Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Ian Cooke, Nicola Walsh and Councillor Joanne Burton.

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 member of the RAF Yacht Club; Councillor Frair Burgess declared an interest as a member of Warsash Sailing Club.

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman welcomed new members to the Committee and thanked Councillors Craig, Kyrle and Pearson for their contributions during the time that they were appointed.

The Committee considered the report regarding incidents and events in the

Harbour.

Some aspects of the Incidents and Events appendix were clarified in response to Member queries. There was discussion regarding unpermitted development activity and several cases which had been observed and were under investigation by the appropriate authorities.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports the contents of the report to the Harbour Board.

The Committee considered the report with an update on environmental matters.

It was confirmed, in response to Members’ questions that:

·       The level of Mean High Water Springs was determined/defined by the UK Hydrographic Office and that this level was not set by the Harbour Authority. In terms of the anticipated level in 2050, it was expected that this would rise but by how much was not known.

·       Regular contact was being maintained with National Highways with regards to the M27 drainage issues. The Harbour Authority had been assured that a further feasibility study was due to conclude in September 2023 and that the results of this would be reported back to the Committee.

·       There was a Solent-wide study ongoing entitled ‘Beneficial Use of Dredgings in the Solent’ and that a key aspect of this was to identify how and where dredged sediments can be beneficially placed to ensure that saltmarsh habitat loss was minimalised.

The Committee also received a presentation on the powers, functions and obligations of the Harbour Authority in terms of navigational safety and environmental responsibilities. Members were reminded that they were welcome to contact the Harbour Office at any time should they wish to be briefed on a specific topic or area of responsibility.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes and supports the report.

The Committee considered the report presenting the final accounts of the Harbour Authority for the year ended 31 March 2023 and the forecast outturn and proposed revised budget for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Members heard that the outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2023 was a £15,208 improvement on the budgeted position, mainly as a result of increased visitor income, miscellaneous income and interest, partly offset by smaller increased costs against various expenditure budgets. Furthermore, the forecast outturn for the year ending 31 March 2024 was a £32,000 surplus on revenue activities, £14,000 lower than the forward budget.  Members noted that this would not be sufficient to meet the £42,000 annual contribution to the Asset Replacement Reserve in full, and therefore a £10,000 draw from the Revenue Reserve had been projected.

In response to Members’ question, it was acknowledged that the reported credit card charges were at a high level but that there was limited scope to change this. However, cost recovery of some of these charges would be addressed when renegotiating the management contract with the Crown Estate.

RESOLVED:

i)             That this report, the statutory accounts and management accounts for 2022/23 be noted by the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee, prior to submission to the River Hamble Harbour Board for approval.

ii)            That the Committee supports the proposal to retain the revenue surplus for the 2022/23 financial year in the Revenue Reserve to offset the expected draw required from the Revenue Reserve in the 2023/24 financial year.

iii)           That the Committee notes the forecast outturn for the 2023/24 financial year and supports the recommended changes to the 2023/24 budget and their submission to the River Hamble Harbour Board for approval.

The Committee considered the report setting the annual rate of Harbour Dues.

Members discussed whether the proposed 3% rise in Harbour Dues would be sufficient given high inflation levels and other factors. The Committee was reassured that this would be a suitable increase and that there was a small amount of contingency available should unexpected circumstances arise.

In response to a Member question it was confirmed that the Harbour Authority staff salaries were set by Hampshire County Council.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supports the recommendation to the River Hamble Harbour Board for the approval of an increase in Harbour Dues of 3% for 2023/24.

The Committee considered the report with regard to the future business items for the Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the report.