Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
22
Meetings (2025):
70
Meetings (2024):
72
Meeting
Cabinet - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 10th June 2025
6:30 PM
Tuesday, 10th June 2025
6:30 PM
End:
Tuesday, 10th June 2025
9:30 PM
Tuesday, 10th June 2025
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
10 Jun 2025
10 Jun 2025
Location:
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Chair
Leader
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
There were no apologies for absence.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
Cllr G James declared an interest in relation to agenda item 8 – Motion regarding Newman Court as he was a County Councillor
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2025
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.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 18032025 1830 Cabinet 29 May 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holders Announcements
Minutes
There were no announcements.
6
Motion referred from Council - Support for Basingstoke and Deane residents under threat of criminalisation following abortion or pregnancy loss
To consider the resolution referred by Council from its meeting held on 20 March 2025:
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Write to MP Luke Murphy and the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care to advocate for the decriminalisation of abortion;
2) Initiate work to investigate, in conjunction with partner agencies and organisations with policy responsibility:
a) What support might be required by Basingstoke and Deane residents who find themselves subject to criminal investigation or prosecution following pregnancy loss or abortion, and;
b) What support this Council and those agencies can reasonably offer to meet that need;
3) If necessary, consider a budget proposal from officers to accomplish this investigation and evaluation;
4) Thereafter consider implementation of any such support.
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Write to MP Luke Murphy and the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care to advocate for the decriminalisation of abortion;
2) Initiate work to investigate, in conjunction with partner agencies and organisations with policy responsibility:
a) What support might be required by Basingstoke and Deane residents who find themselves subject to criminal investigation or prosecution following pregnancy loss or abortion, and;
b) What support this Council and those agencies can reasonably offer to meet that need;
3) If necessary, consider a budget proposal from officers to accomplish this investigation and evaluation;
4) Thereafter consider implementation of any such support.
Minutes
Cabinet considered the following motion referred from Council:
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Write to MP Luke Murphy and the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care to advocate for the decriminalisation of abortion;
2) Initiate work to investigate, in conjunction with partner agencies and organisations with policy responsibility:
a) What support might be required by Basingstoke and Deane residents who find themselves subject to criminal investigation or prosecution following pregnancy loss or abortion, and;
b) What support this Council and those agencies can reasonably offer to meet that need;
3) If necessary, consider a budget proposal from officers to accomplish this investigation and evaluation;
4) Thereafter consider implementation of any such support.
Councillor Hart, the mover of the motion was invited to address the meeting. She put forward suggestions to assist the work requested as set out in the motion. With reference to paragraph one of the motion, she stated that the content of the letters would be dependent on the timing and results of upcoming readings on the Crime and Policing Bill. Regarding paragraph two of the motion, she suggested meeting with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) to understand challenges or barriers to timely abortion care and support and activity that may trigger buffer zone laws. It was further suggested that similar meetings could be held with other partner agencies such as Stop Domestic Abuse, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Police and Crime Commissioner to understand how local police were being guided in respect of new National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines. Further potential support ideas included website signposting to resources and a designated council contact to navigate signposting for an individual situation. She concluded that in light of Local Government Reorganisation the work should be a live piece of work and she was happy to provide support for the work undertaken.
Cabinet discussed the motion and acknowledged the work of Councillor Hart in bringing forward the motion.
Members agreed to write the letters as requested in the motion and it was suggested that the other Hampshire MP’s that cover the borough also be included.
Regarding the other aspects of the motion, some members felt that the topic was a matter for national government rather than local government and concern was raised that it was not appropriate to dedicate officer resources to something that was not a primary local authority responsibility.
Other members however were supportive of engaging with key partners to explore the issues and identify whether any work would need to be undertaken by officers. It was commented that it would also be beneficial work in relation to local government reorganisation and the future wellbeing role.
Resolved: Cabinet agree
1) To write to MP Luke Murphy and the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care to advocate for the decriminalisation of abortion.
2) To engage with partners to establish the current position and then review the responsibilities of the council and identify where the council could work with responsible partners to make improvements for residents.
