Hampshire County Council County Council Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors Nick Adams-King, Hugh Lumby, Russell Oppenheimer, Kim Taylor and Seán Woodward, and from Honorary Aldermen Chris Carter, Keith Chapman and Andrew Gibson.

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 Non-Pecuniary 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.

The Minutes of the County Council Meeting held on 18 May 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Deputations were received in accordance with Standing Order 12 on the following topics:

1.    Emergency access and road safety concerns in South Grove and Grove Road, Lymington

2.    Road safety at Helios Park, Farnborough

3.    Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan

The Chairman started her announcements with Awards/Accolades that had recently been granted to Hampshire County Council staff and had pleasure in congratulating them all:

·         Hannah West, a Careers Adviser with the County Council’s ‘Hampshire Futures’ service, part of Children’s Services, has been named Public Sector Careers Adviser of the Year in the UK Career Development Awards.

·         The Highways Team in Universal Services were ‘commended’ in the Decarbonisation category of the national Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards.

·         Sir Harold Hillier Gardens had two exhibits at the Royal Horticultural Show,  Hampton Court and were awarded a Silver-Gilt and Silver medal for ‘The Retreat Garden: A Mindful Garden’ and a Silver medal for the exhibit based on the National Plant Collection which can be found in the Centenary Border at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Braishfield.

·         Dan Randall in Property Services recently passed his Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and is now a Chartered Surveyor after graduating last year from Portsmouth University with First-Class Honours. 

·         Sam Winterburn has just obtained a First-Class honours degree, another Property Services building/surveying degree apprentice graduated from Portsmouth University recently.

·         Adults’ Health & Care held their “Making a Difference” awards when 35 staff received recognition of qualifications gained, and celebrated both nominees and winners in eight different award categories.

·         Hampshire Care Association (HCA) Awards 2023: Manager of the year - Bill Dyet – Malmesbury Lawn (HCC run Care Home); Excellence in dementia care of the year: Malmesbury Lawn team – Malmesbury Lawn

The Chairman reported on a number of events since taking office including:

·         A Royal visit on 1 June when HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, attended the Royal Logistic Corps Freedom Parade in Winchester followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral.

·         The Hampshire County Scouts Annual General Meeting and Annual Review held at Ferny Crofts Activity Centre, Brockenhurst.  Of particular note and interest to Members was that the Scout Team Award went to Gosport; the Adventure Scout Award went to Eastleigh; the Local Hero Award went to a member of Bramshill Scout Group [north Hants] and two Leadership Awards went to Bramshill and Waterlooville Scouts.  The Scout of the Year Award went to a young man from Totton [Netley Marsh Scouts].

·         Attendance at the Hampshire County Youth Bands Concert at Oaklands VI Form School, Waterlooville.

It was with sadness that the Chairman reported on the passing of Mohammed Mossadaq, affectionately known as ‘Moss’ who died suddenly of a short illness.  Moss was an Equality & Inclusion Manager at Hampshire County Council before his retirement and did prominent work in the community, particularly in Eastleigh.  Moss’s invaluable contributions to local government were recognised in 2011 when he received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.  Moss had been involved with many community organisations and events such as the Asian Welfare and Cultural Association (AWCA) where he was instrumental in launching the organisation’s Community Meals initiative and the Eastleigh Mela, which began as a modest festival in 2006 but had now evolved into a very popular annual event attended by thousands of people.  Moss was also a Trustee for the Eastleigh Gurkha & Nepalese Association (EGNA), volunteered for the Bishopstoke Carnival Committee and was recently recognised as an Eastleigh Citizen of Honour, but regrettably, his declining health prevented him from attending the ceremony to personally receive this rare distinction.

Moss also initiated the Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2014. This prestigious accolade aims to acknowledge and honour individuals, businesses and organisations that had made significant contributions to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and community participation.

A funeral service had been held for Moss in Bradford, commemorating his remarkable life and legacy. His unwavering dedication to promoting equality and fostering a strong sense of community will long be remembered in Eastleigh and the wider community.

The Leader opened his report by confirming that letters had been sent to the relevant Government departments on the resolutions passed by the County Council on 18 May regarding consideration to amending the code of conduct provision in the Localism Act 2011, and funding for free school meals.  The Leader also confimed that the Director of Children's Services had issued a communication to all schools reminding them of the updated non-statutory school uniform guidance to assist with developing and implementing their shool uniform policy and highlighting the need for schools to keep their unform policy affordable.

The Leader also updated the Council on the following:

County Deal: it was with disappointment the Leader confirmed that despite the potential benefits (new funding of £1.14bn together with extra powers and investment) and extensive discussions with all Councils and wider stakeholders, the Leaders of the three Unitary Councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight had requested a separate deal, one for the Unitary Councils and one for the County area.  The Government have been consistently clear there was only one single wider Pan-Hampshire Deal open for discussion.  The Leader confirmed the County Council would continue to work constructively and meaningully with all local and regional partners to secure the best outcomes for residents, which was the opportunity the County Council had intended to strengthen through a County Deal arrangement.

