Eastleigh Borough Council Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel Meeting

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

It was noted that there was a typing error in point 284 of the previous minutes, as it should read 2022.

It was AGREED -

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 24 November 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Chair welcomed the Committee back as this was the first meeting in 2023.

One Horton Heath Task and Finish Group

Councillor Duguid confirmed that the Group met on 19 December 2022 and discussed stress testing. The testing was useful and Councillor Duguid thanked Andy Smith for the work carried out. The first units were due for completion in 2024. It was agreed that the Group would meet in 6 months and a further update would be given to the Committee.

Housing Policies

Recommendations were given on how the documents should be amended for transparency. The Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist will be attending the next Policy and Performance meeting to present Tranche 3 of the Affordable Housing Policies.  

Karl Billington, Rudi Kochanowski and Paul Stannard from Eastleigh College gave a presentation to the Committee. They explained what NEET was and outlined the statistics in Hampshire and the UK.

Skills for Living the in the UK Courses (SLUKY) were offered at a variety of levels with multiple start dates. Learners are supported in many ways, for example, counselling, careers advice, mental health support, first aid, enrichment activities, work experience department and careers fayres.

The Employment and Skills Manager, Lea Hampton, explained the work she carries out for the college and the Council. It was agreed that Procurement and Social Value be added to the Work Programme to discuss at a later date.

The Chair and Corporate Director thanked the College for their presentation and for their support and assistance.

The Ukraine Programme Manager introduced the report and outlined the response from Eastleigh Borough Council to the arrival of refugees from Ukraine since the launch of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. A discussion took place around the current support that is given to Ukrainian refugees and the support that could be given.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel noted the content of the report.

The Strategy Development Senior Specialist gave a presentation to the Panel which outlined what the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan, the process, key findings and next steps. 

Hampshire Authorities will develop a Proposed Submission Plan with the consultation during Summer 2023. The Partial update Plan was to be submitted to the Secretary of State by February 2024.

The Corporate Director gave a presentation and provided the Panel with an update on the current restructure. The next steps were outlined which included:

·  Simple restructures being confirmed currently

·  Measures were in place to reduce compulsory redundancies to a minimum. For example, redeployment

·  Notice and handover period was January to March

·  Budget will be confirmed in February

·  New Corporate Leadership Board structure will be effective from 1 April 2023

A discussion took place with regards to staff morale and praise was given for the staff’s continued professionalism.

The Panel considered the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

It was AGREED that the report be noted.

Panel members considered their Work Programme.

It was AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.