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Write to MP Luke Murphy and the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care to advocate for the decriminalisation of abortion;
2) Initiate work to investigate, in conjunction with partner agencies and organisations with policy responsibility:
a) What support might be required by Basingstoke and Deane residents who find themselves subject to criminal investigation or prosecution following pregnancy loss or abortion, and;
b) What support this Council and those agencies can reasonably offer to meet that need;
3) If necessary, consider a budget proposal from officers to accomplish this investigation and evaluation;
4) Thereafter consider implementation of any such support.
Councillor Hart, the mover of the motion was invited to address the meeting. She put forward suggestions to assist the work requested as set out in the motion. With reference to paragraph one of the motion, she stated that the content of the letters would be dependent on the timing and results of upcoming readings on the Crime and Policing Bill. Regarding paragraph two of the motion, she suggested meeting with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) to understand challenges or barriers to timely abortion care and support and activity that may trigger buffer zone laws. It was further suggested that similar meetings could be held with other partner agencies such as Stop Domestic Abuse, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Police and Crime Commissioner to understand how local police were being guided in respect of new National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines. Further potential support ideas included website signposting to resources and a designated council contact to navigate signposting for an individual situation. She concluded that in light of Local Government Reorganisation the work should be a live piece of work and she was happy to provide support for the work undertaken.
Cabinet discussed the motion and acknowledged the work of Councillor Hart in bringing forward the motion.
Members agreed to write the letters as requested in the motion and it was suggested that the other Hampshire MP’s that cover the borough also be included.
Regarding the other aspects of the motion, some members felt that the topic was a matter for national government rather than local government and concern was raised that it was not appropriate to dedicate officer resources to something that was not a primary local authority responsibility.
Other members however were supportive of engaging with key partners to explore the issues and identify whether any work would need to be undertaken by officers. It was commented that it would also be beneficial work in relation to local government reorganisation and the future wellbeing role.
Resolved: Cabinet agree
1) To write to MP Luke Murphy and the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care to advocate for the decriminalisation of abortion.
2) To engage with partners to establish the current position and then review the responsibilities of the council and identify where the council could work with responsible partners to make improvements for residents.
7
Motion referred from Council - Putting an End to Empty Shops - Empowering Our Local Economy.
To consider the resolution of Council from its meeting held on 15 May 2025.
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Apply promptly to adopt the HSRA scheme, empowering intervention on long-term vacant properties.
2) Prioritise action on retail units in the Top of Town and other key local centres, ensuring all the core retail areas in neighbourhoods across the borough are designated as part of the scheme.
3) Develop a clear, strategic approach to HSRA implementation — engaging landlords, businesses, and community stakeholders to maximise impact.
4) Exclude from the scope of the HSRA scheme any shopping centres or retail sites that are solely owned or managed by a single entity — such as Festival Place and Chineham Shopping Centre — recognising that these are privately managed environments with distinct leasing strategies and operational frameworks.
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Apply promptly to adopt the HSRA scheme, empowering intervention on long-term vacant properties.
2) Prioritise action on retail units in the Top of Town and other key local centres, ensuring all the core retail areas in neighbourhoods across the borough are designated as part of the scheme.
3) Develop a clear, strategic approach to HSRA implementation — engaging landlords, businesses, and community stakeholders to maximise impact.
4) Exclude from the scope of the HSRA scheme any shopping centres or retail sites that are solely owned or managed by a single entity — such as Festival Place and Chineham Shopping Centre — recognising that these are privately managed environments with distinct leasing strategies and operational frameworks.
Minutes
Cabinet considered the following motion referred from Council:
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Apply promptly to adopt the HSRA scheme, empowering intervention on long-term vacant properties.
2) Prioritise action on retail units in the Top of Town and other key local centres, ensuring all the core retail areas in neighbourhoods across the borough are designated as part of the scheme.
3) Develop a clear, strategic approach to HSRA implementation — engaging landlords, businesses, and community stakeholders to maximise impact.
