Minutes:
Stan Wade
The Chairman referred with sadness to the recent passing of former Councillor Stan Wade on 16 February 2021 and the tributes paid by the Leader of the Council at the Cabinet meeting the following day.
Stan represented the Dibden and Hythe North Ward from 1979-2003 and the Dibden and Hythe East ward from 2003-2015, holding the position of Chairman of the Council in 1995/96. Stan served on many Committees, most notably the General Purposes and Licensing Committee from 2001-2015, the Planning Committee from 2007-2011 and a range of Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Stan held the position of Vice-Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee from 1996 – 1999. Stan also served on a number of Outside Bodies, representing the District Council on the National Park Authority and a number of local Waterside initiatives.
The Chairman highlighted the incredible legacy of Stan in having both a son and grandson as serving Members of the Council in Cllrs Malcolm and Alex Wade. The Chairman knew Stan personally and considered that he had lost a great colleague.
On behalf of the Council, the Chairman recorded his sincere condolences to Stan’s family and friends and placed on record the Council’ thanks for the eminent service of Stan.
Members of the Council, including Cllrs Malcolm and Alex Wade, added their tributes to Stan.
Community Award – Cllr Penman
The Chairman was delighted to inform the Council that Cllr Penman was to be the successful recipient of a High Sheriff of Hampshire Community Award, for his great work to help vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Totton area. Cllr Penman would in due course be presented with a certificate in a socially distanced manner.
On behalf of the Council, the Chairman offered his congratulations to Cllr Penman on this achievement, recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need in the community.
New Forest MENCAP
The Chairman informed Members that he was delighted to have been able to attend the virtual AGM of New Forest MENCAP, as Honorary President, on 15 February 2021.
General
The Chairman highlighted his intention to ask the Council 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 under the Annual Budget item.
Members were reminded that a number of recorded votes would need to be taken in accordance with the law.
As there was a substantial amount of complex business on the agenda, the Chairman requested the support and cooperation of Members with the Council’s Ground Rules for virtual meetings, to help with the smooth running of the meeting.
Change to Running Order
The Chairman confirmed that he would use his discretion to make an adjustment to the running order of agenda items. As item 11 on the agenda set out a motion which had significant implications for the debate and decision of the Council’s Annual Budget, he considered that it would assist in the running of the meeting if the motion was taken immediately before the reports of the Cabinet at item 9.