Agenda

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2022 as a correct record.

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.

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated:-

·        29 July 2022; and

·        7 September 2022 (to follow)

To consider the report of the HR Committee dated 11 August 2022.

Under Standing Order 22.

Motion 1

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

“This Council:-

·        is concerned about the number of cases reported to the RSPCA each year, regarding pets being given as prizes via fairgrounds, social media and other channels in England - and notes the issue predominantly concerns goldfish.

·        is concerned for the welfare of those animals that are being given as prizes.

·        recognises that many cases of pets being given as prizes may go unreported each year.

·        supports a move to ban the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on New Forest District Council land. 

The Council agrees to:

·        ban outright the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on New Forest District Council land.

·        write to the UK Government, urging an outright ban on the giving of live animals as prizes on both public and private land.”

Cllr Bennison will second the motion.

Motion 2

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

“The cost of living crisis affects all areas of our nation.  However, many members of the farming community, so important in the production of 54% of the nation’s food supply, are struggling to survive in the current financial environment and this includes many of New Forest’s farmers.  A thriving agricultural sector is crucial to New Forest’s economy, landscape, and environment.

This Council notes the cost of animal feed is up by 60% and fertilizer cost by 200%. In the last year, these and other increased costs are against a backdrop of a changing subsidy regime from the government with some farms at risk of losing up to 20% of their income this way.  This is leading to many farmers to decide to give up their farms or raise food prices to survive further impacting the cost of living of ordinary New Forest residents.

This Council sees that some farmers are being forced to sell their back up land, which has Forest Rights and the loss of this land has serious impact on the sustainability of the ancient New Forest tradition of communing if alternative support for local farmers is not made available.

This Council recognises that government funding schemes to help farmers exist but due to the current financial environment different approaches need to be considered to improve on the ongoing support.

Therefore, this Council will write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing its concerns about financial state of the farming community and request greater financial support for Farmers to be able to continue to produce food for the UK market at sustainable prices.”

Cllr Harrison will second the motion.

Under the provisions of Standing Order 41, the above motions, after being proposed and seconded (without speeches), should stand referred to the Cabinet, or to the Cabinet or such Committees or Panels as the Council may determine.  However, the Chairman may allow the motion(s) to be dealt with at this meeting if he considers  ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

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 noon on Friday 9 September 2022).

To establish the recruitment process for the position of Strategic Director – Place, Operations and Sustainability.

To agree the following dates of meetings for 2023/24 (Mondays at 6.30pm):

22 May 2023 (AGM)

10 July 2023

11 September 2023

9 October 2023

11 December 2023

26 February 2024

8 April 2024

13 May 2024 (AGM)

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