County Council budget consultation: the Leader took the opportunity to remind Members that the County Council’s budget consultation would close on Sunday 23 July.  As a result of many years of underfunding by central Government, together with inflation, rising costs and demands for vital services such as social care, the budgets of councils across the country were under pressure against the backdrop of the legal requirement to deliver a balanced budget for the start of each financial year.  The Leader highlighted that the County Council faced some very difficult future spending decisions on the delivery of local services leading up to April 2025 and strongly encouraged residents and stakeholders across Hampshire to have their say.

In the meantime the Leader and Deputy Leader were continuing to actively engage with Government Ministers and Hampshire MPs regarding the financial pressures, and how they could work with the County Council to support the continued delivery of quality services for Hampshire residents in the short and long term.

Investment in adult social care: the Leader confirmed that on 18 July Cabinet had approved the commencement of a formal public consultation on the County Council’s proposals to invest £173m to transform nursing and specialist care accommodation in Hampshire over the next five to six years.  The proposals would see the Adult Social Care service concentrating on specialist nursing care, complete dementia care and short-term support to either prevent a hospital admission or support a hospital discharge.  The Leader strongly encouraged care home residents, their families and staff together with Hampshire residents and organisations to respond to the consultation, which would open at the start of September and run for 10 weeks.  The consultation outcomes would be considered by the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee in January 2024 prior to any formal decisions being taken.

Funding for roads: the Leader confirmed that on 18 July Cabinet had approved a proposal to use reserves to deliver a £22.5m three-year programme to enable more localised repairs across the 5,000 mile road network in Hampshire.  The additional funding would facilitate extra operational resources to address road defects more quickly, utilising new and innovative repair treatments and processes.  Many years of insufficient national funding for highway maintenance had taken its toll on the road network throughout the UK, a crisis that was being brought to the attention of the Prime Minister to address.  Hampshire’s Highways’ teams continue to work hard to keep the road network in a safe and serviceable condition using the limited resources they have.  The Leader encouraged all residents and users of Hampshire’s road network to keep using the County Council’s online system to report potholes to ensure they are logged and scheduled for repair as soon as possible.

Armed Forces: the Leader reported that Cabinet had been pleased to continue the County Council’s commitment and active support for the Armed Forces by agreeing to sign the updated Armed Forces covenant at a formal ceremony later in the year.  The Leader had the honour of representing the County Council at three events to thank and commemorate the Armed Forces for their service, namely: a reception to mark the 30^th Anniversary of the Royal Logistic Corps based in Worthy Down; the Gurkha Day event at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, and the laying of a wreath at Lepe Park recognising the 79^th anniversary of D-Day.

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme: the Leader was pleased to announce that the County Council would be delivering the Government-funded HAF scheme for a third summer providing healthy food and activities for children from reception to year 11 who receive income-based free school meals during term time, with a small number of places available for children of other vulnerable families.  Demand for places can be high, therefore the Leader encouraged parents to check online for local venues delivering the scheme to add their name to waiting lists to take advantage of cancellations that may arise.

Member Champion for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme: the Leader was pleased to announce Councillor Rod Cooper as the Member Champion for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.  The County Council was continuing to work in partnership with other local authorities and community organisations to ensure the Scheme enables Ukrainian families to settle safely and swiftly into the County. 

The Leader took the opportunity to thank all of the County Council’s Member Champions for their dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm in these roles.

The Leader had the pleasure in attending the Education Awards which recognise the hard work and dedication of teachers, support staff, volunteers and school governors across Hampshire.  The Leader was particularly pleased to see Brian Pope, the County Council’s former Assistant Director of Education and Inclusion receive a Special Recognition Award for his 30 year career in education.

The Leader also had pleasure in congratulating the NHS on its 75^th anniversary on 5 July and looked forward to continuing the County Council’s close collaboration to serve local residents.  He also offered a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the thousands of people in Hampshire who give their time and commitment to volunteering in local communities and organisations to make a difference to the lives of people and places across Hampshire.

In conclusion, the Leader reported on Hampshire Day on 15 July providing an annual opportunity to celebrate all that makes Hampshire the place it is.  During July and August, the Hampshire Food Fesitval would be showcasing the very best of Hampshire’s food and drink producers in events across the county.  Hampshire’s five country parks had once again all regained Green Flag status recognising their excellent facilities and quality maintenance.  Finally the Leader was pleased to announce the launch of the Hampshire Business Awards to champion and recognise the adievements of the county’s business community.  Nominations for the awards are open until 15 September, including the Made in Hampshire award sponsored by Hampshire County Council.  The Awards ceremony will be held on 30 November at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre to which all shortlised individuals and businesses would be invited.

Executive Members responded to questions submitted, as published, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.1.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive as presented by the Leader of the Council.

The Leader also proposed an additional appointment which had been notified to the County Council after the agenda papers had been published.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approve the appointments set out in the report together with the additional appointment of Councillor Judith Smyth as the Unitary Council Co-opted Substitute Employer Representative on the Pension Fund Panel and Board for the municipal year 2023/24.

