Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors Graham Burgess, Stephen Philpott and Frank Pearson and from Ian Cooke.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Councillor Lumby declared a personal interest as member of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, a berth holder at MDL and a consultant at a law firm who provide legal advice to some businesses on the river; Councillor Dunning declared an interest as a member of the Royal Yachting Association; John Selby declared interests as a trustee of Warsash Sailing Club, a committee member of the Royal Yachting Association, of the River Hamble Combined Clubs and of the River Hamble Mooring Holders Association; Councillor Rod Cooper declared an interest as a mooring holder and as a non executive Board Director at the RAF Yacht Club.

The minutes from the previous meeting held on 30 September 2022 were reviewed and agreed.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman had no announcements on this occasion.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

Section 7.49 of the report, detailing the recent oil spill found between Hook Spit and Warsash, was brought to Members’ attention. The Marine Director noted excellent joint efforts with Southampton Harbour Authority to notify the relevant authorities and react to the incident. The Committee noted the ongoing investigation and that the outcome would be confirmed once known.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee support the contents of the report to the River Hamble Harbour Board.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note and support the report.

The Committee considered the report presenting the 2022/23 outturn forecast as at the end of September 2022 and the proposed 2023/24 forward budget.

Members noted section 8 of the report and that the Revenue Reserve balance was expected to exceed the maximum as per the reserves policy. Members were supportive of the excess being transferred to the Asset Enhancement Reserve.

There was discussion regarding the challenges of managing income (fees, charges, Harbour Dues) and ensuring a fair price to customers alongside the necessary financial outgoings for effective stewardship of the River. Members agreed that a steady rise, if this was required, in costs to River users was preferable over consecutive years rather than a sharp increase. Members also noted the extensive work which was undertaken in financial forecasting and maintaining assets which informed the level of income required.

RESOLVED:

1. That the projected outturn for the 2022/23 financial year is noted.

2. That the proposed forward budget is supported by the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and submitted to the River Hamble Harbour Board for approval.

3. That the balances held within the reserves and the position on the reserve balances are noted.

4. That the proposal to transfer any actual excess within the Revenue Reserve (RR) at year end to the Asset Enhancement Reserve (AER) be supported by the Management Committee and submitted to the River Hamble Board for approval.       

5. That the principle of transferring any actual excess within the Revenue Reserve (RR) at year end to the Asset Enhancement Reserve (AER) as the default position be supported by the Management Committee and submitted to the River Hamble Board for approval.

The Committee considered the report setting out the proposed fees and charges for the forthcoming year.

Members’ attention was drawn to section 4 of the report and the proposed changes to fees for capital dredges of up to 500m3 and capital dredges of 501m3 to 2,500m3. The Committee noted that the previous charges were not reflective of the significant work required per dredge and heard that the proposed figures were more in line with other consent figures. The Committee’s representative from the Marine Operator’s Association noted that the proposed changes represented extremely good value for money alongside other harbours. In response to Members’ questions on this change, it was noted that:

·    There had been no applications so far this year for either size dredge.

·    The capital dredges in question were rarely requested.

·    Maintenance dredging was completed by marinas on a rotational basis.

• All dredges, whether maintenance or capital are subject to various assessments by the relevant authorities regarding their environmental impact.

The Committee noted a duplication in the final row of the table under section 6 of the report – namely in relation to ‘Re-securing or lashing sails and covers’. It was noted that the proposed figure should show as ‘£55 per hour + VAT. Minimum charge £27 + VAT’.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee recommends that the Harbour Board approve the fees and charges set out in the report and to advertise them on the Harbour Authority’s website.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with regard to the future business items for the Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the report.