Eastleigh Borough Council Cabinet Meeting

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

RESOLVED -

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 July 2022 be agreed as a correct record.

There were no recommendations from Committees on this occasion.

Issue

The Corporate Policy and Procedure for the use of Body Worn Video Devices (BWV Policy) facilitates the Council’s use of BWV in carrying out its duties. The policy sets out the statutory framework and procedures that permit the Council’s lawful use of this overt surveillance technique, whilst ensuring the Council complies with all relevant legislation and does not infringe a person’s rights under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA), except as may be permitted by Article 8(2). (Paper 5)

Consideration

The use of BWV will help Council staff carry out a number of duties that contribute to the Council meeting its Corporate Plan objectives.

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet approves the adoption of the ‘Corporate Policy and Procedures for the use of Body Worn Video Devices’, which sets out the statutory framework and procedures which permit the Council’s lawful use of this overt surveillance technique to assist staff in carrying out their duties.

Issue

The aim of the Corporate KPI review is to enable reporting against a suite of indicators that, with narrative, collectively provide a good overview of the Council’s performance. The review also aims to provide organisational alignment in ensuring that the achievement of overall ambitions and the delivery of core services is monitored. (Paper 6)

Consideration

The report proposes amendments to the Corporate Key Performance Indicator listing for 2022/23 in line with the ambitions of the Council and to achieve more effective management of performance.

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet:

(1)  Approves the proposed changes to the Corporate Key Performance Indicators for 2022/23 at Appendix 1; and

(2)   Considers and approves recommendations arising from Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel on 14 July 2022.

Issue

The current fleet comprises 95 vehicles and more than 70 other pieces of equipment. These assets are vital for delivering high-profile statutory and income-generating services mainly within the Neighbourhood Services Executive Area. (Paper 7)

Consideration

The automotive industry is facing considerable challenges due to the backlog caused by Covid shutdowns and a shortage of electrical components required for all new vehicles. Lead times for new vehicles are now commonly 9 to 12 months after an order is placed; for that reason, the proposed programme will cover two financial years. This will also allow for changes that may be required for the Environment Act and Hampshire County Councils changes to waste disposal infrastructure. In order to meet service demands the replacement programme includes the purchase of second-hand/ex-demonstration vehicles as the delivery time is much shorter (weeks).

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet:

(1)  approves the Vehicle and Plant Replacement Programme detailed in Appendix 1, totalling £1,321,550, increasing the capital budget by £535,050 for financial year 2022/23 and £786,500 2023/24; and

(2)  the Corporate Director (CFO) and the Executive Head of Neighbourhood Services be given delegated authority to modify the replacement programme and for items to be amended in view of the current market volatility, within the financial approval limits given.

The Leader announced that Eastleigh Borough Council had been named Council of the Year in the 2022 Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards. The Council also won the award for Best Service Team: Transport and Fleet Maintenance and were finalists in four other categories. The Leader thanked all staff across the Council for their continued hard work and dedication. A number of events will be organised over the coming weeks to recognise the hard work of the teams involved.

The Leader expressed the importance of raising awareness of assisting Ukrainian refugees, as the initial six month hosting for families is coming to an end which is leaving some families homeless. The Leader is aware that there are volunteers within the community that are willing to help. The Council is going to raise awareness amongst the community.