Eastleigh Borough Council Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel Meeting

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

It was AGREED -

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 13 February 2025 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Chair thanked Members for their contribution to the Panel over the past year.

Councillor Asman gave the following update from the Housing Group:

“Programme continues to perform strongly, Quarter 3 saw net rent above budget, with voids costs lower than budgeted. Increases in repair costs in Quarter 3 for Stoneham Phase 5 & Kestrel Park; 35% of repair cost increase related to Void Maintenance, Stoneham Phase 5 increase relates to void maintenance at a singular property.  Arrears increased end of Quarter 3, mainly being driven by increases at Leah Gardens and this is being kept under review.”

The Service Director for Planning and Environment gave an update to the Panel. A refurbishment feasibility assessment had been carried out which highlighted further detailed investigations were required in to the building’s current condition. As a precautionary measure whilst commissioning these further works, a decision was made to close the building and the Council have been able to relocate some of the tenants in to rooms in Eastleigh House.

A discussion took place with regards to the future of Wessex House and Councillors requested that a further update be given at June’s meeting.

Councillor Broomfield requested that an email update be given to Councillors when reports have been received and reviewed.   

The Head of Green Spaces introduced the item and highlighted that grass cutting will commence on 17 March 2025, weather permitting, through to October, with seven cuts minimum per year. Equipment was fully serviced and ready to be used and agencies were filling seasonal mowing staff.

Last year a new web page was launched, which detailed areas and dates predicted for grass cutting. The launch of the web page has seen a reduction in complaints.

The Committee wanted to thank Paul Naylor, the Service Director for Neighbourhoods and Green Spaces, for his service and support over the years. 

The Council’s Ecology and Trees Manager introduced the report.

A discussion took place with regards to the importance of volunteers to the Green Spaces Team and the synergy with work the County Council is undertaking.

RESOLVED –

That Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel considered and commented on the post-consultation revisions to the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

[NOTE: Councillor Caws declared a non-pecuniary interest as a volunteer at Stoke Park Farm.]

The Corporate Strategy Manager and the Health and Communities Partnership Manager introduced the report.

A discussion took place with regards to accommodation for elderly residents and some of the key updates made to the Housing Strategies and the Homeless and Rough Sleeping Strategy.  

RESOLVED –

Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel considered and commented on the documents contained in Appendices 1 to 3.

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 2026.

Councillors requested that Grass Cutting be added to the Work Programme in the Autumn. It was also agreed that an update be provided on Wessex House at the next meeting.

It was AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.