4) Exclude from the scope of the HSRA scheme any shopping centres or retail sites that are solely owned or managed by a single entity — such as Festival Place and Chineham Shopping Centre — recognising that these are privately managed environments with distinct leasing strategies and operational frameworks.
Cabinet considered the motion. It was highlighted that during debate in Council several comments highlighted implications of the motion and whether it would be a useful tool for the authority.
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Property stated that eleven authorities had signed up to the scheme since the new legislation had been put in place in December 2024, however no vacant units had been bought back into use, although it was still early days. Whilst it may be a valuable tool, concern was raised regarding funding and the impact on officer resources and their ability to track vacant properties longer than 12 months to start the process. It was suggested that further work was required by officers to investigate how the scheme could be used alongside current workstreams culminating in a report for consideration by the relevant overview and scrutiny committee. It was felt that engaging with landlords on an informal basis was more effective than through a legal route but it could be a potential helpful tool.
Work undertaken to engage and respond to the needs of the business community at the Top of the Town was highlighted which included a grants programme to improve shop fronts and changes to car park charges. Increases in footfall and the benefits from local events to the business community were also highlighted. It was commented that new investors in Festival Place were aware of the need to encourage new retail, leisure and community use to the town centre. It was considered that overall the town centre was doing well.
Resolved: Cabinet agree that the Residents Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee be requested to undertake a review to explore the aspects of the motion and make any recommendations to Cabinet.
Council resolve to request Cabinet to:
1) Apply promptly to adopt the HSRA scheme, empowering intervention on long-term vacant properties.
2) Prioritise action on retail units in the Top of Town and other key local centres, ensuring all the core retail areas in neighbourhoods across the borough are designated as part of the scheme.
3) Develop a clear, strategic approach to HSRA implementation — engaging landlords, businesses, and community stakeholders to maximise impact.
4) Exclude from the scope of the HSRA scheme any shopping centres or retail sites that are solely owned or managed by a single entity — such as Festival Place and Chineham Shopping Centre — recognising that these are privately managed environments with distinct leasing strategies and operational frameworks.
Cabinet considered the motion. It was highlighted that during debate in Council several comments highlighted implications of the motion and whether it would be a useful tool for the authority.
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Property stated that eleven authorities had signed up to the scheme since the new legislation had been put in place in December 2024, however no vacant units had been bought back into use, although it was still early days. Whilst it may be a valuable tool, concern was raised regarding funding and the impact on officer resources and their ability to track vacant properties longer than 12 months to start the process. It was suggested that further work was required by officers to investigate how the scheme could be used alongside current workstreams culminating in a report for consideration by the relevant overview and scrutiny committee. It was felt that engaging with landlords on an informal basis was more effective than through a legal route but it could be a potential helpful tool.
Work undertaken to engage and respond to the needs of the business community at the Top of the Town was highlighted which included a grants programme to improve shop fronts and changes to car park charges. Increases in footfall and the benefits from local events to the business community were also highlighted. It was commented that new investors in Festival Place were aware of the need to encourage new retail, leisure and community use to the town centre. It was considered that overall the town centre was doing well.
Resolved: Cabinet agree that the Residents Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee be requested to undertake a review to explore the aspects of the motion and make any recommendations to Cabinet.
8
Motion referred from Council - Hampshire County Council to end funding for Adult Day Service at Newman Court at the expense of some of our most vulnerable residents.
To consider the resolution of Council referred from its meeting held on 15 May 2025.
Council resolve to:
Request cabinet to oppose the closure, taking reasonable steps in support of users of Newman Court to campaign against the closure (such as through the use of local media) and to write to the leader of Hampshire County Council to express our deep concern at the removal of funding for Newman House and request the reversal of this flawed plan.
Council resolve to:
Request cabinet to oppose the closure, taking reasonable steps in support of users of Newman Court to campaign against the closure (such as through the use of local media) and to write to the leader of Hampshire County Council to express our deep concern at the removal of funding for Newman House and request the reversal of this flawed plan.
