Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cllrs W G Andrews, Mrs Andrews, Mrs Beeton and Wappet.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2017 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2017 be signed by the 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.

No declarations of interest were made by any member in connection with an agenda item.

·        Chairman’s Volunteers’ Awards 2017 – presentation of awards

·        To receive Chairman’s announcements

The Chairman, Cllr Mrs Christine Ward, presented the 2017/18 Chairman’s Volunteers’ Awards to 12 volunteers from around the District. The Awards recognised the services the individuals gave to the people of the New Forest District.

The Chairman’s charity pub quiz held on 6 November had raised £615 and the charity dinner held at Palace House on 9 December raised a tremendous £1,625. The Chairman thanked all those involved in the organisation of the events and all those who had attended.

The Leader of the Council paid tribute to former County Councillor Ken Thornbur who had recently passed away.

The Leader highlighted the Business in Brilliance awards 2017. Over 50 local businesses were entered for awards this year. There were 7 winners. The presentation evening held at Careys Manor was attended by over 130 people. The awards provided a great opportunity to celebrate the success of businesses in the New Forest.

To consider the Reports of the Cabinet dated: -

·        1 November 2017; and

·        6 December 2017 (to follow)

The recommendations arising from the meetings of 1 November and 6 December 2017 were agreed.

The Leader of the Council, as Chairman of the Cabinet, presented the reports of the meetings held on 1 November and 6 December 2017.

The Cabinet at their meeting in November welcomed the opportunity to support local businesses with details of a rate relief scheme for public houses and small businesses. It had been identified that 410 ratepayers could benefit from the scheme.

The Cabinet also received the half yearly budget monitoring report which identified savings that the Council was making as part of ongoing plans.

The December meeting was the first meeting of the new Cabinet. The highlight of the meeting was the feedback report from the Peer Review. The Leader expressed the view that the review process had proved to be extremely useful. Particularly being able to engage with, and listen to, the perspective of people from outside the Council had been very beneficial. A response to the Peer report would be developed early next year.

The Cabinet would shortly be setting a budget and Council Tax for 2018/19. This would include the setting of the tax base report that will be used by all precepting authorities, together with the Council Tax Reduction Scheme where minor amendments have been made. The Cabinet agreed to support this, together with a Prosecutions and Penalties policy. The December meeting also included an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan and changes to the Treasury Management Strategy.

The Leader explained that the Council continued to face financial challenges moving forward, particularly in light of the very recent pay offer of 2% made by the national employers to the unions. The Council was in a good financial position as identified by the Peer review and the recent monitoring report showed that the Council was meeting targets and plans. As such, the Leader was confident that the Cabinet would continue to deliver on its manifesto promises.

Planning the Council’s finances and providing housing were both key priorities for the Council and in support of this the Leader was pleased to recommend to the Council the Residential Property Investment Strategy.

On the motion that the reports be received and the recommendations be adopted: -

Review of Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries

Cllr Mrs Wyeth expressed her disappointment that the revised arrangements proposed by the Boundary Commission for the New Forest East constituency included the Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams Ward of Test Valley Borough Council. She felt that the rural areas of the New Forest East Constituency had limited affinity with these more urban areas.

RESOLVED:

That the reports be received and the recommendations be adopted.

The Planning Development Control Committee recently reviewed the name of the Committee. Arising from that consideration it is;

Recommended:

That, with effect from 1 January 2018, the Planning Development Control Committee be named the “Planning Committee”.

It was agreed that, with effect from 1 January 2018, the Planning Development Control Committee be named the “Planning Committee”.

RESOLVED:

That, with effect from 1 January 2018, the Planning Development Control Committee be named the “Planning Committee”.

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 8 December 2017.

Question From:  Cllr Thierry, to Cllr Rickman, the Leader of the Council 

“Is the Leader of the Council aware of the national, indeed international, complimentary media comments recorded in respect of the new Milford-on-Sea Beach Huts designed, financed and built by this authority?

“Not exactly pretty to look at but a good practical idea never-the-less.” UK

“The most cost effective way of building beach huts to serve double duty as a sea wall. It’s a clever idea. I hope it works.” - USA

“Good idea by the Planning Department.” - UK

Will the Leader agree with me that the Beach Huts project is an excellent, fine example of focused New Forest District Council staff and supportive councillors, working jointly to achieve a much admired and imaginative solution?”

Answer: The Leader of the Council replied that the Council was very proud of its achievement following many months listening to the views of local residents. The Council had managed to achieve a scheme that benefited everyone.

The Leader was very proud of the recognition that the project had received, especially in light of the fact that the Council had been nominated for the following awards: -

·         Institute of Civil Engineers – shortlisted for South East Engineering Excellence Awards 2017

·         Concrete Society Awards – shortlisted and awarded a highly commended, with a trophy

·         Galvanising Awards – winner for the Galvanised Walkway

·         Civic Trust Awards 2018 – the Council has passed stage one being 1 of 140 regional finalists meaning the Council now goes forward to the national panel for consideration.

The Leader said that the scheme had not been undertaken with awards in mind, but for the benefit of the residents of the district and its visitors. The Leader thanked Cllr Mrs Beeton, who had been the responsible Portfolio Holder for the duration of the project, for her hard work and input into this highly successful scheme.

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

The following changes to Committees and Panels were agreed:-

Audit Committee

Cllr Alvey was appointed in place of Cllr M Harris.

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Panel

Cllr Beck was appointed in place on Cllr M Harris

Environment Overview & Scrutiny Panel

Cllr Mrs Bennison was appointed in place of Cllr Mrs Thorne.

Planning Control Committee

Cllrs B Andrews, Frampton and Mrs Thorne were appointed in place of Cllrs Mrs Andrews, Mrs Hoare and Rippon-Swaine.

RESOLVED:

That the following changes be made to Committees and Panels:-

Audit Committee

Cllr Alvey be appointed in place of Cllr M Harris.

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Panel

Cllr Beck be appointed in place on Cllr M Harris

Environment Overview & Scrutiny Panel

Cllr Mrs Bennison be appointed in place of Cllr Mrs Thorne.

Planning Committee

Cllrs W G Andrews, Frampton and Mrs Thorne be appointed in place of Cllrs Mrs Andrews, Mrs Hoare and Rippon-Swaine.