Issue - meetings

To consider the response to be made in respect of the County Council’s consultation.

Cllrs E. J Heron and Harrison disclosed non-pecuniary interests as members of Hampshire County Council which was undertaking the consultation.  They each concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent them from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council be advised of the following response in respect of their consultation “Serving Hampshire – Balancing the Budget”:

(i)           This Council acknowledges the difficult financial position faced by the County Council and others in local government at this time;

(ii)          It is noted that this stage of the County Council’s budget consultation is very high level.  It is not therefore possible to comment on the likely impact on specific areas of our community as they are not known.  However, when the County Council is proposing to make specific changes to services it is requested that the views and knowledge of local people, including the district council, are sought prior to any formal decisions being taken.

(iii)        From an operational perspective this Council is keen to explore the opportunities to work in partnership with the County Council in order to explore where tangible benefits to both local authorities can be delivered, including in areas that may generate new sources of income.

Cllrs E. J Heron and Harrison disclosed non-pecuniary interests as members of Hampshire County Council which was undertaking the consultation.  They each concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent them from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.

The Cabinet considered the response to be made with respect to the County Council’s high level consultation on options for balancing its budget.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council be advised of the following response in respect of their consultation “Serving Hampshire – Balancing the Budget”:

(i)             This Council acknowledges the difficult financial position faced by the County Council and others in local government at this time;

(ii)           It is noted that this stage of the County Council’s budget consultation is very high level.  It is not therefore possible to comment on the likely impact on specific areas of our community as they are not known.  However, when the County Council is proposing to make specific changes to services it is requested that the views and knowledge of local people, including the district council, are sought prior to any formal decisions being taken.

(iii)          From an operational perspective this Council is keen to explore the opportunities to work in partnership with the County Council in order to explore where tangible benefits to both local authorities can be delivered, including in areas that may generate new sources of income.