Minutes
Cabinet considered the following motion referred from Council:
Council resolve to:
Request cabinet to oppose the closure, taking reasonable steps in support of users of Newman Court to campaign against the closure (such as through the use of local media) and to write to the leader of Hampshire County Council (HCC) to express our deep concern at the removal of funding for Newman House and request the reversal of this flawed plan.
Cabinet discussed the motion. It was acknowledged that closure of the centre would affect the most vulnerable members of the community and have a devastating effect on residents. There was agreement to do everything possible to dissuade HCC from the closure. It was commented that the proposed closure was short sighted as the day services provided much needed support for carers and respite care which if removed would place more burden on HCC and their social services team and the increased costs would outstrip any saving.
It was further commented that a significant amount of HCC’s expenditure was on adult social care and how that would impact on local government reorganisation in the future. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Government to highlight the level of council tax to support adult social care, which was a national health issue, was unsustainable. The importance of future design services and how they could link to health was also highlighted. It was confirmed that a letter had already been sent to HCC regarding cuts to Citizens Advice and Newman Court and a number of other issues, however a response had not been received. Furthermore another more detailed letter setting out the implications for residents and setting out a constructive way forward would be sent to HCC.
Resolved: Cabinet agree to
1) Write to HCC to express deep concern at the removal of funding for Newman House and request the reversal of the flawed proposal.
2) Write to Government setting out funding concerns for Adult Social Care.
Council resolve to:
Request cabinet to oppose the closure, taking reasonable steps in support of users of Newman Court to campaign against the closure (such as through the use of local media) and to write to the leader of Hampshire County Council (HCC) to express our deep concern at the removal of funding for Newman House and request the reversal of this flawed plan.
Cabinet discussed the motion. It was acknowledged that closure of the centre would affect the most vulnerable members of the community and have a devastating effect on residents. There was agreement to do everything possible to dissuade HCC from the closure. It was commented that the proposed closure was short sighted as the day services provided much needed support for carers and respite care which if removed would place more burden on HCC and their social services team and the increased costs would outstrip any saving.
It was further commented that a significant amount of HCC’s expenditure was on adult social care and how that would impact on local government reorganisation in the future. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Government to highlight the level of council tax to support adult social care, which was a national health issue, was unsustainable. The importance of future design services and how they could link to health was also highlighted. It was confirmed that a letter had already been sent to HCC regarding cuts to Citizens Advice and Newman Court and a number of other issues, however a response had not been received. Furthermore another more detailed letter setting out the implications for residents and setting out a constructive way forward would be sent to HCC.
Resolved: Cabinet agree to
1) Write to HCC to express deep concern at the removal of funding for Newman House and request the reversal of the flawed proposal.
2) Write to Government setting out funding concerns for Adult Social Care.
9
Motion referred from Council - Rights of our Rivers (Chalk Streams)
To consider the resolution of Council referred from its meeting held on 15 May 20205.
Council resolution and request to Cabinet:
1) This Council recognises the growing global movement of ‘Rights of Nature’ as an important framework for modifying and improving its relationship with the natural environment.
2) This Council is committed to supporting our interactions with local rivers and chalk streams in the context of the ‘Rights of Rivers’ movement, through which the health of our waterways and native species can be maintained and improved.
3) This Council requests Cabinet to work alongside local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the Rights of Rivers along our rivers and chalk streams. This will involve producing a ‘Declaration on the Rights of the River’ by relevant stakeholders to seek endorsement by the Council by Spring 2026.
4) This Council requests Cabinet to reaffirm existing Statements of Common Ground to ensure that partners legally responsible and accountable for monitoring, protecting and improving the standards and water quality fulfil their obligations at all times.
5) This Council request Cabinet to write to the Environment Agency (EA) to express the Council’s concerns about the poor ecological and chemical health of these rare and ecologically fragile chalk streams. This communication must require the EA to explain to the Council in detail how they have been, and how they plan to further protect and enhance our chalk streams.
