Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA. View directions

Contact: 023 8028 5588 - ask for Matt Wisdom  E-mail:  democratic@nfdc.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Brunsdon, Crisell, Hawkins, Hoare, Levitt, McEvoy and Ring.

 

 

51.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 303 KB

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2019 as a correct record.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2019, be confirmed.

 

52.

Declarations of Interest

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.

 

Minutes:

There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests made by Members.

 

Cllrs M Clark, R Clark, Delemare, Dowd, Osborne, A Wade and M Wade, for transparency purposes, declared non-pecuniary interests in respect of item 5 on the agenda, Reports of Cabinet, at minute 55 below.  The interests concerned their membership of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, which had developed the Hythe and Dibden Neighbourhood Plan, for adoption by the Council.  They each concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent them from remaining in the meeting to speak and vote.

 

Cllrs Carpenter, Harrison, E Heron, Penman, Thierry and M Wade, for transparency purposes, declared non-pecuniary interests in respect of item 5 on the agenda, Reports of Cabinet, at minute 55 below.  The interests concerned their membership of Hampshire County Council.  They each concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent them from remaining in the meeting to speak and vote.

 

53.

Chairman's Announcements

Minutes:

The Chairman reported on the following recent engagements:-

 

November

 

10        Attended the Remembrance Day Service and Parade in Lyndhurst

 

11        Attended the New Forest Mencap’s Annual General Meeting

 

12        Attended Community First New Forest’s Annual General Meeting

 

15        Attended the Beaulieu Estate Dinner

 

The full list of engagements would be available to view in the upcoming Councillor Information Bulletin.

 

The Chairman reminded the Council of the upcoming Civic Christmas Carol Service, taking place at 7.00 pm on Friday 13 December 2019 at Beaulieu Abbey Church, Palace Lane, Beaulieu.

 

The Chairman reported on the Christmas Raffle, in support of his charities, Solent Dolphin and the New Forest Disability Information Service.  There were three prizes available to win, with tickets available to buy from Information Officers at Appletree Court front desk.  The draw will take place on Wednesday 18 December 2019.

 

54.

Leader's Announcements

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council reported on the following:-

 

Police Cadet Awards

 

The Council was informed that the Portfolio Holder for Community Affairs attended HampshireSafer Awards for volunteers last week in Winchester.  New Forest Police Cadet Unit was nominated for their development of a high visibility patrol and prevention operation within forest car parks.  The cadets and leaders engaged with vehicle owners to provide advice and literature around vehicle and property safety and also provided a deterrence to offenders through the provision of a visible presence.  From February 2018 – February 2019, vehicle crime within New Forest car parks visibly reduced.

 

Brilliance in Business Awards

 

Members were thanked for their support of the Brilliance in Business Awards.  Over 150 people were in attendance including over 70 local businesses.

 

In total there were over 100 nominations from over 100 businesses and the overall winners were Balmer Lawn Hotel.  This year there were 10 categories of awards with the winners of the District Council’s award for Customer Care being Clearview Aerials, from Hythe.

 

Go New Forest Cards

 

The Council was informed that the Executive Management Team had agreed to provide Go New Forest Discount Cards to Council employees and councillors. The cards could be used at many local businesses to obtain discounts on food and drink, arts and crafts, bike hire, health and fitness and outdoor activities.  There were obvious benefits to getting discounts from local retailers who will also benefit from increased sales.  The Council welcomed this relatively small investment that not only supports local business but provides benefits to Council employees.

 

55.

Reports of Cabinet pdf icon PDF 402 KB

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated:-

 

·         6 November 2019; and

·         4 December 2019

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council presented the reports of the Cabinet meetings held on 6 November and 4 December 2019, and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr E Heron seconded the motion.

 

Item 5 (4 December 2019) – Council Tax Discounts, Exemptions and Premiums

 

A number of Members spoke in support of the revised recommendations which proposed a council tax exemption for care leavers, highlighting the positive impact this would have at a relatively small cost to the Council.

 

Item 1 (4 December 2019) – Phase III of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes (2021-2027)

 

Cllr Harrison highlighted this item and welcomed that New Forest District Council was leading on the work.  However, he expressed concern on the appropriate finances being in place to take schemes forward and until central government comes forward with a commitment, adequate coastal defences would remain a concern to him.

 

Item 2 (4 December 2019) – Consultation Draft Transport Strategy for the South East by TFSE

 

A number of Members highlighted the importance of promoting and securing improved rail links in the New Forest.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

56.

Report of the Private Sector Housing Task and Finish Group - Arthritis Motion pdf icon PDF 334 KB

To consider the report of the Private Sector Housing Task and Finish Group, with regard to the Arthritis Motion referred to the Group by the Council.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Cleary presented the report of the Private Sector Housing Task and Finish Group and moved the adoption of the revised motion as set out in the report and as follows:-

 

“This Council notes that:

 

·        Arthritis and related conditions of muscles, bones and joints affect 17.8 million people across the UK.

·        People with these conditions often need access to the social care system.

·        Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ details the positive impact home aids and adaptations can have on people with arthritis.  Their quantitative research among 1059 people with arthritis found that:

o   60% of people with arthritis used an aid or adaptation

o   95% felt that aids and adaptations have had a positive impact on their lives

o   79% felt that aids and adaptations had helped them maintain their independence.

