Agenda item

PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

Item 1 – Corporate peer challenge feedback visit final report

A councillor highlighted that there was a recommendation within the report was to consider ways to improve the scrutiny function.  It was felt that improvements should be considered which would be for the benefit of residents and the future decisions made by the council.  The Leader responded noting this comment.

Item 2 – Local Plan Review – Approval of spatial options and policy direction document

A councillor noted that at the Cabinet meeting, the Leader had implored residents and stakeholders to respond to the consultation.  The residents of Fordingbridge, in particular, were keen to express their views, but had reported of experiencing difficulties in completing the online consultation form.  It was asked whether any additional support or communication could be provided to assist those who wanted to respond to the consultation in order to make their views known.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy acknowledged that the online form required an account to be created in order for comments to be submitted.  It was possible to save the response, part way through and return to it at a later point.  The Portfolio Holder reported he would pass this feedback to officers.

Item 3 – Draft New Forest creative and cultural framework

A councillor welcomed the draft creative and cultural framework and congratulated officers on its production, recognising the hard work involved.  It was noted that the work arising from the framework would need to take place in partnership with others and this was supported.  It was recognised that there were good quality cultural organisations operating in the forest but that they needed monetary support.  It was felt that a budget needed to be identified in order to assist in bringing cultural events to fruition.

One other member also expressed support for towards the draft framework and expressed the view that it would open up funding opportunities. 

The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing reported he was pleased to see the approval of draft framework.  He noted the comment regarding funding had been raised at the Cabinet meeting and responded to by the officer in attendance.  He reported that the framework would help with simplifying the process in applying for funding and that it would benefit the residents of the New Forest.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

Item 6 – Financial Monitoring report (based on performance April – December 2025 inclusive)

A councillor noted that the report cited a security incident which had occurred at Hardley depot and questioned whether there would be an opportunity to be given more detail at a future meeting.  This was so members could be provided with some reassurance that measures had been put in place to mitigate against this happening again, including at other council depots and also recognising that there was a financial impact.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate reported that the incident was a great concern and confirmed that the security arrangements had been improved as well as measures to mitigate against the risk of a future recurrence.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate introduced the report and moved the adoption of the recommendation.  Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

A councillor welcomed the funding in respect of Eling Tide Mill.  The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate responded and hoped that working with the Town Council, there now was a long-term programme in place to ensure that it would remain as an operational Tide Mill.

RESOLVED:

That the General Fund Corporate Priority Reserve is increased by £1.296 million.

Item 7 – Asset maintenance and replacement programme and General Fund capital programme 2026/27

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate introduced the report and moved the adoption of the recommendation.  Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

A councillor sought confirmation that the vehicle replacement programme included the vehicles required in order to deliver the roll-out of phase 3 of the waste service.  Another member highlighted that there was a significant number of redundant vehicles being stored at Lymington Town Hall waiting to be auctioned off.  It was felt that they were there for too long time and were an eyesore.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate responded to the points made and confirmed that the vehicle replacement programme had been developed to include all vehicles required for the new waste service.  He also agreed that the redundant vehicles stored at the Lymington Town Hall should be managed as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

RESOLVED:

That the Vehicle and Plant replacement programme be approved for a 2-year period, covering purchases due in 2026/27 and 2027/28.

Item 8 – Capital Strategy 2026/27

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate introduced the report and moved the adoption of the recommendation.  Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the Capital Strategy 2026/27 be approved, including the adoption of the Minimum Revenue Payment (MRP) statement.

Item 9 – Members’ allowances – Scheme to apply from 1 April 2026

The Leader introduced the item and moved the adoption of the recommendations. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the current scheme of members’ allowances be made as the scheme to apply from 1 April 2026.