Agenda item

To receive updates on various aspects of the Future New Forest programme, including a people strategy, digital projects, and assets strategy.

The Panel received a presentation giving updates on various aspects of the Future New Forest programme, including a people strategy, digital projects, and assets strategy. The supporting presentation materials were available in the agenda pack.

A query was raised relating to the assets section in part on the previous agenda item, where the red KPIs were shown relating to the Coastal Destination Strategy. It was explained that this was a medium to longer term initiative to think about how the Council could make most of assets along the coast and to attract more visitors to the coast and away from the National Park.

On the red indicator for the Coastal Partnership Model, it was explained that this related to the longer-term future of the coastal team and scope for working as part of broader coastal partnerships across the South Coast. Whilst this might still be a direction of travel, time was needed to understand more about the implications of LGR before progress could be made.

Some members commented on the programme progress update, and sought information on how performance would be measured.  It was explained that the  programme team came together in September / October and a lot of the work was budgeted for 2025/26. Therefore, progress on the financial aspects would be reported regularly at appropriate times. ICT work would include the level of budget detail sought as projects progressed.   On updates regarding the business case and invest to save, it was noted that LGR had required an examination of which projects were business critical including replacement of the CRM to enhance customer service. The business case was currently being reviewed and a further update on this would be given at the next Panel meeting.

On the section dealing with the asset management strategy, a query was raised concerning the process for dealing with transfer of assets of community value, officers advised that it was important that any body wishing to take on the running of an asset should have the full information required regarding the costs and other requirements for managing the asset, and this piece of work would ensure arrangements were in place to make this available.

In response to a query, it was confirmed that the July asset strategy report would include the adoption of the community asset transfer policy and seek approval to the direction of travel. This would also mark the start of a process of discussions with town and parish councils, which could continue for at least 2 years, towards the vesting date in 2028 or 2029.  Members commented that town and parish councils would like to see this process resolved as quickly as possible before shadow authorities took effect. In response it was reiterated that the necessary framework and policy needed to be agreed before such work could take place and this was currently being developed. Various asset information was also being formulated and collated as part of this process.

In answer to a question, assurances were given that the necessary governance and precautions would be in place when the council was discussing council systems with other organisations, so sensitive data continued to be protected.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.