Eastleigh Borough Council Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel Meeting

There were no declarations of interest relating to items of business on the agenda.

It was AGREED -

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 16 November be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Chair wished everyone a Happy New Year and reminded Members that the next meeting has been moved from 8 February 2024 to 15 February 2024.

Housing Task and Finish Group 

? 

?Housing Policy have not met this year yet. 

? 

Graffiti Task and Finish Group 

Have not met since end of last year. A report will be taken to the March meeting for discussion. 

The Sustainable Transport Planner introduced the item and read a statement from Phil at South Western Railway which has been appended to the minutes.

Andy Shaw from Bluestar reported a successful year. Their major competitor has withdrawn from Southampton and Bluestar had filled it. Sourcing vehicles is difficult as the lead times increased in Covid. Vehicle reliability had been a challenge and Bluestar 2 now has two vehicles on order. The main manufacturer of vehicles had a cyber attack so there are experiencing some delays. Bluestar 2 was expanding and has recently expanded into Barton Peveril. Thirty-three vehicles were stationed at Eastleigh’s depot with approximately sixty staff. The £2 bus fayre had been fantastic for increasing growth and will continue until at least June 2024. Bluestar have been looking into electric buses, but reliability and infrastructure support are currently blockers. Traffic congestion and the impact on cycle time are seen as a key challenge to the service.

A discussion took place with regards to routes and services.

Hayley Malcolm from One Community reported that the service was recovering well after Covid. The increase in fares has not caused a decrease in passengers. There were 12 minibuses and have since relocated to Stoney Croft Rise as a temporary solution. Many clients rely on the community transport service to access shopping, health and other essential services, and the possible loss of subsidy from Hampshire County Council was a major concern for the service.

The Corporate Strategy Manager presented an update to the Panel which outlined the focus of the review, LGA Outcome Report, Action Plan and next steps.  

Members agreed to add the Corporate Peer Challenge to the Work Programme in six months.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel noted the Corporate Peer Challenge outcome report (attached at Appendix one).

The Housing Standards Manager introduced the report and highlighted an update to the existing policy. Primarily in response to increased demand on service and to clarify some points.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel considered and comment on the updated Financial Assistance Policy in Appendix 1.

The Head of Revenues and Benefits introduced the report and highlighted that the report was about increasing the empty home premium and introducing a second home charge.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny panel noted the contents of the report.

The Panel considered the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

It was AGREED that the report be noted.

Panel members considered their Work Programme to March 2024.

The Corporate Peer Challenge will come back to Committee in six months.

It was AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.