Issue - meetings

Cabinet            5 August 2015 & 2 September 2015 (to follow)

The recommendations arising from the meetings of the Cabinet on 8 August and 3 September 2015 were agreed.

Cllrs Frampton, Harrison, E J Heron, Mrs Jackman, Rickman and Mrs Wyeth disclosed non-pecuniary interests in Item 2 of the Report of the Cabinet dated 2 September 2015 as members of the New Forest National Park Authority, the other party to the Service Level Agreements. Each concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent them from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.

The Leader of the Council, as Chairman of the Cabinet, presented the reports of the meetings held on 5 August and 2 September 2015.

On the motion that the reports be received and the recommendations adopted:

Item 1 – (2 September 2015) – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Devolution Proposal

Cllr Harrison commented on the prospectus that had been prepared for submission to Ministers to support the bid for devolved powers for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. He said that whilst additional powers would be of benefit to local communities, balancing the needs and demands of both the urban and rural areas would pose a challenge. He felt that any move toward a ‘super’ mayor should be discouraged.

Cllr E Heron, in welcoming the views of Cllr Harrison, said that as the issue was still at the earliest stages of the process, it was difficult to form a definitive picture of the impact the proposals would have on the area. Detailed discussion, including the need for a ‘super mayor’, would take place once any Government offer was known.

RESOLVED:

That the reports be received and the recommendations be adopted.