Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Cllr Hoare.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2019 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 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, or any other interests by Cabinet Members.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There were no issues raised during the public participation period.

To consider the Council’s performance and provisional budget outturn figures for 2018/19.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

(a) Note the performance and achievements as set out in Appendix 1;

(b) Note the key strategies in progress for 2019/20 set out in Appendix 2;

(c) Note the provisional General Fund outturn position set out in Appendix 3;

(d) Note the provisional outturn position of the Capital Programme set out in Appendix 3; and

(e) Note the provisional outturn position of the Housing Revenue Account set out in Appendix 3.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.

PORTFOLIO:

Leader and Corporate Affairs.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and highlighted that it had been considered by all Overview and Scrutiny Panels.

Cabinet endorsed the good work undertaken and emphasised that there was no complacency, as the Council looked to continuously maintain and improve performance.

To consider proposals following a management review of the Housing Maintenance Service.

RECOMMENDED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council the approval of the financial implications outlined in section 8 of the report.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Full Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Housing Services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Housing Services introduced the report and drew attention to the proposals arising from the Service Review in section 7.

In response to questions from Members, the Portfolio Holder for Housing Services clarified the rationale for bringing the team together at Appletree Court, to ensure a stronger interaction and co-ordination across the service.

The report and outcomes arising from the Service Review were fully endorsed.

To consider a proposal to consult on the adoption of a draft Compulsory Purchase and Overriding Easements Policy.

RESOLVED:

That a four week consultation is undertaken on the draft Compulsory Purchase and Overriding Easements Policy and the outcome reported to Cabinet to decide on the adoption of the policy.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.

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 and highlighted the importance of the policy in the context of wider implications for the Local Plan.  Whilst a compulsory purchase would not be entered into lightly, the policy enabled the Council to act in a timely and coherent fashion to encourage site allocation.

The Cabinet would consider the outcome of the consultation in due course.

To note the consultation being undertaken by Hampshire County Council, and to agree arrangements for submission of the Council’s response.

RESOLVED:

That the consultation being undertaken by Hampshire County Council be noted, and that the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services be requested to submit a consultation response on behalf of the Cabinet before the deadline on 17 July 2019.

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 highlighted the predicted budget shortfall faced by Hampshire County Council, to the period 2022. 

In addition to the Council responding to the consultation, residents and partners were also encouraged to do so.

To note a request from Southampton City Council for this Council to support the City Council’s UK City of Culture bid, and to agree a response.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet support the relevant Portfolio holders engaging with Southampton City Council to discuss the City Council’s UK City of Culture bid, and to express the Council’s initial support for the bid.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.

PORTFOLIOS:

Community Affairs and Economic Development

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Leader of the Council welcomed the opportunity to support the initiative.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Affairs and Economic Development highlighted the fantastic opportunity to showcase what the New Forest has to offer in respect of Arts and Culture.