6) This Council, in accordance with the Adopted 2016 Basingstoke & Deane Local Plan (2011 to 2029), Policy EM6 and its successors, requests Cabinet to:
a) Work in collaboration with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to safeguard and enhance water and habitat quality in our chalk streams.
b) Ensure that Strategic Planning will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams and that the Council will take all necessary measures within its remit to protect these ecosystems, including within the Local Plan review and its successors.
c) Within the scope of agreed policy, to request officers and the development control process to safeguard, where they are able, that individual planning decisions will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams, with any development proposals within a river catchment required, including consideration of the imposition of a condition of the planning process, to have no adverse impact on the health, water quality or ecological integrity, including no deterioration within band status, and to, where possible, deliver improvements.
Council resolution and request to Cabinet:
1) This Council recognises the growing global movement of ‘Rights of Nature’ as an important framework for modifying and improving its relationship with the natural environment.
2) This Council is committed to supporting our interactions with local rivers and chalk streams in the context of the ‘Rights of Rivers’ movement, through which the health of our waterways and native species can be maintained and improved.
3) This Council requests Cabinet to work alongside local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the Rights of Rivers along our rivers and chalk streams. This will involve producing a ‘Declaration on the Rights of the River’ by relevant stakeholders to seek endorsement by the Council by Spring 2026.
4) This Council requests Cabinet to reaffirm existing Statements of Common Ground to ensure that partners legally responsible and accountable for monitoring, protecting and improving the standards and water quality fulfil their obligations at all times.
5) This Council request Cabinet to write to the Environment Agency (EA) to express the Council’s concerns about the poor ecological and chemical health of these rare and ecologically fragile chalk streams. This communication must require the EA to explain to the Council in detail how they have been, and how they plan to further protect and enhance our chalk streams.
6) This Council, in accordance with the Adopted 2016 Basingstoke & Deane Local Plan (2011 to 2029), Policy EM6 and its successors, requests Cabinet to:
a) Work in collaboration with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to safeguard and enhance water and habitat quality in our chalk streams.
b) Ensure that Strategic Planning will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams and that the Council will take all necessary measures within its remit to protect these ecosystems, including within the Local Plan review and its successors.
c) Within the scope of agreed policy, to request officers and the development control process to safeguard, where they are able, that individual planning decisions will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams, with any development proposals within a river catchment required, including consideration of the imposition of a condition of the planning process, to have no adverse impact on the health, water quality or ecological integrity, including no deterioration within band status, and to, where possible, deliver improvements.
Minutes
Cabinet considered the following motion referred from Council:
Council resolution and request to Cabinet:
1) This Council recognises the growing global movement of ‘Rights of Nature’ as an important framework for modifying and improving its relationship with the natural environment.
2) This Council is committed to supporting our interactions with local rivers and chalk streams in the context of the ‘Rights of Rivers’ movement, through which the health of our waterways and native species can be maintained and improved.
3) This Council requests Cabinet to work alongside local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the Rights of Rivers along our rivers and chalk streams. This will involve producing a ‘Declaration on the Rights of the River’ by relevant stakeholders to seek endorsement by the Council by Spring 2026.
4) This Council requests Cabinet to reaffirm existing Statements of Common Ground to ensure that partners legally responsible and accountable for monitoring, protecting and improving the standards and water quality fulfil their obligations at all times.
5) This Council request Cabinet to write to the Environment Agency (EA) to express the Council’s concerns about the poor ecological and chemical health of these rare and ecologically fragile chalk streams. This communication must require the EA to explain to the Council in detail how they have been, and how they plan to further protect and enhance our chalk streams.
6) This Council, in accordance with the Adopted 2016 Basingstoke & Deane Local Plan (2011 to 2029), Policy EM6 and its successors, requests Cabinet to:
a) Work in collaboration with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to safeguard and enhance water and habitat quality in our chalk streams.
b) Ensure that Strategic Planning will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams and that the Council will take all necessary measures within its remit to protect these ecosystems, including within the Local Plan review and its successors.
c) Within the scope of agreed policy, to request officers and the development control process to safeguard, where they are able, that individual planning decisions will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams, with any development proposals within a river catchment required, including consideration of the imposition of a condition of the planning process, to have no adverse impact on the health, water quality or ecological integrity, including no deterioration within band status, and to, where possible, deliver improvements.
