Agenda item

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated:

·         7 November 2018; and

·         5 December 2018 (to follow)

The recommendations from the meetings held on 7 November and 5 December 2018 were agreed.

Cllrs Mrs Carpenter, Harrison, E J Heron, Kendal, Mrs McEvoy, Penman and White disclosed non pecuniary interests in item 1 (Civil on street parking enforcement and transportation – agency agreements) of the report of the Cabinet dated 7 November 2018 as members of Hampshire County Council.  It was noted that they had been granted dispensations which allowed them to speak and to vote on the matter.  There were no recommendations on this item.

The Leader of the Council, as Chairman of the Cabinet, presented the reports of the meetings held on 7 November and 5 December 2018.

Item 2 (5 December 2018) - Homelessness Task and Finish Group – Report of the Task and Finish Group

Cllr Harrison raised the issue of the consultation Hampshire County Council had carried out which proposed a reduction in the level of support available to the homeless.  This matter had been considered by the Task and Finish Group.  He expressed concern regarding the proposed budget reduction and the implications for vulnerable homeless people.  He sought assurance that New Forest District Council would increase the budget, with funding received from Government, in this area to make up the expected shortfall. 

Item 5 (5 December 2018) New Forest District Council Property Holding Company Business Plan

Cllr Harrison expressed concern regarding the risk to the Council of setting up a Property Holding Company to purchase residential and commercial properties.  Hampshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council had both borrowed significant sums of money for commercial investments with high risks.

Cllr M Harris, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Local Economic Development, Property & Innovation, acknowledged that discussions had taken place regarding the borrowing of funds for commercial investment.  Eastleigh Borough Council had borrowed £60 million for assets situated around the country.  The proposal in relation to New Forest District, however, proposed investment only within the District area, where there was a clear economic benefit.   All risks would be carefully evaluated.  Cllr Harris reminded the meeting that the Property Task and Finish Group had proposed a strong set recommendations.  No extreme risks would be taken and it was anticipated that a return would be made on any investments.

Item 7 (5 December 2018) – Health and Leisure Review

Cllr Tipp sought confirmation that the proposals relating to the health and leisure service did not include privatising or selling the centres.  He also asked for assurances that the Council would engage with stakeholders throughout the project.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, Cllr Binns, confirmed that following the review, a partnership arrangement was proposed rather than privatising the health and leisure services.  Should a preferred partner for the operation of the centres not be found, it was likely that an arms-length company would be established.  The proposals were aimed at offering the best possible services at the centres and that the service would be fit for the future.  The Council would maintain the integrity of the buildings and any partner would manage staff, programming and marketing, as well as investing in the services.  A Board of Directors would be responsible for monitoring the contract.

Engagement with staff representatives and customers through forums had taken place in each of the leisure centres. 

Cllr Harrison expressed the view that more public consultation should have been carried out before the decisions had been taken.  He considered that the proposals were a form of privatisation and that the Council would lose democratic accountability.

Cllr Clarke, Chair of the Health and Leisure Task and Finish Group, reported that the group had worked very hard at assessing the options in order to put forward a set of recommendations.  After thorough examination, a partnership arrangement was considered the best option.

On the motion that the reports be received and the recommendations adopted, it was:

RESOLVED:

That the reports be received and the recommendations be adopted.