Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Bennison, Brunsdon, Corbridge, J Davies, Davis, Dunning, Harrison, Holding, Hopkins, Kidd, Osborne, Rackham, Reilly, Sevier, Thierry and J Ward.

To confirm the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 5 May 2021 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 21 June 2021 as correct records.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Annual meeting held on 5 May 2021 and the Extraordinary meeting held on 21 June 2021, be confirmed.

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 by Members.

Cllr E Heron, for transparency purposes, declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 – Solent Freeport Consortium Ltd, considered at minute 28 below.  The interest concerned his proposed appointment to the Board of Directors of the Solent Freeport Consortium Ltd.

Engagements

The Chairman of the Council reported on the following recent engagements:-

1 July 2021

Attended the Online AGM of the Hampshire Scouts, following an invitation from the Deputy County Commissioner.

4 July 2021

Attended the Mayor of Test Valley’s Civic Service at Romsey Abbey.

Bob Jackson

The Chairman reported that the Chief Executive, Bob Jackson would be leaving the Council shortly after a 44 year career in local government.  This was Bob’s final Council meeting. 

Bob had been with New Forest District Council for 13 years, and for the last six years as the Chief Executive.  The Chairman thanked Bob for the way he had calmy and astutely managed the authority through some high level projects in his time with the Council, never more so than during the past year and the pandemic.

On behalf of the Council, the Chairman placed on record his sincere thanks to Bob for all he had done for the New Forest District.  The Chairman wished Bob the very best for the future.

Bob Jackson

The Leader of the Council joined with the Chairman in paying tribute to Bob Jackson.  The Leader was also joined by the Leader of the Opposition in paying tribute to Bob.  The retiring Chief Executive responded and thanked Members for the opportunity to lead the officer team at New Forest District Council, and for the support afforded to him throughout his time in local government.

Meeting Arrangements

The Leader of the Council was pleased to see so many councillors in attendance following the Government’s move to step four of the coronavirus roadmap out of restrictions.  Step four had seen much of the legal restrictions ending, including social distancing.  However, it was important that all attendees at meetings continued to follow Government guidance and the Council’s advice for attending meetings safely.  Many mitigation measures remained in place such as good ventilation and hand hygiene.

The Leader referred to councillors who at this time felt unable to attend meetings with large numbers, for a variety of reasons.  He placed on record his respect and understanding for the personal decisions of all colleagues at this time.  These sentiments were supported by the Leader of the Opposition.

To consider the report of the HR Committee dated 23 June 2021.

The Leader of the Council presented the report of the HR Committee dated 23 June 2021, and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr Steele seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated:-

·         5 May 2021; and

·         7 July 2021

The Leader of the Council first presented the report of the Cabinet meeting held on 5 May 2021 and moved that it be received.  Cllr Cleary seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received.

The Leader of the Council then presented the report of the Cabinet meeting held on 7 July 2021 and moved that it be received.  Cllr Cleary seconded the motion.

Paragraph 1 – Westover Urgent Works – Milford-On-Sea – Update Report

A local Member placed on record his thanks to the Cabinet and leading officers for their work to progress the emergency works in challenging circumstances.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received.

Under Standing Order 22.

There were none.

To ask questions of Portfolio Holders.  Questions received will be tabled at the meeting.  Members are reminded that questions must be submitted to the Chief Executive or to the Executive Head of Governance and Housing by not later than 12.00 noon on Friday 16 July 2021.

Questions were put and answered under Standing Order 22A as follows:-

·         Cllr Bellows to the Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and High Streets, Cllr Michael Harris, on support to local businesses.

·         Cllr C Ward to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness Services, Cllr Cleary, on support to vulnerable homeless households.

·         Cllr M Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Coastal Services, Cllr S Davies, on garden waste collections.

·         Cllr Brunsdon to the Leader of the Council, Cllr E Heron, on Lymington Quay.

·         Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Coastal Services, Cllr S Davies, on waste collections.

·         Cllr Delemare to the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services, Cllr J Heron, on printing costs.

·         Cllr R Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness Services, Cllr Cleary, on neighbour complaints.

·         Cllr Kangarani to the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services, Cllr J Heron, on Council tax e-billing.

·         Cllr Dowd to the Leader of the Council, Cllr E Heron, on Southampton City of Culture 2025 bid.

·         Cllr Brand to the Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and High Streets, Cllr Harris, on support to local businesses.

·         Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Partnering and Wellbeing, Cllr Steele, on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

·         Cllr Craze to the Leader of the Council, Cllr E Heron, on the Solent Freeport.

·         Cllr M Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure, Cllr Andrews, on the Vivid housing development, Hythe.

·         Cllr M Wade to the Portfolio Holder for People and Places, Cllr Russell, on fly tipping.

Note – a copy of the full questions and replies are attached to these minutes.

To receive a report on the establishment of the Solent Freeport Consortium Limited, including the proposed appointment of the Leader of the Council to the Board of Directors, and associated matters.

Cllr Cleary moved the recommendations as set out in the report.  Cllr Harris seconded the motion.

In response to a number of questions, the Leader of the Council confirmed that the £50k a year budget provision could take the form of cash or alternatively as the Council being a guarantor on a loan for the company.  As the business case developed, more details on financing requirements would become clear.  Furthermore, it was reported that the appointment by the Council would be a named appointment as required by a company director.  However, the Council could change this appointment at any time, as appropriate.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council supports the principles set out in the report relating to the Retained Business Rates Policy, Decision Making and Governance, Funding and Finance to be included within the Solent Freeport Outline Business Case to Government, noting that more detail will be available as the project moves to the Full Business Case stage;

2.    That the Leader of the Council sign a commitment letter, confirming support to the Outline Business Case and Freeport objectives;

3.    That up to £50,000 per annum for a 3 year period be made available by this Council (as guarantor to prudential borrowing or cash) to support the delivery of the Freeport; and

4.    That the Leader of the Council, Cllr Edward Heron, be formally appointed as a Director of The Solent Freeport Consortium Limited.

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

RESOLVED:

That Cllr Glass be appointed to serve on the Appeals Committee in place of Cllr Thorne and Cllr Hoare be appointed to serve on the Corporate Affairs and Local Economy O&S Panel in place of Cllr Thorne.