Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Cerasoli, R Clark, Crisell, England, Hoare, Hopkins, Kidd, Levitt, Reilly, Russell and J Ward.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2021 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 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.

Former Cllr Audrey Howe

The Chairman referred with great sadness to the recent passing of former NFDC Cllr Audrey Howe.

Audrey was first elected to the District Council in 1991, representing the Blackfield and Langley ward.  Audrey served the Council for 12 years, holding the position of Chairman of the Council in 1998/1999.

Audrey served on many Committees, most notably the Environmental Services Committee from 1991 – 2001, and holding the position of Vice-Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee in 1995/96.  Audrey also served on a number of Outside Bodies, representing the District Council on Age Concern Hampshire for eight years, whilst also taking a particular interest in Sport, Recreation and Leisure in the District.  Audrey’s daughter, Maureen Robinson went on to serve as a District Councillor.

The Chairman expressed his sincere condolences to Audrey’s family and friends and placed on record the Council’s thanks for the eminent service of Audrey.

Members of the Council paid tribute to Audrey.

Engagements

The Chairman reported on the following recent engagements:-

28 July 2021

Attended the Sculpture at Beaulieu event, at the invitation of Lord and Lady Montagu.  The event featured more than 250 sculptures showcasing the work of over 50 international and national sculptors.

29 August 2021

Attended the Annual Commemoration of the New Forest Airfields Memorial, laying a wreath on behalf of the District.

23 July 2021

The Vice-Chairman attended the opening of Sandleheath Village Hall.

UK Emergency Services Day

The Chairman referred to UK Emergency Services Day, taking place on Thursday 9 September 2021.  The Chairman, accompanied by the Leader of the Council would be raising the 999 flag to show the Council’s support for the NHS and emergency services.

On behalf of the Council, the Chairman placed on record his support of the UK’s annual national emergency services day and recorded his sincere appreciation for the two million people who work and volunteer in the NHS and emergency services.

Civic Party Presentations

The Chairman presented the outgoing Chairman, Cllr Allan Glass and his consort with badges of their past offices.

The current Chairman and Vice-Chairman consorts were also welcomed to their positions for the 2021/22 year.

There were none.

To consider the report of the Cabinet dated 1 September 2021.

The Leader of the Council presented the report of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 September 2021 and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr Cleary seconded the motion.

Paragraph 4 – Medium Term Financial Plan 2021 Onwards

In response to concerns relating to the future financial position of the Council and any potential cuts to services, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services reiterated that the Council remained in a good and strong financial position, despite the challenges that the Council would no doubt face in the future.  It remained the Cabinet’s intention to continue to protect and enhance frontline services whilst dealing with budget deficits in new and innovative ways, through the Council’s efficiency programmes and by securing investment opportunities such as the development of land at Crow Lane, Ringwood.

Paragraph 5 – Development of Land at Crow Lane, Ringwood

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services welcomed this opportunity as bringing forward employment opportunities in the locality of new housing development, supporting the Council’s sustainability agenda.  In addition, the ‘Green Very Good’ credentials of the build would also deliver over and above the requirements for greener housing.  The revenue to the Council would also deliver much needed funds to continue to bridge future gaps in the Medium Term Financial Plan.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

Under Standing Order 22.

There were none.

In accordance with Standing Order 21, Cllr M Wade will move the following motion:-

“This Council notes:

The findings of the IPCC report approved by 195 member governments state:-

·         That many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion, such as continued sea level rise, are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.

·         The evidence is clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, even as other greenhouse gases and air pollutants also affect the climate.

·         The report projects that in the coming decades climate changes will increase in all regions.

·         It also shows that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900 and finds that averaged over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming

·         For 1.5°C of global warming, there will be increasing heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons.

·         The report shows at 2°C of global warming, heat extremes would more often reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health.

·         Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns. In high latitudes, precipitation is likely to increase, while it is projected to decrease over large parts of the subtropics. Changes to monsoon precipitation are expected, which will vary by region.

·         Climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding, as well as more intense drought in many regions.

