Meeting

The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.

To receive and answer any questions from the public.

(Questions must be received in writing by Democratic Services no later than noon on Tuesday 15 October 2024)

To receive petitions.

(Notice of petitions must be received in writing by Democratic Services, no later than noon on Tuesday 15 October 2024)

a) to receive resignations from Committees and to make any necessary re-appointments

b) to receive resignations from Outside Bodies and to make any re-appointments and (ii) fill any existing vacancies.

Recommendation from the Cabinet Meeting held on 10 September 2024:

Council is requested to approve recommendation 8 as set out in the report:

That Council approve additions to the capital programme of £0.300M to support the delivery of Council Plan Priorities as set out in section 8 of the report to fund a new capital scheme:

• Maritime House

Report of the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

Report of the Chair of the audit and Accounts Committee

To agree the calendar of meetings for 2025/26.

Proposer:      Councillor Mummalaneni

Seconder:     Councillor Ganesh

Council Notes:

1)      The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

2)      The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.

3)      The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Basingstoke and Deane and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.

4)      The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change.

5)      The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.

Council believes:

1)      That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.

2)      While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Basingstoke and Deane sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.

3)      The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents.

4)      The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

Council resolves to request Cabinet to:

1)      Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.

2)      Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.

3)      Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.

4)      Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Basingstoke and Deane are supported in claiming their entitlement.

Proposer:      Councillor McIntyre

Seconder:     Councillor Jenny Vaux

Full Council notes:

1)      The Labour government’s imposed 37% increase in Basingstoke and Deane’s housing targets, requiring the borough to deliver 1,137 homes per year, disregards the reality of our borough’s infrastructure limitations, environmental challenges, and the will of local residents.

2)      The Independent and Liberal Democrat led administration of Basingstoke and Deane has submitted a response to the government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), claiming to speak on behalf of the entire council, without a full council debate or vote. This undermines the democratic process and fails to represent the views of all elected representatives and residents.

3)      The administration’s response contains a dangerous new position on the development of "New Towns," indicating their willingness to consider such proposals in Basingstoke and Deane. This shift has not been subject to public consultation or full council approval and would be met with fierce opposition by local communities who value the rural character and integrity of our borough.

4)      The Labour government’s top-down approach to housing targets, combined with the Independent and Liberal Democrat administration’s willingness to entertain ideas like "New Towns," threatens to fundamentally alter the identity of Basingstoke and Deane, destroying our strategic gaps, green spaces, and the quality of life for current and future residents.

5)      Basingstoke and Deane’s strategic gaps serve a vital role in preventing urban sprawl, and the threat of "New Towns" or large-scale developments would erode these crucial areas, leading to overdevelopment, increased traffic congestion, pressure on public services, and environmental damage.

Full Council believes:

1)      The Labour government’s housing targets are incompatible with the principles of local democracy, environmental sustainability, and responsible planning. These approaches represent an attack on the character and autonomy of Basingstoke and Deane.

2)      A proposal for New Towns would be completely unacceptable to the residents of Basingstoke and Deane, and the council must stand against any attempt to impose such developments, which would be devastating for our local environment, infrastructure, and community cohesion.

3)      Any housing targets should be evidence-based and reflect local needs, infrastructure capacity, and sustainability goals, rather than being imposed by central government or rubber-stamped by an administration without proper consultation.

Council resolves:

1)      To press Cabinet to strongly oppose any proposal for “New Towns” within Basingstoke and Deane, reaffirming the council’s commitment to protecting strategic gaps and preventing unsustainable, large-scale developments that would harm the borough’s character and environment.

2)      To urge Cabinet to engage with residents through a public consultation process to gather their views on the proposed housing targets, the threat of "New Towns," and the council’s position, ensuring that the voices of the people of Basingstoke and Deane are heard and respected.

3)      To reaffirm our commitment to brownfield development and strategic gaps protection, ensuring that the character of our towns and villages is preserved.

4)      To call for stronger protections against speculative unplanned development in our borough in future revisions of the NPPF.

Council resolves to request that Cabinet:

1)      Formally express the council's concern regarding the 37% housing target increase and request the government to reconsider this number, taking into account local infrastructure, environmental limits, and the borough’s ability to meet these targets without compromising on sustainable growth.

2)      Request that the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, revoke the imposed housing target increase, and to call for local councils to retain the ability to set evidence-based housing figures that are aligned with the unique infrastructure and environmental challenges of each area.

Proposer:      Councillor Dillow.

Seconder:     Councillor Lee.

This Council notes that:

1)      This is the chance for our Council’s administration to put up or shut up, and finally decide whether they wish to Keep Ice In Basingstoke. It’s about deciding what we prioritise, and lets not deny that how we spend our residents’ money is a political choice.

2)      The current ice rink in Basingstoke, a vital community asset, is set to undergo essential refurbishment and repair, with an agreement between Planet Ice and Standard Securities close to being signed.

3)      The ice rink is more than just a sports venue; it is a unique community hub where people of all ages gather to build friendships, support their physical and mental well-being, and enjoy sporting activities such as ice skating and ice hockey.

4)      The closure of the ice rink for refurbishment will leave no local facility for ice skaters, ice hockey players, and ice coaches to train or pursue their passions, affecting not only their mental health but also the livelihoods of professional coaches and local businesses on the leisure park due to reduced footfall.

5)      Without a temporary solution, the ice community will be forced to travel considerable distances to continue participating in these activities, increasing costs and diminishing access to sport and recreation for all ages.

6)      Basingstoke and Deane is one of country’s richest Councils, acknowledged by our leader Cllr Harvey and the BDI manifesto. Government officials have ranked local authorities from 1 to 317, with low numbers indicating higher levels of deprivation. Basingstoke and Deane was placed a very comfortable 243rd in the table nationally. Our Council also has notable assets including business parks and leisure developments, which generate and provide long-term revenue streams that increase the council’s overall wealth.

This Council resolves to request Cabinet to:

1)      Commit to Keep Ice in Basingstoke by providing a temporary real ice rink facility for the town and the wider community during the closure of the current ice rink for refurbishment and repair.

2)      Prioritise this temporary solution to ensure continuity of access to ice sports and to support the mental health, well-being, and livelihoods of those who use and depend on our local ice rink.

3)      Require officers to obtain costings and estimated revenues, the best source of council funding, and an implementation plan to provide a temporary real ice rink as a matter of urgency, to enable Cabinet to decide at the earliest opportunity on how best to progress the provision of a temporary facility whilst repairs are carried out to the current ice rink.

By adopting this motion, the Council and its administration will reaffirm its commitment to Keep Ice In Basingstoke, supporting the ice community as promised, maintaining access to Basingstoke's unique ice rink facility whilst safeguarding the interests of residents, businesses, and sports participants during the refurbishment period.

To receive questions from members in relation to the minutes of the meetings detailed below:

Committee

Meeting Date

Development Control

10 July 2024

Cabinet

16 July 2024

Residents Services O&S;

17 July 2024

Council

18 July 2024

Standards

22 July 2024

Resources O&S;

23 July 2024 & 4 September 2024

Audit and Accounts

29 July 2024

Cabinet

30 July 2024

Development Control

7 August 2024

Licensing

2 September 2024

Environment and Infrastructure O&S;

5 September 2024

Crime and Disorder Joint Scrutiny Committee

9 September 2024

Cabinet

10 September 2024

Development Control

11 September 2024

Resident Services O&S;

18 September 2024

Audit and Accounts

30 September 2024

To consider whether, in view of the nature of the remaining items on the agenda, any of them are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information within the terms of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972