Issue - meetings

PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

Item 3 – Medium Term Financial Plan 2023 Onwards

One Member highlighted the burden placed on motorists of the New Forest by raising car parking fees and charges.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate highlighted that the Council’s decision on this matter had provided for service users of car parks to contribute towards an appropriate level of fees and charges, rather than the wider local population, some of whom may not be able to afford a car.

Item 5 – Supporting the Armed Forces and the Armed Forces Covenant

The Council’s Armed Forces Member Champion welcomed the amendment made at the Cabinet meeting, to recognise explicitly in the recommendations all four services and Armed Forces charities.  Other Members welcomed the report and the work underway across the Council.

One Member highlighted the work of the Royal British Legion, including recent campaigns for a Veterans Commissioner for England.  He encouraged councillors to keep in touch with this work and to support their campaigns where relevant and appropriate in support of the covenant commitments.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

Item 6 – Transformation Strategy 2024-2028 (Future New Forest – Transforming Tomorrow, Together)

The Leader introduced the item and moved the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting.  Cllr Heron seconded the motion.

Some Members highlighted the importance of maintaining face-to-face customer services for residents, ensuring this worked for all parts of the New Forest.  Consultation in respect of any proposed changes was also highlighted as a key aspect of bringing both staff and residents along the Transformation journey.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate highlighted that Transformation was a broader improvement programme wider than customer services alone, which in itself was designed to achieve efficiencies.  This would allow the Council to consider options to maintain or enhance capacity for those residents who engaged with the Council in a non-digital way.

In responding to the debate, the Leader committed to maintaining a face-to-face customer offer for those residents who needed it, alongside ensuring that meaningful consultation was undertaken and considered throughout the process.

RESOLVED:

That the Transformation Strategy at Appendix 1 and the Year One Indicative Work Programme at Appendix 2 of the Cabinet report, be approved.

Item 7 – Council Tax 2024/25 – Setting the Tax Base

Cllr Heron introduced the item and moved the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting.  Cllr Cleary seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That:-

(a)   The calculation of the Council’s tax base for the year 2024/25 be approved; and

(b)   Pursuant to the report and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by this Council as its council tax base for the year 2024/25 be as follows and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the Cabinet report:-