Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs J Davies, Millington and Osborne.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2024 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2024, be confirmed.

To note any declarations of interests made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interests 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.

The Chairman reported on the following engagements:-

18 September

Represented the District at the Christchurch Civic Day, hosted by the Mayor of Christchurch.  This included a tour of the Red House Museum and Gardens and the Regent Centre, together with a tour of Christchurch Priory.

25 September

Attended a Special Meeting of New Milton Town Council, where the Honorary Freedom of the Town was conferred upon the founder of the world famous Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, Samual Hamilton Miller MBE.

2 October

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester attended SPUD Works in Sway.  The Chairman highlighted the fantastic work of SPUD – an arts and education charity that creates opportunities for people to engage with art, architecture, design and the environment.

5 October

The Chairman expressed his thanks to the Vice-Chairman who attended a Charity Variety Show featuring performances from local artists, hosted by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, raising funds for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

6 October

Attended the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival service at Winchester Cathedral.

13 October

Attended the High Sheriff’s Law Sunday Service at Winchester Cathedral.

Meeting with NFDC Staff

Alongside the Leader and Chief Executive, the Chairman thoroughly enjoyed attending staff recognition and meet and greet events recently, welcoming new staff to the Council and recognising those that have made suggestions and obtained new qualifications.

Solent Freeport

The Leader reported briefly on the work of the Solent Freeport, which continued.  The Freeport was in support of a number of key ambitions; for attracting private infrastructure investment to the area, enhancing skills opportunities, and pursuing net zero ambitions.

Exxon Mobil

The specific concerns that Members had raised around the recent consultation being undertaken by Exxon Mobil on carbon capture and storage pipelines across the Solent, were acknowledged.  It was noted that Exxon Mobil had now indicated that the initiative was no longer being taken forward at this time.  The Leader had asked officers to work closely with Exxon Mobil to understand their future plans, and had invited representatives to attend a Waterside Steering Group meeting in support of this.

Waste Programme

As Chair of the Programme Board, the Leader reported on the significant work taking place across the programme towards the implementation of the Council’s new Waste Strategy.  Detailed implementation plans were coming together, including in respect of the new Hardley Depot.  This would all support the first phase of new service delivery from Spring 2025, as referenced in the Cabinet papers.  Staff consultation had commenced across the Council’s depots to engage operational staff.  Reflecting on the Council’s plans in this area, the Leader considered that this service change across the District was the most significant in her time as a councillor.  She requested all Members’ support to the officers in planning and delivering the Council’s agreed service changes, which would meet new Government requirements, modernise services and help increase recycling rates.

Transformation

The Leader reported on meeting new members of the Transformation Team, and also wider new starters who spoke positively on their experience thus far as new employees.  With the staff survey results expected shortly, she continued to strive towards the Council becoming an employer of choice.

PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

Item 1 – Waste Programme Update

One Member questioned the Council’s approach for waste collection under the new service arrangements if residents declined to use wheeled bins.  A further Member asked if the Council would be encouraging residents to take any excess waste to the local Household Recycling Centre, particularly in the context of any increase in side waste resulting from service changes.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability responded to the points raised.  He highlighted that the Council’s decision on the Waste Strategy and collection policy in respect of wheeled bins would be moving forward as agreed.  The communications strategy was highlighted which would seek to address queries and concerns ahead of the service change and roll out of wheeled bins.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

Item 7 – Medium Term Financial Plan Scene Setting

Cllr Heron introduced the item and moved the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting.  Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

Cllr M Wade moved an amendment to recommendation 4, to freeze car parking charges in line with their current levels.  Cllr Clark seconded the amendment.

Members speaking in support of the amendment highlighted the cost of living crisis being faced by residents, with local examples of towns and villages struggling to attract people into their centres.  A Member spoke of the nature of the district not having a single destination, instead having a collection of unique towns and villages spread across the New Forest.  Some Members spoke of the impact specifically on businesses and their viability on the high street.

Members speaking against the amendment suggested that it was unfair to ask residents who could not afford to run a car, to subsidise the cost of car parking charges across the district, through council tax.  The value of a district parking clock was recognised, which allowed users to park at multiple locations across the New Forest for the cost of the single clock.  Feedback suggested that this remained excellent value, inclusive of the proposed increase for 2025.

In responding to the debate on the amendment, Cllr Wade highlighted that the cost of running car parks did not dictate that prices would need to rise at the proposed rate.  He suggested that the lowest paid in the district included shop workers, including for local charities, many of whom relied on a car and local car parks to get to their place of work.  He encouraged Members to support the amendment.

In responding to the debate on the amendment, Cllr Heron cited the significant financial pressures faced by the Council.  He highlighted that many of the issues raised by Members through the debate were part of wider changes to shopping habits, including the rise of online shopping.  He pointed to the benchmarking undertaken and that the district’s fees and charges in this area remained very good value for money.

A request for a discretionary recorded vote was supported by the required additional 11 Members.  The amendment was therefore  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To ask questions under Standing Order 22.  Questions received will be published ahead of the meeting.  (Members are reminded that questions must be submitted to Democratic Services by no later than 12.00 noon, Wednesday 9 October 2024).

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

·        From Cllr Haywood, to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on Pension Credit.

·        From Cllr Clark to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on Solent Freeport.

·        From J Davies to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on Lymington Town Hall.

·        From Cllr Millar to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on car parking.

·        From Cllr M Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron, on income from interest.

·        From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp, on the proposed Exxon pipeline.

·        From Cllr A Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on car parking.

·        From Cllr McCarthy to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp, on planning enforcement.

·        From Cllr Cullen to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on the Waste Strategy.

·        From Cllr Haywood to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on fly tipping.

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

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

There were no changes.