·        Services that provide aids and adaptations are proven to be cost-effective and can result in health and care savings.

·        Only 16% of people with arthritis with eligible care needs surveyed knew of the support that their council can offer them.

 

This Council believes that an effective provision of the Disabled Facilities Grant and community equipment services can help people with arthritis achieve a better quality of life and reduce pressure on the social care system.

 

This Council endorses Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ and its recommendations.

 

This Council will evaluate its information and advice services about aids and adaptations and housing in line with best practice guidance to ensure they meet the needs of people with musculoskeletal conditions.

 

This Council will continue to be all inclusive and support those with all types of disability.”

 

Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

 

Cllr M Wade welcomed the revised motion and thanked Members and Officers for their work in bringing it forward.

 

RESOLVED:

 

This Council notes that:

 

·        Arthritis and related conditions of muscles, bones and joints affect 17.8 million people across the UK.

·        People with these conditions often need access to the social care system.

·        Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ details the positive impact home aids and adaptations can have on people with arthritis.  Their quantitative research among 1059 people with arthritis found that:

o   60% of people with arthritis used an aid or adaptation

o   95% felt that aids and adaptations have had a positive impact on their lives

o   79% felt that aids and adaptations had helped them maintain their independence.

·        Services that provide aids and adaptations are proven to be cost-effective and can result in health and care savings.

·        Only 16% of people with arthritis with eligible care needs surveyed knew of the support that their council can offer them.

 

This Council believes that an effective provision of the Disabled Facilities Grant and community equipment services can help people with arthritis achieve a better quality of life and reduce pressure on the social care system.

 

This Council endorses Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ and its recommendations.

 

This Council will evaluate its information and advice services about aids  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

57.

Questions

Under Standing Order 22.

 

Minutes:

There were none.

 

58.

Notice of Motion

In accordance with Standing Order 21, Cllr Andrews will move the following motion

on behalf of Cllr Hoare:-

 

We live in a unique part of the world and as such we have unique problems and challenges when trying to protect not just our wildlife and pets, but the ponies, cattle and pigs who freely roam the forest.  These are an integral part of our history and culture, the animals are people’s stock and livelihood.  Fireworks can cause many problems for animals, not just from the noise, but from the debris of spent rockets which land within the forest, countryside and gardens which can cause severe distress or even death, if eaten.

 

Within the NFDC area there are also many people for whom fireworks are a source of distress, for example, the elderly, ex-service men and women and those who are vulnerable due to mental or physical challenges.

 

To this end the Council resolves to:

 

(a)  Engage with Government and local Members of Parliament to seek greater national regulation with regard to private and organised firework displays.

 

(b)  Actively promote a public awareness campaign within the District about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people, including precautions that can be taken to mitigate this.

 

(c)   To require all public firework displays within (and encourage those just outside) the District to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

 

(d)  To work with the NFNPA, Forestry England and Hampshire County Council for a joint and integrated approach.

 

Under the provisions of Standing Order 41, the above motion, 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 to be dealt with at this meeting if he considers it urgent, convenient or conducive to the despatch of business.

 

 

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 21, Cllr Andrews, on behalf of Cllr Hoare, moved the following motion:-

 

“We live in a unique part of the world and as such we have unique problems and challenges when trying to protect not just our wildlife and pets, but the ponies, cattle and pigs who freely roam the forest.  These are an integral part of our history and culture, the animals are people’s stock and livelihood.  Fireworks can cause many problems for animals, not just from the noise, but from the debris of spent rockets which land within the forest, countryside and gardens which can cause severe distress or even death, if eaten.

 

Within the NFDC area there are also many people for whom fireworks are a source of distress, for example, the elderly, ex-service men and women and those who are vulnerable due to mental or physical challenges.

 

To this end the Council resolves to:

 

(a)   Engage with Government and local Members of Parliament to seek greater national regulation with regard to private and organised firework displays.

 

(b)   Actively promote a public awareness campaign within the District about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people, including precautions that can be taken to mitigate this.

 

(c)   To require all public firework displays within (and encourage those just outside) the District to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

 

(d)   To work with the NFNPA, Forestry England and Hampshire County Council for a joint and integrated approach.”

 

Cllr E Heron seconded the motion.

 

The Chairman confirmed that, in accordance with Standing Order 41, the motion should stand referred to the Cabinet, or such Committees or Panels as the Council may determine.  In view of the subject matter, Cllr Glass moved that the motion be referred to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel, with further input from other Committees and Panels as necessary.  Cllr Tipp seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the motion be referred to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

 

59.

Questions To Portfolio Holders Under Standing Order 22A pdf icon PDF 419 KB

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 on Friday 6 December 2019.

 

Minutes:

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

 

·        Cllr Duke to the Portfolio Holder for Housing Services, Cllr Cleary, on the Council’s use of bed and breakfast accomodation.

·        Cllr Gossage to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Cllr Harris, on targeted engagement with businesses.

·        Cllr Penman to the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, Cllr Steele, on a Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

·        Cllr M Wade to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Rickman on Corporate Parenting.

 

Note – a copy of the full questions and replied are appended to these minutes.

 

60.

Membership of Committees and Panels

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

 

The Conservative Group have notified the following change:-

 

HR Committee

 

Cllr Craze to replace Cllr J Ward.

 

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That Cllr Craze be appointed to serve on the HR Committee in place of Cllr J Ward.