Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Andrews.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2019 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2019, 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 note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There were no issues raised during the public participation period.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet recommend to Council that the current scheme of members’ allowances be made as the scheme to apply from 1 April 2020.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.  Report to Cabinet and Council

PORTFOLIO:

N/A

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Leader introduced the report and highlighted that this was a procedural issue.

RESOLVED:

That the Community Grant awards, as set out in Appendix 1, and in more detail in Appendix 2, be approved and recommended to Council for inclusion in the Medium Term Financial Plan.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No. Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Community Affairs

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Leader introduced the reported and expressed his thanks to those members involved in the Community Grants Task and Finish Group which had considered the grant applications.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure expressed his support to New Forest Disability Information Service.  The Leader echoed his sentiments and it was noted that the charity was one supported by the Chairman of the Council.

Members also expressed thanks to the work of the Task and Finish Group, noting that it had been a difficult decision making exercise.  Members expressed their support to Forest Forge and were pleased that the value of performing arts had been recognised.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet agree and recommend to Council the schedule of projects as included as Appendix 2 and 3 for inclusion in the 2020/21 budget.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No. Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services introduced the report and spoke on the importance of good, prudent financial management.  He highlighted the proposed Dibden Golf Course car park resurfacing works and that the Council had maintenance responsibility for this facility.  Whilst the golf course was not managed by the Council, it was a Council owned asset and needed to be maintained in a good condition.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure also expressed his support and noted that difficult financial choices need to be made in order to maintain a sound financial position.  Attention was drawn to paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the report relating to the Capital Programme for 2020/21 and one off expenditure projects.

Members also expressed their support to the Dibden Golf Couse car park resurfacing work and noted that it was a useful meeting place for the wider community.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet agree and recommend to Council that the Capital Strategy 2020/21 be approved, including the adoption of the Minimum Revenue Provision.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.  Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services introduced the report and stated that it was a requirement of the Council to produce a strategy and how this would be funded.  He drew attention to Table 1 in the Capital Strategy which detailed the estimates for capital expenditure up to 2022/23.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing Services spoke on the report and reported that the Council would continue to invest in maintaining existing housing stock and that there would also be investment in new homes.  The capital expenditure for housing (HRA) had an increasing year on year budget through to 2022/23.  This was outlined in Table 1 of the report.  A key Council priority was to provide more Council homes for those in the district who could not afford to buy a property on the open market.  

Members supported the work carried out in relation to the delivery of Council homes and the need to publicise this.

RESOLVED:

That the significant deliverables achieved as a result of the large and complex infrastructure renewal project be noted and that an additional £120,000 be approved in order to complete the project.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services introduced the report.  He spoke of the huge changes which had been carried out since 2017 and that investing in infrastructure had been a major task.  It was noted that other changes had taken place, for example enabling staff to work more flexibly with the provision of portable devices.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development commended the work of officers on the delivery of the project, which was also recognised by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council that it:

       i.          notes the recommendations made in the Examiner’s Report (Appendix 2) into the New Milton Neighbourhood Development Plan (Appendix 1 shows the submission plan);

      ii.          agrees the examiner’s proposed modifications and Council responses to them as set out in the Decision Statement (Appendix 3);

     iii.          agrees to make the necessary arrangements for the New Milton Neighbourhood Development Plan to proceed to referendum (the date of the referendum is anticipated to be as soon as practicable after the adoption of the Local Plan Review)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.  Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Infrastructure

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure expressed his thanks to those who had been involved in the New Milton Neighbourhood Plan, in particular to New Milton Town Council. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure also paid tribute to the planning policy team at the District Council for the help and support given to the Town Council and to bring forward a plan which meets the test of compliance.  This sentiment was echoed by other members.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet agree:

                 i.       to publish the Interim Housing Delivery Test Action Plan for 2018-19 and 2019-2020, attached as Appendix 1;

                ii.       that there be focused industry consultation on the Interim Housing Delivery Test Action Plan after the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy is formally adopted; and

               iii.       to update the Interim Housing Delivery Test Action Plan after the Housing Delivery Test result is recalculated following formal adoption of the emerging Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Infrastructure

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED / REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure introduced the report.  He proposed a change to recommendation (i) to amend the dates of the Action Plan to 2018-19 and 2019-2020, rather than 2017-18 and 2018-19. 

The Portfolio Holder highlighted that the Council had exceeded the housing delivery targets set out in the adopted 2009 Core Strategy.  This strategy had defined planning objectives to 2026 and had a policy of restraint, so that regional housing growth could be directed to less environmentally sensitive locations.  The Portfolio Holder reported that current Government planning policy sought to increase new housing provision, however, he highlighted that there were significant environmental constraints to the delivery of housing within the District Council area.

RECOMMENDED:

That New Forest District Council’s representation on the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel be as follows:-

Representative – Cllr Andrews

Reserve – Cllr Clarke

RESOLVED:

That New Forest District Council’s representation on the Hampshire Policy and Crime Panel be as follows:-

Representative – Cllr Andrews

Reserve – Cllr Steve Clarke