Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence received from any Cabinet Members.

The Leader provided an update on devolution and local government reorganisation. Hampshire had now been accepted on the government’s fast-track devolution priority programme. The first element of this would be the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authority for the region with elections planned for the Mayor in May 2026.  The Government consultation on this has opened with a closing date of 13^th April.

The Leader reported that the Council had been formally invited by government to work with other councils in Hampshire and the Solent to develop a proposal for Local Government Reorganisation by the autumn.  It was recognised that it was in the District Council’s best interests to fully engage in this process and help to shape a positive outcome, both for our residents and staff.  The Leader reported that both herself and the Chief Executive were regularly meeting with the other councils, and had sought the views of the two local MPs.

Whilst being mindful of the broader Hampshire geography, the Leader would continue to make strong representations for an outcome that she believed would be the best fit for the communities of the New Forest. A report would be coming forward for consideration next month prior to the deadline of 21 March for an interim plan to be submitted to Government.

The Leader acknowledged that moving to a new unitary council would mean that the council’s priorities would need to be considered differently, and that hard work would take place to ensure the delivery of a strong legacy across the Council’s assets and services. Thanks was given to all the staff who in an uncertain position were focusing on what we do best – meeting the needs of our residents.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2025 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2025, be confirmed and signed.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests made by Cabinet Members.

To receive any public participation in accordance with the Council’s public participation scheme.

The following members of the public had registered to speak in accordance with the Council’s Public Participation Scheme:-

Melissa Ashman Kulesza

Martin Wells

Both public speakers spoke in respect of the Medium Term Financial Plan and Annual Budget 2025/26, specifically in relation to the proposed fees and charges regarding the beach huts.  The comments are detailed in minute no 64 below.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend approval of the following to Council:

1.     that from 07 April 2025, an increase in dwelling rents of 2.7% from the 2024/25 weekly rent level, in accordance with Government guidelines, be agreed;

2.     that from 07 April 2025, an increase in garage rents of 2.7% from the 2024/25 weekly rent level be agreed;

3.     that from 07 April 2025, an increase in shared ownership property rents of 3.2% from the 2024/25 weekly rent level, in accordance with Government guidelines of RPI +0.5%, be agreed, and that the weekly rent of one additional property sold under previous legislation be increased by 2.7%;

4.     that from 07 April 2025 Service Charges will continue to reflect actual charges and following a reduction in window cleaning and utility costs, these respective charges will be reduced;

5.     that the HRA budget, as set out in Appendix 1 of this report, be agreed; and

6.     that a Housing Capital Programme to 2027/28, as set out in Appendix 4, be agreed.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Council

PORTFOLIO:

Housing and Homelessness

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness reported he was delighted to present the HRA report which proposed a balanced budget for 2025/26 for approval, supporting the Corporate Plan commitments.

The proposed budget included a rent increase of 2.7%, which should be viewed against the current inflation rate of 3%.  An uplifted maintenance budget was proposed of £18.93 million to be spent on maintaining tenants’ properties during 2025/26.  This included investment on additional windows, bathrooms, replacement heating and insulation to accelerate improvements to council housing which would reduce household energy bills for the benefit of tenants.  This was a key priority of the Cabinet.

The development and acquisition of new council properties was proposed to continue.  The budget was supported by a 30 year business plan, which detailed the spending decisions which would support the sustainability of the HRA for the duration of the plan.

The Strategic Director of Housing and Communities further highlighted that the budget proposed continued support for compliance and safety of tenants and their properties.  The budget proposed £1.5 million for fire safety works and £1.87 million for decarbonisation works to support the energy efficiency measures which had already been highlighted.

In addition to these works, there was a proposed increase in expenditure, which was more than in previous years in order to support the Cabinet in the Corporate priorities.  This included an increased level of borrowing.  Borrowing over a 30 year period had been forecast and this was supported within the plan.

Rent was proposed to be increased, however the flexible service charging approach, instigated last year meant that some service charges would decrease. This was possible due to savings passed on by procuring a better value window cleaning contract, and a reduction in the utility costs for communal areas.

The Portfolio Holders each spoke in support of the report, recognising the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council that:

1.     the updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and financial strategy, as set out in the report and throughout appendices 1-3, are approved;

2.     there is a General Fund Net Budget Requirement in 2025/26 of £25.509 million, as set out in appendices 5a - 5d to the report;

3.     the New Forest District Council Band D Council Tax for 2025/26 shall be £205.77 (paragraph 24);

4.     the General Fund Capital Programme for 2025/26 of £19.411 million, as set out in appendix 6 to this report be approved;

5.     the proposed fees and charges as included at appendix 7 to the report be approved; and

6.     the principal of utilising up to £1.377 million of the budget equalisation reserve to fund investment in community assets, supporting the future transition to the new unitary authority and town and parish councils, is approved.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Council

PORTFOLIO:

Finance and Corporate

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Cabinet heard from two members of the public, speaking in opposition to the proposed fees and charges in relation to the beach huts in the district.  This was contained within recommendation 5. of the Cabinet report and Appendix 7.

Melissa Ashman Kulesza addressed Cabinet reporting that she was speaking on behalf of the Barton on Sea beach hut owners, strongly objecting to the proposed increase in fees.  The reasons for this objection included; that beach hut fees had been increased by over 20% last year; that they were unjustified, other than to maximise income; were discriminatory, alleging they were in breach of the Equalities Act 2010 and it was felt that the fee structure with differential charges for residents and non residents (41% increase in annual charge) was both unfair and unethical.  It was highlighted that the proposed increases had created much stress and anxiety amongst beach hut owners and it was felt that a fairer and equitable solution would be to increase the fees and charges by a small amount to all owners or not at all.

Malcolm Wells addressed the Cabinet as a Calshot beach hut owner.  He reported he had owned and enjoyed his beach hut for 15-20 years.  It was in good condition, recently being rebuilt and he was proud of it.  The fees about 10 years ago had been circa £500-600 a year.  The annual fee had increased by 20% last year and a further 30% increase was proposed for the next financial year, taking the annual licence fee to just under £1,400 a year for a non resident.  The annual licence fee proposed for a resident of the District was £899.  The disparity between the two figures was questioned and considered unfair.  The proposed administration fee to transfer a beach hut was felt to be too high, and it was reported that the proposed fee was higher than other local areas, highlighting that a fee was proposed even  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.