Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Alvey, Craze, Crisell, Duke, England, Glass, Lane, Reilly, Rippon-Swaine, Thorne, Tungate and J Ward.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2022 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2022, 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.

Cllr E Heron, for transparency purposes, declared his membership of the Solent Freeport Consortium Ltd.  He confirmed that he would abstain from voting on this part of the Cabinet report, considered at minute 50 below.

Engagements

The Chairman informed Members of recent engagements attended, including:-

15 November

The Chairman was invited to the 60th Anniversary and AGM of Solent Mind at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.  This AGM gave the opportunity to chat with partners, funders and friends and explore how they would work together to better support people with mental health conditions. 

Maggie Maclssac, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board spoke about the challenges faced today and John Wilderspin, Chair of the Board spoke about changes since Solent Mind was founded 60 years ago.

16 November

The Chairman accompanied the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq, as they unveiled a mural in New Milton, created by Members of MENCAP.

1 December

The Chairman attended the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards at Brockenhurst College on 1 December, attended by 230 businesses.  The event showcased all of the 9000 businesses within the New Forest area, demonstrating the value to the public and private sector of thriving business.

Christmas Carols

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman attended carol services in New Milton and Basingstoke on 3 and 10 December respectively.

War Memorial Hospital – Hythe

The Chairman referred to his planned attendance at the opening ceremony of a new hospital building, together with a tour of the new facilities of the War Memorial Hospital in Hythe.  Unfortunately this engagement was cancelled but would be rearranged.  The Chairman looked forward to viewing these facilities in the New Year.

Solent Freeport

The Leader referred to a key event she attended marking the Government’s approval of the Solent Freeport.  The event started in Southampton and came across the water to the Solent Gateway site at Marchwood.  A copy of the letter from the Minister for Levelling Up confirming the approval is attached to these minutes.

The Leader welcomed the opportunity to hear first hand the Government’s commitment to backing Freeports as a key part of its economic strategy.  She referred to the significant work with partners across the private and public sector to achieve this important step and that the Council would continue its efforts to see the potential benefits delivered into real opportunities for New Forest residents.

To consider the report of the Cabinet dated 7 December 2022.

The Leader of the Council presented the report of the Cabinet meeting held on 7 December 2022 and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr Andrews seconded the motion.

Paragraph 4 – Medium Term Financial Plan 2022 Onwards

One Member questioned, having adopted the Asset Investment Strategy, how the Council would use the revenue from assets achieved through the strategy.  The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services highlighted that the revenue would enter the Council’s general fund, and the general fund priorities were outlined in the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), demonstrating the use of this additional income.  The Council awaited the provisional local government finance settlement to understand further impact to the MTFP.

Paragraph 7 – Solent Freeport HM Government Memorandum of Understanding

Note – Cllr E Heron requested that his abstention from the above, be recorded.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

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 Strategic Director for Housing, Communities and Governance by not later than 12.00 noon on Friday 9 December 2022).

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

·        Cllr Thierry to the Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and High Streets, Cllr Michael Harris OBE on initiatives to support local high streets.

·        Cllr Kangarani to the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure, Cllr Andrews on housing targets in the New Forest.

·        Cllr Harrison to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary on the impact of the Freeport on Dibden Bay.

·        Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services, Cllr J Heron on grant funding for warm banks.

·        Cllr Osborne to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Coastal Services, Cllr S Davies on reducing the District’s carbon footprint.

·        Cllr A Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness Services, Cllr E Heron on current housing waiting lists and temporary accommodation.

Note:-

A copy of the full questions and replies are attached to these minutes.

To consider the report of the Appointment Panel.

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

A number of Members spoke in support of the appointment.  It was considered that an excellent candidate had been found who would add great value to the District Council.  In doing so, Members recorded thanks to the Council officers who held the positions in the report that would be made redundant, for all their hard work in serving the residents of the New Forest.  It should be noted that the Council would be working closely with both individuals to ensure that HR procedures, including if appropriate redeployment, were followed.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the Council approves the appointment of James Carpenter as Strategic Director – Place, Operations and Sustainability of New Forest District Council.

2.     That the Council approves the dismissal on grounds of redundancy of the postholders:  Executive Head – Partnerships and Operations, and Executive Head – Planning Regeneration and Economy.

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

There were no changes.