Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs S Davies, Harrison, Haywood, Linford, O’Sullivan and Osborne.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2023 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2023, be confirmed.

Note – Cllr M Wade referred to the absence of a response to a previous Portfolio Holder question, which he had expected to receive from the Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing.  Whilst the Portfolio Holder highlighted that the question had already been put and answered only a few months prior, he would recirculate that answer to councillors in due course.

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.

Middle East Conflict

The Chairman expressed the Council’s solidarity with innocent civilians in the middle east, in light of the ongoing violence in the region.  As the Council met this evening, its thoughts were with all those affected. 

Members noted that the Council would continue to work with partners to support local communities, recognising the impact of these recent events.

Former Cllr Graham Wales

The Chairman referred with great sadness to the recent passing of former Cllr Graham Wales.  Graham was first elected in 1983 to the Lymington Town ward and served continuously for 12 years, until 1995.

Graham served most notably on the Policy and Resources and Housing Committees.  He was Vice-Chairman of the Housing Committee from 1987 to 1989.  He represented the District Council on a number of local outside bodies including the Lymington Harbour Commissioners and Lymington CAB.

The Chairman extended his sincere condolences to Graham’s family and friends and placed on record the Council’s thanks for his service to the District.

Engagements

The Chairman reported on the following engagements that had taken place since the last Council meeting:-

13 September

He attended the Civic Day of the Mayor of Christchurch and was provided a guided walking tour, taking in some historical points presented by the Christchurch History Society.  There was also an escorted tour of Christchurch Priory, where volunteers discussed the story of the Priory which went back to at least the middle of the 11th century.

14 September

The Mayor of Test Valley hosted a Showcasing Event.  This involved a great presentation and interesting tour of the Army Flying Museum.

19 September

He attended the Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council Civic Afternoon.  There was an introductory meeting with the collections House Manager, Dominque Shemby and then a tour of Vyne House and Gardens.

21 September

He attended the grand opening of Namaste Hub dementia unit and cut the ribbon to officially open the Hub at Carpathia Grange in Hythe.  Meeting the staff and residents was extremely rewarding and interesting.

29 September

Applemore Leisure Centre was the location of the NFDC Charity Football Tournament on 29 September.  The Chairman enjoyed presenting a trophy to the winning team from Revenues and Benefits.  This raised money for the Minstead Trust.

1 October

He attended a traditional harvest thanksgiving in Winchester, bringing together traditions, readings, hymns and choral music.  A donation was also provided towards the Winchester Food Bank. This was followed by the Winchester Green Week Gathering.  The Chair, Jo Crocker and Cadet Lizzy Kitchenside of Salvation Army provided a talk, and the cathedral girls choir and renowned soprano Lucy Hole sang.  The Winchesters Dance Team also took part.

7 October

He attended the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s Variety Show, with funds raised in support of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

8 October

He attended the High Sheriff of Hampshire’s Law Sunday Service.

9 October

The Chairman joined Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at Avon Tyrell – UK Youth’s Outdoor Learning Centre.  A charity which seeks to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

The Leader of the Council made the following announcements:-

Coastal

The Council continued to work tirelessly to protect the local and global environment. 4,500 tonnes of shingle was being added to Milford-on-Sea beach, to improve beach levels and help protect the seawall ahead of the winter.  This would also include the repair of three groynes located opposite the Needles Eye Café.  The Coastal Team expected the work to take several weeks, depending on tidal and weather conditions.  The Council continued to work with partners on the vital Flooding and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategies which together covered the most vulnerable sections of the District’s coastline, from the border with Christchurch to Lymington.

Garden Waste

Later in October, subscriptions would open for the Council’s new wheeled bin garden waste service.  This was the first step of the transformation of waste and recycling services.  Bins would be rolled out to customers after Christmas, with collections due to start in April next year.

Fly tipping

As a great example of partnership working last month, members of the Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team worked closely with colleagues from Hampshire Police, Forestry England, the National Park Authority and Lyndhurst and Minstead Parish Councils, spending a morning in Lyndhurst checking vehicles and waste carriers licences, as part of the efforts to reduce fly tipping.  Out of 89 vehicles checked, eight notices were issued to vehicles.

To consider the report and recommendations of the Cabinet meeting held on 4 October 2023 (to follow).