Councillor Tuck, the mover of the motion referred to the resounding support by council for the motion which reflected the shared commitment to safeguarding the borough’s chalk streams and natural environment which were vital to the community’s economy and resilience. She highlighted the importance of rivers to influence water supply, sewerage and health and wellbeing of residents whilst underpinning biodiversity, natural capital services, economic vitality and supporting the ability to adapt to climate change. She acknowledged the support of Cabinet Members to bring forward the motion and stated that the motion was a strong call for action to protect the natural environment, enhance community wellbeing and build a resilient future. She looked forward to collaborating with Cabinet and officers to translate the commitment into tangible outcomes for the borough.
Cabinet acknowledged the timeliness and importance of the motion and commended Cllr Tuck for her work to bring the motion forward and Natural Basingstoke for their support.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency reiterated the importance of protecting the boroughs rivers and stated they should be considered in line with the ecological emergency and other policies in relation to the natural environment particularly the recently adopted biodiversity strategy. He proposed to establish an officer/member working group to identify and work through the actions in the motion and engage with the community and key stakeholders to commence the drafting of a declaration for endorsement by Cabinet by Spring 2026.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure expressed support for the motion and proposal to establish a working group. He emphasised the importance of biodiversity of rivers and waterways in the Local Plan and gave a commitment to ensure that the Updated Local Plan provided as much protection, within regulations, as possible to protect the natural environment.
It was also commented that the motion needed to translate into tangible results based on legitimate evidence-based work
Resolved: Cabinet accept the motion and agree to establish a working party to undertake work to address the points as set out in the motion.
Council resolution and request to Cabinet:
1) This Council recognises the growing global movement of ‘Rights of Nature’ as an important framework for modifying and improving its relationship with the natural environment.
2) This Council is committed to supporting our interactions with local rivers and chalk streams in the context of the ‘Rights of Rivers’ movement, through which the health of our waterways and native species can be maintained and improved.
3) This Council requests Cabinet to work alongside local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the Rights of Rivers along our rivers and chalk streams. This will involve producing a ‘Declaration on the Rights of the River’ by relevant stakeholders to seek endorsement by the Council by Spring 2026.
4) This Council requests Cabinet to reaffirm existing Statements of Common Ground to ensure that partners legally responsible and accountable for monitoring, protecting and improving the standards and water quality fulfil their obligations at all times.
5) This Council request Cabinet to write to the Environment Agency (EA) to express the Council’s concerns about the poor ecological and chemical health of these rare and ecologically fragile chalk streams. This communication must require the EA to explain to the Council in detail how they have been, and how they plan to further protect and enhance our chalk streams.
6) This Council, in accordance with the Adopted 2016 Basingstoke & Deane Local Plan (2011 to 2029), Policy EM6 and its successors, requests Cabinet to:
a) Work in collaboration with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to safeguard and enhance water and habitat quality in our chalk streams.
b) Ensure that Strategic Planning will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams and that the Council will take all necessary measures within its remit to protect these ecosystems, including within the Local Plan review and its successors.
c) Within the scope of agreed policy, to request officers and the development control process to safeguard, where they are able, that individual planning decisions will take account of the Rights of Rivers and chalk streams, with any development proposals within a river catchment required, including consideration of the imposition of a condition of the planning process, to have no adverse impact on the health, water quality or ecological integrity, including no deterioration within band status, and to, where possible, deliver improvements.
Councillor Tuck, the mover of the motion referred to the resounding support by council for the motion which reflected the shared commitment to safeguarding the borough’s chalk streams and natural environment which were vital to the community’s economy and resilience. She highlighted the importance of rivers to influence water supply, sewerage and health and wellbeing of residents whilst underpinning biodiversity, natural capital services, economic vitality and supporting the ability to adapt to climate change. She acknowledged the support of Cabinet Members to bring forward the motion and stated that the motion was a strong call for action to protect the natural environment, enhance community wellbeing and build a resilient future. She looked forward to collaborating with Cabinet and officers to translate the commitment into tangible outcomes for the borough.