·         The report also shows that human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate.  The evidence is clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, even as other greenhouse gases and air pollutants also affect the climate.

This Council believes that:-

·         Stabilizing the climate will require strong, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reaching net zero CO2 emissions.

·         Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits both for health and the climate.

·         That strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change.

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet to:-

·         Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;

·         Pledge to make the New Forest district carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;

·         Report to full Council within six months setting out the immediate actions the Council will take to address this emergency and a plan to measure annual district wide progress towards meeting the 2030 target.

·         Take into account carbon reduction actions in every aspect of its business

·         Work with partners across the district and the region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans and drawing on local and global best practice.

·         Actively lobby the Government to provide the additional powers and resources needed to meet the 2030 target.”

Cllr Osborne will second the motion.

Under the provisions of Standing Order 41, the above motion, after being  ...  view the full agenda text for item 36.

In accordance with Standing Order 21, Cllr M Wade moved the following motion:-

“This Council notes:

The findings of the IPCC report approved by 195 member governments state:-

·         That many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion, such as continued sea level rise, are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.

·         The evidence is clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, even as other greenhouse gases and air pollutants also affect the climate.

·         The report projects that in the coming decades climate changes will increase in all regions.

·         It also shows that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900 and finds that averaged over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming

·         For 1.5°C of global warming, there will be increasing heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons.

·         The report shows at 2°C of global warming, heat extremes would more often reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health.

·         Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns. In high latitudes, precipitation is likely to increase, while it is projected to decrease over large parts of the subtropics. Changes to monsoon precipitation are expected, which will vary by region.

·         Climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding, as well as more intense drought in many regions.

·         The report also shows that human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate.  The evidence is clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, even as other greenhouse gases and air pollutants also affect the climate.

This Council believes that:-

·         Stabilizing the climate will require strong, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reaching net zero CO2 emissions.

·         Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits both for health and the climate.

·         That strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change.

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet to:-

·         Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;

·         Pledge to make the New Forest district carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;

·         Report to full Council within six months setting out the immediate actions the Council will take to address this emergency and a plan to measure annual district wide progress towards meeting the 2030 target.

·         Take into account carbon reduction actions in every aspect of its business

·         Work with partners across the district and the region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans and drawing on local and global best practice.

·         Actively lobby the Government to provide the additional powers and resources needed to meet the 2030 target.”

Cllr Osborne seconded the motion.

The Chairman confirmed that, in accordance with Standing Order 41, as the motion called  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

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, Friday 3 September 2021.

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

·         Cllr Dowd to the Leader of the Council, Cllr E Heron on Equality and Diversity.

·         Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Partnering and Wellbeing, Cllr Steele on supporting the wellbeing of residents.

·         Cllr M Clark to the Leader of the Council, Cllr E Heron, on the relocation of Afghan families in Hampshire.

·         Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Coastal Services, Cllr S Davies on car parking in Totton.

·         Cllr Kangarani to the Leader of the Council, Cllr E Heron on highway activities in the District.

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

To consider the report of the Appointment Panel in relation to the appointment of the Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council moved the recommendations as set out in the report.  Cllr Cleary seconded the motion.

A number of Members spoke in support of the appointment of the new Chief Executive having been involved in the recruitment process.  It was considered that an outstanding candidate had been found who would add great value to the District Council in the coming years.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that the appointment was permanent.

RESOLVED:

That the appointment of Kate Ryan as Chief Executive of New Forest District Council, be approved.

RECOMMENDED:

That meetings of the Council be held on the following dates in 2022/23 (Mondays at 6.30pm):-

16 May 2022 – Annual Council (already agreed)

11 July 2022

12 September 2022

10 October 2022

12 December 2022

20 February 2023

10 April 2023

22 May 2023 – Annual Council

RESOLVED:

That meetings of the Council be held on the following dates in 2022/23 (Mondays at 6.30pm):-

16 May 2022 – Annual Council (already agreed)

11 July 2022

12 September 2022

10 October 2022

12 December 2022

20 February 2023

10 April 2023

22 May 2023 – Annual Council

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

There were no changes.