For reference, the Cabinet agenda and reports are published on the Council’s website at the following link:-

Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 4th October, 2023, 10.00 am (newforest.gov.uk)

PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

There were no speakers on the items resolved by Cabinet at its meeting on 4 October 2023.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

ITEM 3 – MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2023 ONWARDS

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

A Member expressed his concern at the impact of the national Government’s approach to local government finances and the consequential pressures on balancing annual budgets.  The Portfolio Holder highlighted that the Council remained in a strong financial position, notwithstanding the challenges ahead and this strong position was achieved by the administration’s long term approach to financial planning.  A number of Members further to this commented on the importance of retaining a prudent level of reserves, in playing an important part in the overall financial sustainability of the Council.

A Member highlighted the future approach to the setting of fees and charges, and welcomed further clarity at some stage on the programme for any Portfolio Holder Decisions in this area.

In responding to the debate, the Portfolio Holder welcomed any specific technical questions outside of the meeting which he would be happy to respond to.

RESOLVED:

That Council approve:-

(a)   That the revised MTFP forecasts, as outlined within the Cabinet report and

appendices be adopted;

(b)   That the options identified to close the budget gap for 2024/25 and through to 2027/28 are developed further;

(c)   That the Fees and Charges Policy set out in section 4f of the Cabinet report be adopted; and

(d)   That the reporting timeline as set out in section 6 of the Cabinet report be agreed.

ITEM 4 – ANNUAL FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2024 – CAR PARKING AND KEYHAVEN MOORINGS

Cllr Blunden introduced the item and moved the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting.  Cllr Cleary seconded the motion.

Cllr M Wade spoke with concern about the significance of the increase in the charges and the impact on local residents and moved an amendment on the parking clock prices, as follows:-

Short stay annual clocks from £30.00 to £32.00

Long stay annual clocks from £140.00 to £150.00

Long stay quarterly clocks from £40.00 to £43.00

Cllr J Davies seconded the amendment.

Members speaking for the amendment referred to the percentage increases and highlighted specifically the impact on local businesses that purchased clocks for their employees.  Concerns were also raised on the impact to on street parking.  With inflation and cost of living pressures, it was suggested that wages were not keeping up with this level of increase to local fees and charges.

Members speaking against the amendment encouraged councillors to consider the figures as well as the percentages.  A number of Members suggested that the New Forest District Council, with its unique parking clock initiative, remained one of the best councils in respect of value for money car parking for residents and local businesses, in the country.

The Portfolio Holder, in responding to the debate on the amendment highlighted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

To consider the report and recommendations of the Place and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 14 September 2023, with regard to the motion seeking the Council’s support for the proposed Climate and Ecology Bill.

Cllr Rippon-Swaine introduced the report of the Place and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel of 14 September 2023, and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  In doing so, he highlighted that the Climate and Ecology Bill was yet to receive a second reading in parliament and the Panel sought further information on the financial implications of the Bill.  It was recommended that, at the appropriate time, a Task and Finish Group be established to monitor the Bill’s progress through parliament and to understand those wider implications.  Cllr Reid seconded the motion.

Cllr M Wade moved an amendment, to include the following addition to the proposed resolution:-

“That the Council write to MPs Sir Julian Lewis and Sir Desmond Swayne to inform them that the motion has been passed, urging them to sign up to support the Bill, or thanking them for already doing so; and

That the Council write to Zero Hour, the organisers of the cross-party campaign for the Bill, expressing its support.”

In moving the amendment, Cllr M Wade spoke of the importance of taking action in addition to declaring support in principle.  He highlighted the growing concern of extreme climate incidents in the UK and the need to act swiftly.  Cllr Clark, seconded the amendment.  He spoke of the delays to the Council declaring a Climate and Nature Emergency and the need to show leadership on the issue.

The Council debated the amendment.  Those speaking for highlighted the ease of writing to the local MPs on the issue at this stage and the need to show leadership on the content of the Bill.  Those speaking against highlighted the proposals from the Panel, wishing to take carefully into account the overall implications of the Bill, whilst supporting it in principle, and this did not take away from the Council’s ongoing response to the Climate and Nature Emergency through its Climate and Nature Action Plan.  Concerns were raised that climate initiatives needed to be very carefully considered, particularly those that might place additional financial burdens on the community.

Put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

The Council then voted on the substantive motion of the report, which was carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)   That the Council support the proposed Climate and Ecology Bill in principle; and

(b)   That a Task and Finish Group be created to monitor the progress of the Climate and Ecology Bill through Parliament and explore the detail of the Bill.

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 4 October 2023).

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

·        From Cllr Harrison to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron on Anti-fraud.

·        From Cllr Brand to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp, on businesses in the New Forest.

