Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received from Cabinet Members.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2019 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 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.

Cllr E Heron, for transparency purposes, declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of item 5, on the agenda, Consultation Draft Transport Strategy for the South East by TFSE, at minute 48 below.  The interest concerned his membership of Hampshire County Council, which was a key partner to TFSE.  He concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent him from remaining in the meeting to speak and vote.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There were no issues raised during the public participation period.

To consider proposals for the delivery and development of the South East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme element of Phase III of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approve:-

a)     the continued integration of the South East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme into the National Network of Regional Monitoring Programmes;

b)     that New Forest District Council continue to act as the Lead Coordinating Authority in the development and management of Phase III of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes; and

c)     that NFDC continue to act as the Lead Authority in the application to the Environment Agency for funding of Phase III of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.

PORTFOLIO:

Environment and Regulatory Services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and fully supported the funding application being made for the continued delivery of the programme, and for New Forest District Council to continue as the lead organisation. Furthermore, she highlighted the skilled and committed coastal team at the Council.

The Director, Channel Coastal Observatory, highlighted the role of the Channel Coastal Observatory for the South East region and reported briefly on the funding arrangements through the Environment Agency.

To consider the consultation on the Draft Transport Strategy for the South East.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet supports the draft Transport Strategy for the South East as drafted by

TfSE and request that the Portfolio Holder provides a detailed response on behalf of

the Council.

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):

Cllr E Heron, for transparency purposes, declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item.

The interest concerned his membership of Hampshire County Council, which was a key partner to TFSE.  He concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent him from remaining in the meeting to speak and vote.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and welcomed the consultation by TfSE on their Transport Strategy and the recognition of the priority of works to the Redbridge Causeway.

To consider whether the Hythe & Dibden Neighbourhood Plan should be made part of the Development Plan for New Forest District following the positive outcome of the referendum held on 29 October 2019.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:-

a)    note the outcome of the referendum of 29 October 2019; and

b)    recommend to Council that the Hythe and Dibden Neighbourhood Plan be ‘made’ (adopted) as part of the Development Plan for New Forest District (outside the National Park).

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 introduced the report and congratulated Hythe & Dibden Parish Council in bringing forward the first Neighbourhood Plan for ‘adoption’, having been supported in a local referendum within the District.

To consider the recommendations of the Council Tax Reduction Task and Finish Group.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet recommend to Council that option B and C is adopted.

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 introduced the report and drew attention to the work of the Task and Finish Group, particularly in bringing forward the amendment on increasing the period of backdating to three months.  This would support those claiming Universal Credit and also support other vulnerable claimants who had delayed making their application.

To consider the recommendations of the Council Tax Reduction Task and Finish Group on Council Tax discounts and empty homes premiums.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet agree and recommend to Council:-

a)    That, insofar as it is entitled to do so by law, the discretionary discounts to and premiums on Council Tax as set out in options A and B in paragraph 4 of the report, be approved.

b)    That a local council tax exemption class be introduced from 1 April 2020 where:

i.      A property is occupied by one person who is liable for council tax and that person is a care leaver aged under 25, or

ii.     A property is occupied by more than one person who are jointly liable for council tax and those persons are care leavers aged under 25.

c)    To review, by Task and Finish Group, the Empty Homes Premium in 2020.

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 introduced the report and highlighted the increases to the empty homes premium, not as an income generator but as a mechanism to encourage much needed homes back into use.

In respect of care leavers, the Portfolio Holder reported on the balanced feeling between a specific exemption for care leavers, and a more general approach to promote the Council’s local Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Exceptional Hardship Scheme for all vulnerable groups.  As presented, the report recommended this more general approach.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing Services highlighted the need to help care leavers manage their finances and have a better chance of avoiding debt problems in the future.  Therefore, she proposed an amendment to the recommendations, that care leavers under the age of 25 be exempt from Council Tax.  The Portfolio Holder for Community Affairs seconded the amendment and spoke briefly on the importance of supporting the needs of vulnerable people including care leavers.

In response to questions on the number of care leavers, Cabinet noted that there were 23 within the District and of these, four had been confirmed as not liable to pay Council Tax.  Work would continue to identify care leavers eligible for the proposed exemption.

To recommend to Full Council that the tax base for 2020/21 be approved.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommends to Council that:-

a)     The calculation of the Council’s tax base for the year 2020/21 be approved; and

b)     Pursuant to this 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 2020/21 be as follows and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.

PARISH/TOWN                                              TAX BASE 20/21

Ashurst & Colbury                                           930.5

Beaulieu                                                          518.8

Boldre                                                             1072.2

Bramshaw                                                       344.8

Bransgore                                                       1829.9

Breamore                                                        181.2

Brockenhurst                                                  1873.4

Burley                                                              793.0

Copythorne                                                     1219.7

Damerham                                                      239.7

Denny Lodge                                                  157.7

East Boldre                                                     383.4

Elingham, Harbridge & Ibsley                         613.6

Exbury & Lepe                                                110.8

Fawley                                                            4596.5

Fordingbridge                                                 2304.6

Godshill                                                           223.6

Hale                                                                266.3

Hordle                                                             2422.2

Hyde                                                               511.4

Hythe & Dibden                                              7458.1

Lymington & Pennington                                7470.9

Lyndhurst                                                        1458.4

Marchwood                                                     2069.4

Martin                                                              198.9

Milford on Sea                                                2841.0

Minstead                                                         376.5

Netley Marsh                                                  809.3

New Milton                                                      10531.3

Ringwood                                                        5362.0

Rockbourne                                                    167.0

Sandleheath                                                   280.0

Sopley                                                             392.7

Sway                                                               1703.8

Totton & Eling                                                 9423.1

Whitsbury                                                        101.9

Woodgreen                                                     255.3

Whole District                                               71492.9

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 introduced the report and highlighted the legislative requirement for the calculation of a tax base.

To consider an update on the 2019/20 General Fund, Capital and Housing Revenue Account budgets, adjusting for any budget changes required, including the addition of any rephasing required to 2020/21.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:-

a)     notes the latest budget forecasts of the General Fund (para 4.2), Capital (para 5.1) and HRA (para 6.1); and

b)     approves the additional budget request at para 4.5 in relation to the new Finance System.

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 introduced the report and drew attention to table one, which set out the new requirements and re-phasing within the budget.  The Council was on track to deliver a fully funded budget.

The Leader of the Council placed on record his thanks to all Portfolio Holders and Council Officers for their work towards a sound financial position for the Council.

To agree the following additional Cabinet meeting date:-

10.00 a.m. on Wednesday 19 February 2020

RESOLVED:

That the following additional Cabinet meeting date, be agreed:-

10.00 am, Wednesday 19 February 2020.