Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Brunsdon, Clarke, Hopkins, Rackham, Rippon-Swaine and Russell.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2019 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2019, be confirmed.

To note any declarations of interests made by Members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

The Chairman confirmed that all Members of the Council had been granted a dispensation to speak and vote on matters concerning the Members’ Allowances Scheme, Budget and Council Tax, at minute 66 below.

The Chairman confirmed that Cllr Thorne had been granted a dispensation to speak and vote on the Housing Revenue Account Budget, at minute 66 below, on the basis that she is a Council garage tenant.

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

The Chairman reminded Members that he intended to ask the Council to agree to suspend Standing Order 47.6 to allow the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition to exceed the time limit of five minutes on their speeches concerning the Council’s budget, at minute 66 below.  Furthermore, Members were reminded that recorded votes would be taken on budget items in accordance with legislation.

The Chairman reported on the following recent engagements:-

December

13        Held a very successful and well attended Carol Service at Beaulieu Abbey

16        Hosted the annual Veterans’ Christmas Party at the McMullen Barracks, home to 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC

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

There were none.

To consider the following petition of 2,039 signatures from New Forest West Labour Party in accordance with the Council’s Petitions Scheme:-

“New Forest District Council wants to privatise our Leisure Centres.  We, the undersigned, believe that they should be kept in public ownership and management and available to all.”

Note:

In accordance with Standing Order 38, the petition organiser may present the petition for a maximum of five minutes.  Councillors may debate the petition for a maximum of 15 minutes.

The Chairman welcomed Jennie Worsdale to the Council meeting who had organised the following petition as set out on the Council agenda:-

“New Forest District Council wants to privatise our Leisure Centres. We, the

undersigned, believe that they should be kept in public ownership and

management and available to all.”

The petition contained 2,039 signatures and therefore met the required threshold of 1,700 in the Council’s petition scheme for a Council debate.

Ms Worsdale presented the petition and made a statement.

Cllr Steele responded as the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing and moved the following motion:-

“That the Council notes this petition and that the Health and Leisure Portfolio Holder and Cabinet will in due course carefully consider the petition when making any recommendation to this Council on the future running of the leisure centres which is expected in Summer 2020.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr E Heron.

The Council debated the petition.

Cllr J Davies moved the following amendment:-

“This Council believes that its leisure centres should be kept in house.”

The amendment was seconded by Cllr Harrison.

The Chief Executive clarified that, whilst the amendment could be voted on by the Council as an expressed view, this was in the context that the matter of the future of health and leisure centres would be the subject of Council decision in due course.

The Council debated the petition, alongside the motion and amendment.

The amendment was put to the vote and lost.

The Council voted on the substantive motion.  The motion was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the Council notes this petition and that the Health and Leisure Portfolio Holder and Cabinet will in due course carefully consider the petition when making any recommendation to this Council on the future running of the leisure centres which is expected in Summer 2020.

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated:-

·         5 February 2020; and

·         19 February 2020

All Members of the Council had been granted a dispensation to speak and vote on matters concerning the Members’ Allowances Scheme, Budget and Council Tax.

Cllr Thorne had been granted a dispensation to speak and vote on the Housing Revenue Account Budget, on the basis that she is a Council garage tenant.

The Leader of the Council presented the reports of the Cabinet meetings held on 5 and 19 February 2020, and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr E Heron seconded the motion.

Item 3 (19 February 2020) – Electoral Review of New Forest District Council – Warding Pattern Proposals

Cllr Duke highlighted the impact of the District Council’s proposals on Boldre Parish and welcomed the opportunity to continue to work throughout phase two of the review to explore alternative options.

Cllr Harrison spoke in support of the principles of the Electoral Review and welcomed the opportunity to reduce the number of councillors.  He highlighted the support of officers throughout the process and acknowledged that agreement across the full district area on a set of warding pattern proposals may not be possible.  It was hoped that the Local Government Boundary Commission would carefully consider all representations made by Town and Parish Councils.

Cllr M Wade declared an interest as a Member of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council who would be commenting on the proposals.  He also expressed support for the concept of an Electoral Review and whilst the District Council’s proposals had improved throughout the process to date, Hythe and Dibden Parish Council would be making representations to the Local Government Boundary Commission in favour of alternative options.

Item 1 (19 February 2020) – Medium Term Financial Plan / Annual Budget 2020/21

The Chairman moved that Standing Order 47.6 be suspended to allow the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition to exceed the time limit for making their budget speeches.  The motion was seconded by the Vice-Chairman and carried.

The Leader of the Council made the statement on the budget as proposed in the report of the Cabinet dated 19 February 2020, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group made a statement on the budget, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.  He then moved the following amendment:-

“Using the same figures prepared by officers for the administration, with the following exceptions:-

1.    A recognition that it is permissible to use reserves for the purposes of this Council taking all necessary actions to fight climate change. Allocating £100k from reserves to employ a climate change officer with a budget to implement changes;

2.    Scrapping the privatisation of the management of leisure centres (cost neutral to 2020/21);

3.    Enhanced engagement with other organisations, local MP's, other authorities: £10k;

4.    Brexit preparations funds allocated to local food banks (subject to government permission); and

5.    Young Person's discounted bus travel scheme: £40k.

The revisions as outlined above would result in a revised General Fund Budget of £19,344,110,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider the report of the Audit Committee dated 24 January 2020.

