Hampshire County Council Cabinet Meeting

Apologies were received from Cllr North.

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 Adams-King declared an interest in item 9 due to previous statements he had made on the matter relating to proposals in his division.  He indicated that he would leave the meeting for the duration of the discussion on that item.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 April were approved.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

Following a fully supported Motion at the Council meeting in May, Councillor Mummalaneni had become the Inclusion and Diversity Champion, and would support Councillor North to deliver the Council’s inclusion agenda.

The budget consultation was launched the previous day.  He encouraged all residents and stakeholders to respond to the consultation to help shape the savings programme proposals to be considered in autumn.

Proposals would be brought forward in July to add £7.5m to the capital programme for maintenance of roads impacted by the severe weather.

The Chairman had recently attended a number of events, including:

-       A reception to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Royal Logistic Corps

-       A Freedom parade in Winchester

-       Annual Gurkha Day celebration at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

-       Launch of a food festival arranged by Hampshire Fare

-       Carers week annual event

No requests to make a deputation had been received.

Cabinet considered the regular report of the Director of Hampshire 2050 regarding long-term economic strength for Hampshire.  It was reported that a strong and prosperous economy was fundamental in making Hampshire a good place to live, work, play and visit.  There were a number of challenges including a high level of inflation and interest rates, the effect of wage inflation across supply chains and businesses, such as food prices.  Despite the challenges major development and large-scale economic investments were being seen across Hampshire.  It was also noted that a government response was awaited on the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) proposal and the County Deal submission. 

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health on development of a Public Health Strategy for 2023-2028. It was noted that the proposed Strategy aligned with other County Council strategies and priorities including the Hampshire 2050 Vision and supporting economic strength within Hampshire.  Action plans to support the aims of the strategy had been developed with a range of partners.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding the County Council’s commitment and support to the armed forces community in Hampshire.  It was noted that the Covenant pledge was already well embedded in County Council services.  The enactment of the Armed Forces Act 2021 provided an opportunity to re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant pledge and raise awareness across the wider community.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Joy, in his role as Armed Forces Champion, addressed the Cabinet.  He explained that the report drew together a remarkable and consistent achievement by the County Council in supporting the armed forces community, which demonstrated the dedication and commitment of officers and members.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed.  A decision record is attached to the minutes.

Councillor Adams-King, having declared an interest, left the room prior to discussion on this matter.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Hampshire 2050 regarding a partial update to the Hampshire Minerals and waste Plan. 

It was reported that a revision to the timetable had become necessary to reflect current progress and to enable delivery of the Plan aligned with arrangements outlined in the recent Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (LURB) consultation.  The proposal was to delay consultation to winter 2023 and submit proposals in June 2024, working in partnership with Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils and the New Forest and South Downs National Park Authorities.

The recommendation in the report was considered and agreed.  A decision record is attached to these minutes.