Rivett-Carnac.

45d. To read....... "as to the effect on the County if there were a
command economy."

The minutes were signed by the Chairman.

71. DEPUTATIONS.

A deputation was received from Simon Theobalds presenting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Crimestoppers Annual Report and their role in helping to create safer and stronger communities. Some supporting information had been circulated in the Chamber.

72. CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The Chairman presented his report (Item 5 in the Minute Book) and expanded on the wide range of duties undertaken to represent and promote the County Council and its strong community leadership role including events at Fort Nelson and Milestones Museum and a ceremony to welcome home Hampshire soldiers who had been serving in Afghanistan. In particular the Chairman reported the sad passing of Honorary Alderman Dudley Keep on 13 October 2009. Tributes were made by Councillors Ken Thornber, Leader of the Council; Adrian Collett; Jane Frankum and Marilyn Tucker.

The Chairman closed by reminding Members about the Christmas Carol Concert to be held on 10 December 2009 at 5.30pm in the Great Hall.

73. LEADER'S REPORT.

It was with much pleasure that the Leader reported that the County Council or its staff had received a number of prestigious awards as follows:

- the Public Library Building Award for the category of Architecture meets Practicality 2009 for the Winchester Discovery Centre against strong competition from 34 other libraries around the UK and Ireland

- `outstanding achievement' in the Local Authority category of the Cabinet Office's `Greening Government' ICT awards and also the Sustainable ICT category of the national public sector IT Excellence awards, both of which recognise the importance of technology in reducing carbon footprint and increasing efficiency.

The Leader drew Members attention to the display in the foyer outside the Chamber promoting a recently launched scheme for Year 5 and 6 pupils about road safety. The County Council's Road Safety Team have assisted schools to appoint Junior Road Safety Officers in 88 schools around the county who will take responsibility for ensuring their fellow pupils understand what they can do to keep themselves safe. The Leader reported that Hampshire schools had taken part in National School Meals healthy eating awareness week. Pupils were encouraged by the County Council's Catering Service to not only make their own menu creations, but also to promote healthy school dinners by designing posters and menu cards to encourage healthy eating which is linked to improved wellbeing, better behaviour and an increased ability to learn. The Leader also reported that approximately 800 of Hampshire's young musicians performed in the Music for Youth Schools Prom 2009 at the Royal Albert Hall. The Music Service had commissioned renowned composer Stephen McNeff to write a piece of music, called the Darwin Dilemma, especially for the event which coincided with the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth.

It was with pleasure that the Leader announced that Henry Perkins, who receives grant funding from the County Council, recently made his debut with the Bolshoi Ballet with a major part in the premiere of Yuri Grigorovich's "La Fille Mal Gardee" full length ballet.

The Leader extended thanks to the distinguished theologian Rabbi Lionel Blue who gave the annual lecture of Interfaith Network on 18 November 2009 in the Ashburton Hall.

The Leader brought to the Council's attention a letter he had recently written to the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP requesting that the boundary of the New Forest National Park be reviewed to include land at Dibden Bay. The letter had been forwarded to Natural England who will be contacting the Leader in due course.

The Leader also drew the Council's attention to Item 10 in the agenda, Hampshire Action Teams (HATs). He explained that due to the way the dates fell with the County Council meeting preceding the Cabinet meeting on Monday 23 November, Members would be asked to approve the terms of reference for the refocused HATs and deal with the nominations for Chairmen and Vice-Chairman as not to do so would mean deferring the matter until February 2010. The Leader also confirmed that a detailed report about the policy, operation, objectives and financing of HATs would be considered at Cabinet on 23 November and Members were invited to attend if they wished to discuss the matter.

The Leader reported on the outcome of the Monitoring Officer's investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information contained within an exempt appendix of an Audit Committee report, to the media and to the MP for Eastleigh in July 2009. The matter was referred to the Standards Committee on 30 October 2009 at which the outcomes of the investigation were noted. The Leader also reported that a paper on the operation of existing protocols and business processes surrounding the compilation and issue of exempt reports would be presented to Cabinet shortly.

The Leader confirmed that Councillor Keith Mans had been appointed to the Cabinet as Executive Member for Communities to respond to the localism and community engagement agendas, to report to the Leader on the 11 Local Strategic Partnerships and to be responsible for the seven Hampshire Action Teams to coordinate and advise them in their `new look' responsibilities including the preparation of Business Plans to fund local projects.

Finally, the Leader announced that the County Council had been awarded a European Union grant of 147,000 Euros to lead work on fostering entrepreneurships among the disadvantaged, disconnected and disillusioned across the EU.

74. QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 20(b).

First questions:

a) Councillor David Kirk, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, answered a question from Councillor Sam James which recognised the work carried out by County Council staff in Adoption Services, who handle very complex and emotive issues with great skill and endeavour.


b) Councillor David Kirk, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, answered a question from Councillor Ray Bolton concerning the handing back of power to local communities in respect of funding allocations they receive and if this were the case, what the position might be in respect of direct funding for Hampshire schools.

c) Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader and Executive Member for Policy and Resources answered a question from Councillor Stephen Reid concerning local government grant settlements and that if the current arrangement were reviewed to ensure fairness and transparency, how such a policy would impact on the County Council.

d) Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader and Executive Member for Policy and Resources answered a question from Councillor Geoff Hockley on the possible abolition of regional planning, the revocation of all regional spatial strategies and the repealing of national planning quotas and how such a renewed and reinvigorated system would work in Hampshire.

e) Councillor David Kirk, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, answered a question from Councillor David Keast asking the Executive Member to explain the procedure in place for Criminal Record Bureau checks on the County Council's and agency staff and the supporting protocols.

At this point in the proceedings, the time allocation of 30 minutes for questions pursuant to Standing Order 20(b)(i) had expired therefore it was agreed that written answers would be supplied to a further six questions that had been submitted by Councillors Mark Cooper; Sam James; Roger Price; Stephen Reid and Chris Thomas.

75. APPOINTMENTS

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 8 in the Minute Book) detailing alterations to various committees. In respect of Regulatory Committees A and B, it had been agreed at County Council on 17 September 2009 to increase the size of the Committees from 15 to 21 members on the proportional basis of 4:2.

Ordered:

a) that Councillors Frederick Allgood; Alan Broadhurst; Chris Carter; Andrew Joy; Mrs Jackie Porter and Mrs Sharyn Wheale be appointed to serve on Regulatory A Committee;


b) that Councillors Frederick Allgood; Alan Broadhurst; Chris Carter; Andrew Joy and Mrs Sharyn Wheale be appointed to serve on Regulatory B Committee;


(NB: a nomination for a Liberal Democrat vacancy on Regulatory Committee B will be considered at the next meeting)


c) that the consequential adjustment to the proportionality table in respect of a) and b) above be approved;


d) that Councillor Keith Chapman be appointed as Chairman of the Policy and Resources Select Committee following the appointment of Councillor Keith Mans to the Cabinet as the Executive Member for Communities;


e) that Councillor Elaine Still be appointed as Chairman of the Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs Select Committee to replace Councillor Keith Chapman;


f) that Councillor Brian Dash replaces Councillor Bruce Tennent on the Audit Committee;


g) that the authority to assist in the recruitment of independent members to Standards Committee and to the Independent Remuneration Panel be delegated to Standards Committee; and


h) that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any necessary amendments to the Constitution to give effect to these decisions.

76. APPOINTMENT OF THE MONITORING OFFICER

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 9 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the appointment of the Monitoring Officer pursuant to Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government Act 2000. In order to reflect the role and nature of this post, the Leader proposed that the post holder be re-titled Head of Governance.

Ordered:

a) that Barbara Beardwell's appointment as the County Council's
Monitoring Officer be confirmed;


b) that the functions of the Monitoring Officer in the Constitution
should be re-designated as Head of Governance; and


c) that the Head of Governance be authorised to make any necessary changes to the Constitution to give effect to this decision.

77. HAMPSHIRE ACTION TEAMS

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 10 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to re-establish the Hampshire Action Teams (HATs), to agree their Terms of Reference and to appoint Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen.

In order to more clearly align with the three strands of work that the HATs would be focused on (as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of the report) the Leader of the Council, seconded by Councillor Roy Perry moved an alteration to remove Terms of Reference c), e), f) and h) pursuant to Standing Order 27(a). A revised report had been circulated, which also dealt with a formatting oversight in the table at paragraph 3.3.

A Motion to retain the original set of Terms of Reference was moved by Councillor Keith House and seconded by Councillor Brian Dash.

During the course of discussion, Members recognised the many positive outcomes that the HATs pilot had achieved together with improved working with district and parish colleagues and other partner organisations. The re-establishment of the re-focused HATs would provide an opportunity to focus on local issues and was therefore welcomed as was the proposal for each HAT to receive funding. A number of Members also expressed their hope that some form of decision making would be devolved to the HATs. The Leader repeated his invitation for Members to attend the Cabinet meeting on 23 November 2009 at which a more detailed report about the policy, operation, objectives and financing of the HATs would be considered.