·        From Cllr M Wade to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on support to the Armed Forces.

·        From Cllr Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron, on the award of large contracts.

·        From Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing, Cllr Poole, on Freedom Leisure swimming arrangements.

·        From Cllr A Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing, Cllr Poole, on Freedom Leisure swimming arrangements.

·        From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing, Cllr Poole, on Freedom Leisure swimming arrangements.

·        From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp, on permitted development legislation.

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

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

“This Council recognises the nature of any decisions it makes in relation to finance, crime and the environment in how it impacts the current residents of the district but does not consider the impact on the future generation of residents or the youth of today of these or any other factors.

This Council notes the youth of today are the electors of tomorrows, whose views on how the Council manages the district are vitally important so it is essential that policies and plans take into account additional generational factors such as social, environmental and wellbeing changes as well in relation to the next generations of council tax payers.

The Council recognises other local and regional governments take this into account already, including the Welsh Sennydd and encourage young people to be part of the democratic processes which will shape their world, encouraging active participation and contribution.

Therefore I propose every decision taken by New Forest District Council is considered in terms of the impact on future generations, in the same way that decisions are considered in terms of impact regarding environment, finance and crime.

In many ways we are caretakers of our district, hoping to improve life for our residents but leave our district a better place for future generations. But questions regarding the impact of decisions we make now on future residents are not asked. We are not usually told about any impact on future generations as part of our discussions unless there is a particular relevance.  Portfolio Holders currently do not need to record that impact on the decision outlines.

I would suggest that our decisions should be specifically considered in terms of their impact on generations into the future, to ensure we are not leaving our future residents with poor decisions made for short-term purposes.  Other local and regional governments take this into account already, including the Welsh Sennydd and if we are to encourage young people to be part of the democratic processes which will shape their world, we surely need to start by considering how our own decisions will impact on future generations.”

Cllr J Davies will second the motion.

Notes:-

Under the provisions of Standing Order 42, the above motion, after being proposed and seconded (without speeches), should stand referred to the body within whose terms of reference the subject matter of the motions comes, or the Cabinet or such Committees or Panels that the Council may determine.

The Chairman may allow the motion to be dealt with at this meeting if they consider it urgent, convenient or conducive to the despatch of business.

The Chairman confirmed that he would allow the motion to be dealt with at the meeting, as he considered it convenient to the despatch of business.

In accordance with Standing Order 21, Cllr Rackham then moved the following motion:-

“This Council recognises the nature of any decisions it makes in relation to finance, crime and the environment in how it impacts the current residents of the district but does not consider the impact on the future generation of residents or the youth of today of these or any other factors.

This Council notes the youth of today are the electors of tomorrows, whose views on how the Council manages the district are vitally important so it is essential that policies and plans take into account additional generational factors such as social, environmental and wellbeing changes as well in relation to the next generations of council tax payers.

The Council recognises other local and regional governments take this into account already, including the Welsh Sennydd and encourage young people to be part of the democratic processes which will shape their world, encouraging active participation and contribution.

Therefore I propose every decision taken by New Forest District Council is considered in terms of the impact on future generations, in the same way that decisions are considered in terms of impact regarding environment, finance and crime.

In many ways we are caretakers of our district, hoping to improve life for our residents but leave our district a better place for future generations. But questions regarding the impact of decisions we make now on future residents are not asked. We are not usually told about any impact on future generations as part of our discussions unless there is a particular relevance.  Portfolio Holders currently do not need to record that impact on the decision outlines.

I would suggest that our decisions should be specifically considered in terms of their impact on generations into the future, to ensure we are not leaving our future residents with poor decisions made for short-term purposes.  Other local and regional governments take this into account already, including the Welsh Sennydd and if we are to encourage young people to be part of the democratic processes which will shape their world, we surely need to start by considering how our own decisions will impact on future generations.”

Cllr J Davies seconded the motion.  In doing so, he highlighted the need to safeguard future generations through decision making by ensuring that all policies and decisions were considered in the context of their impact on younger people.

The Council debated the motion.

The Leader highlighted the opportunity to consider how the new Corporate Plan might address the needs of future generations in the District and that this was subject to Member involvement and decision making in due course.

Those speaking in favour of the motion considered that a specific requirement to consider these issues could only serve as a useful additional prompt, in areas such as planning and HR, with particular  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

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

RESOLVED:

(a)   That Cllr Brand replace Cllr Rackham on the Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

(b)   That Cllr Rackham replace Cllr Brand on the Audit Committee.