Cabinet acknowledged the timeliness and importance of the motion and commended Cllr Tuck for her work to bring the motion forward and Natural Basingstoke for their support.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency reiterated the importance of protecting the boroughs rivers and stated they should be considered in line with the ecological emergency and other policies in relation to the natural environment particularly the recently adopted biodiversity strategy. He proposed to establish an officer/member working group to identify and work through the actions in the motion and engage with the community and key stakeholders to commence the drafting of a declaration for endorsement by Cabinet by Spring 2026.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure expressed support for the motion and proposal to establish a working group. He emphasised the importance of biodiversity of rivers and waterways in the Local Plan and gave a commitment to ensure that the Updated Local Plan provided as much protection, within regulations, as possible to protect the natural environment.
It was also commented that the motion needed to translate into tangible results based on legitimate evidence-based work
Resolved: Cabinet accept the motion and agree to establish a working party to undertake work to address the points as set out in the motion.
10
Future Economy Framework
This report seeks approval of the Future Economy Framework which will establish the foundations for economic development activities in the borough for 2025 to 2030 to help guide decisions and interventions to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
Recommendation from the Leader of the Council
Recommendation from the Leader of the Council
Attachments:
- Document Future Economy Framework Report 29 May 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Future Economy Framework 29 May 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - Economic profile 29 May 2025
- Document Appendix 3 - Future Economic Framework - Action Plan 29 May 2025
Minutes
The Leader of the Council introduced a report which presented the Future Economy Framework for adoption. The framework established the foundations for economic development activities in the borough for 2025 to 2030 to help guide decisions and interventions to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
It was highlighted that the three core areas of the strategy were to make the economy inclusive, clean and smart. The strength and breadth of the local economy was acknowledged.
Members were supportive of the strategy and commended the amount of work that had been undertaken which demonstrated the council’s strong relationship with the business community. It was commented that the action plan set out a clear way forward with specific targets and actions to be undertaken. It was also acknowledged that businesses were the wealth creators and the role of the council was to support them to be more successful and unlock entrepreneurial talent.
Resolved: To approve the Future Economy Framework and supporting action plan.
It was highlighted that the three core areas of the strategy were to make the economy inclusive, clean and smart. The strength and breadth of the local economy was acknowledged.
Members were supportive of the strategy and commended the amount of work that had been undertaken which demonstrated the council’s strong relationship with the business community. It was commented that the action plan set out a clear way forward with specific targets and actions to be undertaken. It was also acknowledged that businesses were the wealth creators and the role of the council was to support them to be more successful and unlock entrepreneurial talent.
Resolved: To approve the Future Economy Framework and supporting action plan.
11
Key Performance Indicators 25/26 Amendments and Priority Tracker
To review and consider amendments to Key Performance Indicators (KPI) ahead of the 2025/26 municipal year to ensure the indicators continue to enable effective monitoring of progress towards delivery against the Council Plan.
Recommendation from the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, Improvement and Performance
Recommendation from the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, Improvement and Performance
Attachments:
- Document Key Performance Indicators 2025-2026 Amendments Cabinet Report 29 May 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Suite of measures and grading scale for 2025-2026 29 May 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which proposed amendments to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the financial year 2025/026.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure referred to KPI 3.39 regarding EV chargers in the borough. He stated that the KPI was a result of feedback for tougher EV targets during consultation on the EV strategy.
It was also highlighted that several KPI’s had been amended following consultation with the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
The officer team were commended for their work to produce the KPI’s.
Resolved: To approve the proposed amendments to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the financial year 2025/2026.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure referred to KPI 3.39 regarding EV chargers in the borough. He stated that the KPI was a result of feedback for tougher EV targets during consultation on the EV strategy.
It was also highlighted that several KPI’s had been amended following consultation with the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
The officer team were commended for their work to produce the KPI’s.
Resolved: To approve the proposed amendments to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the financial year 2025/2026.
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Exclusion of press and public
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
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Confidential/ exempt items for information
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