At the conclusion of the debate, the first amendment was put to the vote and was carried. The second amendment was put to the vote and was not carried. The first amendment was therefore the substantive proposition and was determined by the voices of those present at the meeting.

Ordered:

a) that the appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairmen be approved as follows:

* These posts will not be eligible for any form of Special Responsibility Allowance

b) that the revised Terms of Reference, as circulated, be approved.

78. SUPPORT PROVIDED TO DEAFBLIND CHILDREN AND ADULTS

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee presented a report (Item 11 in the Minute Book) detailing the result of its consideration of a Notice of Motion that had been referred by the Council on 17 September 2009 concerning support provided to deafblind children and adults.

Resolved:

That the recommendations of the Policy and Resources Select Committee be approved and that the Executive Members for Children's Services and Adult Social Care meet with the proposer of the Motion, Councillor Alan Dowden, to explore the support offered by the organisation Sense, a leading national charity supporting children and adults who are deafblind.

It was noted that the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Select Committee made the offer of further support to the Executive Members from the Select Committee if required.

79. NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillor Adam Carew, seconded by Councillor David Harrison, presented the following Notice of Motion which had been submitted pursuant to Standing Order 17.1(i):

"10:10 Campaign

This Council notes:

(i) Climate change predications show that without severe cuts in
greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought,
flooding and famine affecting all of us and poorest countries the
worst. Some of these countries are already suffering from the
effects of climate change. This is an issue of social justice as
well as environmental justice.

(ii) That under current commitments the UK is due to cut emissions
by 34% by 2020. It is hoped that negotiations at
Copenhagen will lead to stricter commitments. Climate change
scientists advise that cuts of 10% a year are needed to avert the
worst consequences of climate change.

(iii) To ensure a breakthrough, at the critical Copenhagen conference, that may just save our planet from climate change, Ministers need to know that people in their countries are behind them.


(iv) At the time of writing almost 30 councils so far have signed up to the 10% reduction by 2020 "10:10 Campaign" started by Franny Armstrong which seeks to get individuals and organisations to make a firm commitment.

This Council believes that it is possible to achieve this target with the right degree of political will and it is important to show its commitment to making these emission reductions.

This Council therefore resolves to sign up to the 10:10 campaign and make a firm commitment to reduce its emissions as measured for National Indicator 185 by 10% between end-2009 and end-2010."

Pursuant to Standing Order 17.4 the Leader proposed that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Environment and Transportation Select Committee for detailed investigation.

Resolved:

That the matter be referred to the Environment and Transportation Select Committee consideration and to report back to the Council at its next meeting, unless circumstances necessitate a report to a later meeting.

80. HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

Pursuant to Standing Order 20(d) Councillor Adrian Collett, Vice Chairman of the Hampshire Police Authority answered a question from Councillor Roy Perry, in his capacity as Chairman of the Hampshire Strategic Partnership. The report of the Hampshire Police Authority was received and questions arising from it were answered.

81. HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

No questions had been received pursuant to Standing Order 20(e).

The report of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority was received.

82. POLICY AND RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE - ANNUAL REPORT

The Council considered the Policy and Resources Select Committee Annual report (Item 15 in the Minute Book) documenting the work carried out by the County Council's Select Committees in the last 12 months. The Council noted the wide variety of work that had been undertaken by the Committees in responding to new requirements, whilst simultaneously delivering full work programmes including several major reviews.

83. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

The Council received the reports of the following Executive Members and Committee Chairmen:

a) The Cabinet/Leader
- Community Infrastructure Levy: consultation
- Hampshire County Council response to the Government's
Green Paper `Shaping the Future of Care Together'.

b) Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- NHS Hampshire Rapid Appraisal Plan including Southeast
Capacity Plan
- Minor Injuries Unit, Havant War Memorial Hospital
- Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust: Future
Developments requiring action
- Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust: proposals to
modernise Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust: proposals to
reconfigure 24 hour assessment and treatment (In-Patient
Mental Health Services)

c) Executive Member for Adult Social Care
- Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report
- Supporting People approach to Procurement/Extra-Care
Housing Tendering and Procurement

d) Executive Member for Environment:
- Transfer of remaining Household Waste Recycling Centres to
the main Household Waste Recycling Centre Contract

e) Executive Lead Member for Children's Services
- Hampshire Children's Trust - developing local partnerships
- Review of school places and organisation at Barncroft Infant
and Junior Schools, Havant