Cllr O’Sullivan presented the report of the Audit Committee meeting held on 24 January 2020, and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr Lane seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

To consider the report of the HR Committee dated 30 January 2020.

The Leader of the Council presented the report of the HR Committee meeting held on 30 January 2020, and moved the adoption of the recommendations.  Cllr Steele seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

To consider the report of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel dated 9 January 2020.

Cllr Bennison presented the report of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 9 January 2020, and moved the adoption of the recommendations, including a revised motion on fireworks.  Cllr Blunden seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council agree 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)   Request 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)  Work with the NFNPA, Forestry England and Hampshire County Council (including HCC Trading Standards and any other relevant services), Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary for a joint and integrated approach.”

2.    That the Council agree that a Task and Finish Group be set up with key stakeholders, as detailed in (d) of the motion to consider a joint and integrated approach.

Under Standing Order 22.

There were none.

In accordance with Standing Order 21, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Rickman will move the following motion:-

This Council explicitly condemns prejudice and intolerance in all forms.  Adopting a clear and consistent definition of antisemitism provides residents of and visitors to the New Forest District with reassurance that antisemitism will not be tolerated.  To this end, this Council adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, as follows:-

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Note:

In accordance with 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.

In accordance with Standing Order 21, the Leader of the Council moved the following motion:-

“This Council explicitly condemns prejudice and intolerance in all forms.  Adopting a clear and consistent definition of antisemitism provides residents of and visitors to the New Forest District with reassurance that antisemitism will not be tolerated.  To this end, this Council adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, as follows:-

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Cllr E Heron seconded the motion.

The Chairman confirmed that, in his opinion, it was convenient and conducive to the despatch of business to deal with the motion at this Council meeting.

Cllr Harrison spoke in support of the motion and welcomed its inclusion on the agenda, although he expressed his sadness that in 2020, it was necessary to restate that there was no place for prejudice and intolerance.

Cllr E Heron spoke in support of the motion and its expressed intention to stand up against antisemitism, prejudice and intolerance in all forms.

The Leader of the Council recorded this thanks to the Leader of the Opposition for his support on this important issue.

The motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

This Council explicitly condemns prejudice and intolerance in all forms.  Adopting a clear and consistent definition of antisemitism provides residents of and visitors to the New Forest District with reassurance that antisemitism will not be tolerated.  To this end, this Council adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, as follows:-

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

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 21 February 2020.

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

·         Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Community Affairs, Cllr Andrews, on “the Arts” – dealt with in writing in the absence of Cllr Rackham.

·         Cllr M Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulatory Services, Cllr Hoare, on Carbon Reduction.

·         Cllr M Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Housing Services, Cllr Cleary, on Local Homelessness.

·         Cllr Brand to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Cllr Harris, on Start Ups and Micro Businesses.

·         Cllr O’Sullivan to the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, Cllr Steele, on Health and Leisure Review.

·         Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Cllr Harris, on the impact of parking charges on local businesses.

·         Cllr Corbridge to the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Cllr Harris, on the impact of parking charges on local businesses.

·         Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, Cllr E Heron, on traffic calming measures in Pennington.

Note:-

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

To set the Council Tax for 2020/21.

All Members of the Council had been granted dispensations to speak and to vote on this matter.

The Council considered the Council Tax for 2020/21.

The recommendations contained within the report were put to a recorded vote.  The outcome was as follows:-

Voting for:- Cllrs Alvey, Andrews, Bellows, Bennison, Blunden, Carpenter, Cerasoli, Cleary, Corbridge, Craze, S Davies, Davis, Duke, Dunning, Glass, Gossage, Harris, Hawkins, E Heron, J Heron, Hoare, Holding, Kidd, Lane, Levitt, McEvoy, Murray, O’Sullivan, Penman, Reid, Reilly, Rickman, Ring, Sevier, Steele, Thierry, Thorne, Tipp, Tungate, C Ward and J Ward.

Voting against:- Cllrs Brand, M Clark, R Clark, J Davies, Delemare, Dowd, Harrison, Kangarani, Osborne, A Wade and M Wade.

Abstaining:- Cllr England.

The recommendations were carried – 41 in favour, 11 against, 1 abstaining.

RESOLVED:

(i)         That it be noted that on 4 December 2019 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base for the year 2020/21:

            (a)        for the whole Council area as 71,492.90 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

            (b)        for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates as in Appendix 3 of the report.

(ii)        To calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2020/21 (excluding Parish Precepts) is £12,751,460.

(iii)       That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2020/21 in accordance with Sections 31A, 31B and 34 to 36 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 as amended by the Localism Act 2011: -

            (a)        £139,128,060  being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.

            (b)        £119,857,480 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

            (c)        £19,270,580    being the amount by which the aggregate at 10.3(a) of the report exceeds the aggregate at 10.3(b), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31B(1) of the Act).

            (d)        £269.55           being the amount at 10.3(c) of the report (Item R), all divided by the Council Tax Base, Item T (10.1(a)), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts).

            (e)        £6,519,120      being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per Appendix 4 of the report).

            (f)        £178.36           being the amount at 10.3(d) of the report less the result given by dividing the amount at 10.3(e) by Item T (10.1(a)), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year specifically for the District Council. There are no non-parished areas.

            (g)        LOCAL COUNCIL  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

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

The Conservative Group has notified the following proposed change:-

Planning Committee

Cllr Bellows to replace Cllr Carpenter

RESOLVED:

That Cllr Bellows be appointed to serve on the Planning Committee in place of Cllr Carpenter.