Eastleigh Borough Council Council Meeting

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Mayor gave an overview of recent Civic Events (copy appended to the minutes). 

The Mayor wished Paul Naylor, Service Director for Neighbourhoods and Greenspaces a very happy retirement as this was his last Council meeting.  Paul has been with Eastleigh Borough Council for 16 years and in that time has won countless national awards and been instrumental in Eastleigh achieving the highest recycling rates in Hampshire.  The Mayor welcomed his successor David Allister.

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

RESOLVED -

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

The Leader gave a verbal report on the latest information regarding the process towards creating a County Mayoral Combined Authority for Hampshire and the Solent and progress on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Hampshire.

All 15 Councils across the region were working collaboratively to sign up to principles on LGR and highlight some issues, although full agreement had not yet been reached.  The proposals should be based on place, devolution and quality of services, not simply population or financial viability.  A report would be taken to Cabinet in March, ahead of the deadline to submit an initial proposal to government, which would sum up the position and indicate progress and direction.

Consideration was given to the recommendations contained in the Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 20 February 2025 concerning the 2025/26 – 2026/27 General Fund Revenue Budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30 (agenda item 7).

The Leader introduced the budget (copy of speech appended to signed minutes).

Councillor Parker-Jones, speaking on behalf of the Independent Group, did not put forward any enhancements or amendments but wanted to be reassured that staff were being supported through the LGR process and that there was sufficient funding available to ensure that every area of Eastleigh got the best for its residents.  Councillor Parker-Jones highlighted her commitment to work together to secure the best outcomes for the borough.

A recorded vote occurred:

FOR: Councillors Asman, K Attrill, M Attrill, Bicknell, Bourne, Broadhurst, Caws, Corben, Couldrey, Craig, Du-Crow, Duguid, Garton, Gomer, Hadaway, Holes, Holland, House, Irish, Kyrle, Marsh, O’Sullivan, Park, Parker-Jones, Pragnell, Pretty, Reynolds, Spencer, Tennent and Tidridge.

ABSTAIN: Councillor Broomfield.

(FOR: 30; ABSTAIN: 1)

RESOLVED –

That Council:

(1)  set the revised Net Revenue Budget Requirement for 2024/25 at £21,339,000 and notes the impact on the Council’s General Fund balance (para 13);

(2)  set the Net Revenue Budget Requirement for 2025/26 at £20,631,000 and notes the impact on the Council’s General Fund balance (para 13); 

(3)  noted the Local Government Finance settlement for 2025/26 (para 43);

(4)  approved budget adjustments for 2024/25 and 2025/26 incorporated within the appended Medium-Term Financial Plan (Appendix A) (para 19-31);

(5)  approved the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2024/25 – 2028/29 (Appendix A)

(6)  approved an increase of £2.12 (1.5%) for 2025/26 for the average Council Tax for Eastleigh Borough Council (para 44);

(7)  approved the Special Expenses for Parished areas (para 49-52);

(8)  approved the budgeted Service Improvement and Efficiencies requirement (para 40-42); and

(9)  approved transfers to/from Earmarked Reserves and the continued freeze of any further discretionary transfers to or from all reserves (para 36-38).

Council extended its thanks to all officers and Councillors that took part in the preparation of the budget.

Consideration was given to a report by the Chief Financial Officer detailing the Council Tax Resolutions for 2025/26 (agenda item 8).

A recorded vote occurred:

FOR: Councillors Asman, K Attrill, M Attrill, Bicknell, Bourne, Broadhurst, Broomfield, Caws, Corben, Couldrey, Craig, Du-Crow, Duguid, Garton, Gomer, Hadaway, Holes, Holland, House, Irish, Kyrle, Marsh, O’Sullivan, Park, Parker-Jones, Pragnell, Pretty, Reynolds, Spencer, Tennent and Tidridge.

(FOR: 31 )

RESOLVED –

That Council:

(1)  approved the Council Tax Resolutions as set out within this report. This brings together the Borough’s Council Tax Requirement, including special expenses and that of the other major preceptors (Hampshire County Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue and The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner) and sets the Council Tax charges for 2025/26; and

(2)  gave delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Chief Financial Officer/Section 151 Officer) to implement any variation to the overall level of Council Tax arising from the final notification of any Parish, Hampshire County Council and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority precepts received after the publication date of this report.

Consideration was given to a report by the Chief Financial Officer detailing the Capital, Treasury Management and Investment Strategies (agenda item 9).

RESOLVED –

That Council approved:

(1)  the Capital Strategy at Appendix 1;

(2)  the Treasury Management Strategy at Appendix 2;

(3)  the Investment Strategy at Appendix 3;

(4)  the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy at Appendix 1D;

(5)  the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement at Appendix 2A;

(6)  the Prudential Indicators at Appendix 2B;

(7)  the Treasury Management Policy Statement at Appendix 2C; and

(8)  the Treasury Management Practices (TMP’s) and Investment Management Practices (IMP’s) at Appendix 2D.

Councillors indicated that they did not wish to discuss the confidential appendices so it was not necessary to move into exempt session.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of HR which outlined the Local Pay Policy (agenda item 12).

RESOLVED –

That Council formally confirmed its acceptance of the attached

Pay Policy Statement which complies with the Council’s obligation under Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.  This Pay Policy Statement will then be published on the Council’s website for transparency.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director – Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) (item 13).

RESOLVED –

That Council approved the proposed amendments to the Constitution to:

a)  incorporate changes required to the Contract Standing Orders (part 4, appendix K) to comply with the Procurement Act 2023; and

b)  update function 110 of the Scheme of Delegation (Part 3, appendix C).

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive detailing the Citizen of Honour Nominations (agenda item 14).

RESOLVED:

That Council confirms the nominations of the following Citizens of Honour agreed by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Liberal Democrat Group, and Independent Group Leaders:

(i) Wendy Cummins

(ii) Julie Olden

(iii) Rose Timms

RESOLVED –

That the Cabinet Statements, as set out in the agenda pack be noted.

There were Councillors questions as set out in the Agenda, and supplementary questions were answered by the Leader and relevant Cabinet Members. 

RESOLVED -

That the Minutes of the following meetings be received: