Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr W G Andrews.

To note any declarations of interest 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.

Cllrs Harrison, Kendal and Rostand – minute 22

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

No issues were raised in the public participation period.

To consider the conclusions of the Tourism Services Review, and to make recommendations to the Cabinet.

Cllr Harrison disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a member of the New Forest National Park Authority which provided financial support for the New Forest Visitor Centre in Lyndhurst.

Cllr Kendal disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as the County Council’s nominated representative on the Board of the New Forest Visitor Centre.

Cllr Rostand disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a Trustee of the Lymington Community Centre which was temporarily housing the volunteer-run Visitor Information Centre in Lymington.

The Panel considered detailed reports following a review of the delivery of two aspects of the tourism service.  At this stage it was intended to establish the principle of the model for future delivery, which would allow more detailed negotiations to continue with key partner organisations over the coming months.

With the growth in the use of the Internet and electronic means of accessing information about an area and to book accommodation, the role of visitor information centres had reduced considerably over recent years.  The number of visitors to the Visitor Information Centre at Lyndhurst had reduced by around 50% and no longer had a meaningful role in the booking of accommodation.  Consideration should therefore be given to whether the Council should continue to provide this service.

It was emphasised that the proposal to withdraw the Visitor Information Centre did not affect the overall operation of the New Forest Visitor Centre in Lyndhurst, which was run by the 9^th Centenary Trust.  It was emphasised that the Trust would not be prejudiced financially by the withdrawal of the Visitor Information Centre from their building.  They currently received rent and associated payments for providing this accommodation.

Consultations with the New Forest Tourism Association had established that they no longer considered that the Visitor Information Centre was essential to support the tourism industry, provided that the Forest continued to be marketed effectively as a destination for visitors.

The Panel was advised of the comments of consultees and the employees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report to be considered by the Cabinet on 2 November.

The Panel debated the issues in detail.  They expressed their regret that the New Forest National Park Authority did not intend to take a greater role in supporting the Visitor Information Centre, which might have allowed options to be considered for the retention of this service.

The Panel was satisfied that most accommodation booking was now undertaken on-line.  The main residual roles for the Visitor Information Centre’s staff were therefore in sales and in providing information and advice to visitors.  It was noted that negotiations were continuing with the 9^th Centenary Trust on what additional roles they might be prepared to take on.  The sales element of the business generated opportunities to earn commission and could be attractive to the Trust.

The Panel considered it was essential to explore other options for providing helpful information and advice to visitors to the area.  Interactive maps, such as those in use in the West Quay shopping centre, could now be extremely helpful.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

An opportunity for the Portfolio Holders to provide an update to the Panel on any issues.

Cllr Rickman, Leader of the Council, advised members that discussions continued with respect to various options for the devolution of powers, and the Government’s Autumn Statement was awaited for any changes to Government policy.

(a)     To consider the Panel’s future Work Programme, including any reviews of previous work undertaken;

(b)     To receive any updates on Task and Finish Group work; and

(c)     To establish any new Task and Finish Groups, together with memberships.

The Work Programme, as set out as Agenda Item 4, was agreed without amendment.

The Chairman was pleased to report that the Budget Working Group had commenced its work and a full programme of meetings had been arranged.

RESOLVED:

That an Electoral Review Task and Finish Group be established with the following membership and Terms of Reference:

Membership:

Cllrs Binns, Clark, M Harris, McEvoy, Penson, Thorne, Tungate and J Ward.

Terms of Reference:

(i)               To consider and make recommendations on whether the Council should request the Boundary Commission for England to undertake a review of New Forest District Council with a view to reducing the numbers on the Council; and

(ii)        To take into account the effect a change in numbers would have on:

(1) The Council’s governance and decision making arrangements; and

(2) Councillors’ representational roles.