Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cllrs Mrs Beeton, Clarke, Mrs Hoare, Mrs Jackman, Mrs Rostand and Steele

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2017 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2017 be signed by Chairman as a correct record.

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 none.

St Barbe’s Museum, Lymington

The Chairman had had the pleasure of attending the re-launch of the recently refurbished museum. The museum re-development had included the addition of a third gallery. The gallery was now considered the flagship gallery in the County, with the modern facilities enabling the display of a wide range of collection.

Ringwood Health & Leisure Centre

The Chairman, along with other members of the Council, had attended the re-launch of the Leisure Centre following major refurbishment. The cast of the popular 1990s sitcom 'The Brittas Empire', which was largely filmed at Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre had also attended.

Other Events The Chairman Had Attended:

·        The Solent Music Festival held at St Thomas Church, Lymington. She encouraged members to support the event in future.

·        The Solent Scout Regatta held at Blashford Lakes where she awarded 24 prizes.

·        The Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre where she witnessed many young people having a great day out.

·        The Lord Lieutenant’s award ceremony for the South East region. She was pleased to announce that a young cadet from Holbury had won one of the prestigious awards.

Chairman’s Volunteers’ Awards 2017

The nomination period for this year’s volunteers’ awards would open the following day, 17 October. The closing date for nominations was noon on 24 November, with the award ceremony being held on 11 December at Appletree Court.

Chairman’s Charity Dinner

The Chairman thanked members who had purchased tickets for the event. All tickets had now been sold.

The Leader of the Council reported that the Council had recently participated in the Local Government Association Peer Challenge. This had provided a unique opportunity to learn from other local authorities. The Leader of the Council had enjoyed sharing thoughts with Cllr Andrew Proctor, the Leader of Broadlands District Council, one of the Peer Review team members.

The review team had requested that their thanks be passed to the members and staff who had taken part in the process. The team had enjoyed the busy four days spent with the Council and thanked everyone for making them feel welcome.

The Council had received some positive messages that would help the Council move forward. The detailed report was expected in two-three weeks’ time. Once received, the Leader of the Council, together with the Cabinet and the Chief Executive, would develop a response to any recommendations. This would be shared with staff and members by December, with the report being published on the Council’s website. 

To consider the Report of the Cabinet dated 4 October 2017.

The recommendation was agreed.

The Leader of the Council, as Chairman of the Cabinet, presented the report of the meeting held on 4 October 2017.

He reported that the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan had been reviewed at the October Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet recommended that the Council provide additional funds of £250,000 to support the transition required to deliver local services against the financial challenges currently faced.

Recognising that some local businesses were also facing a challenging financial climate, the Cabinet had agreed, in principle, to support policies for further rate relief to public houses and small businesses.  The Cabinet had also ensured that the Council had budgets available to support council taxpayers who were experiencing the most hardship.

The Cabinet had also agreed a draft Housing Strategy for wider consultation. The Leader requested that all members look closely at this document.  The actions arising from the strategy would contribute towards the Council’s corporate priority of providing “more homes for local people”.

On the motion that the report be received and recommendation be adopted, it was:

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendation be adopted.

There were none.

To ask questions of Portfolio Holders. Members are reminded that questions must be submitted to the Chief Executive or to the Executive Head of Governance and Regulation by not later than noon on Friday 13 October 2017.

There were none.

To consider any changes to the membership of Committees or Panels that might be proposed by the political groups.

There were no changes.