The Council considered the report of the Cabinet setting out the end of year position for the financial period 2022/23, seeking approval of the County Council’s treasury management activities and prudential indicators together with several other financial recommendations.

In presenting the report the Leader started with the outturn position and was pleased to report that even during a very difficult year, with inflationary pressures hitting many of the County Council’s services, the end of year position was to come in slightly under budget, thanks mainly to the early delivery of the SP23 savings programme.  The Leader thanked all the officers and Cabinet members for their strong financial stewardship over this difficult year.

Nonetheless, the Leader highlighted the importance of trying to stay ahead of the financial challenges that the Council faced, therefore the availability of reserves had been looked at to see what might be available to secure the financial position up to 2025/26 and to fund a number of urgent priorities.  This was not something he had wanted to do but there was no choice if the Council was to remain solvent over the medium term.

The Leader also highlighted that funding of £89m had been re-prioritised, £22.5m of which would be used on the road network over the next three years.  It was also necessary to ensure that the Council was prepared for the switch off of analogue lines in 2025 which would impact a number of services, therefore £5m was being invested in the switch over to digital alternatives.

In conclusion, the Leader moved the recommendations and commended them to the Chamber.

There were no questions or debate.  The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by the majority of Members present.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approves:

a)        The report on the County Council’s treasure management activities and prudential indicators set out in Appendix 2.

b)        The transfer of unused budget of £4.1m within Corporate Services and   Hampshire 2050 to the Budget Bridging Reserve.

c)         An additional investment of £7.5m per annum for the next three years for highways reactive maintenance, to be met from reserves.

d)        Funding of £5.24m for the switch from analogue to digital to be met from reserves.

e)        The review of earmarked reserves resulting in a transfer of £61.26m to the Budget Bridging Reserve.

f)          A variation to the 2024/25 Alderwood School (Aldershot) capital scheme of £2.7m resulting in an estimated scheme cost of £12m with the additional funding coming from a mix of developer contributions (£1m) and resources transferred from 2023/24 (£1.7m).

g)        The updated capital programme presented in Table 4 of Appendix 3 including changes to the programme since February 2023.

The Council considered the report of the Cabinet recommending a revision to the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme.

There were no questions or debate.  The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by the majority of Members present.

RESOLVED:

That the Council approve the revised Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme, which sets out the timetable and programme for the partial update of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan, to come into effect from July 2023.

The Council considered the Amended Notice of Motion (as published) proposed by Councillor Alex Crawford and seconded by Councillor Andrew Joy, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1.

During the course of debate many Members spoke in support of the Motion.  It was highlighted that many Gurkha veterans are reliant on Pension Credit or

having to supplement their income by carrying out multiple jobs at a time when they should be experiencing a well-earned retirement.

RESOLVED:

Whilst the Council itself already fulfils its Armed Forces Covenant Duty to these Gurkha veterans, Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to the Government to urge further exploration of scope to resolve the Gurkha veterans’ outstanding concerns with respect to pensions and other welfare issues, as this would be the most equitable way of recognising the unswerving loyalty, courage and sacrifice of these Gurkha veterans in service to the United Kingdom as soldiers in the British Army.

Councillor Martin Tod declared a personal interest as Chief Executive of a men’s health charity.

The Council considered the Notice of Motion (as published) proposed by Councillor Bill Withers and seconded by Councillor Neville Penman, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1.

An Amendment to the Motion was proposed by Councillor Gavin James and seconded by Councillor Martin Tod in accordance with Standing Order 19.7.3 to insert or add words, that the following recommendation be added:

“This Council recognizes that single use vapes (disposable) are often the gateway for young people to access vaping products.  They also cause environmental damage and an unwelcome hazard in waste collection.  Hampshire Council will support the LGA in campaigning for a ban on these products by 2024 by writing to all Hampshire MPs.”

During the course of debate, many Members spoke in support of the Motion.  Concerns were raised about current marketing practices; the amount of sugar in fruit flavoured vapes and the impact on dental health; environmental and safety impacts, an example was given of a recent incident whereby a waste collection vehicle caught fire caused by disposable vapes, and the links to other health issues such as anxiety, mental health problems and the effect on brain development.

RESOLVED:

1)      Strengthening work Primary and Secondary Schools:

The council shall strengthen work to tackle underage vaping in collaboration with local schools, educational authorities, and relevant health organizations. This work will focus on educating students, parents, and teachers about the risks, health consequences, and legal implications of underage vaping. The aim is to empower individuals with knowledge and equip them with effective strategies to prevent and combat this issue.

2)      Strengthen Enforcement of Underage Sales Restrictions:

To curtail the visibility and accessibility of vaping products the council shall continue to ensure that retail outlets do not sell vapes to under 18s and that retail outlets are fully compliant with strict national regulations on product standards, packaging requirements, and responsible advertising practices.

3)      This Council recognizes that single use vapes (disposable) are often the gateway for young people to access vaping products.  They also cause environmental damage and an unwelcome hazard in waste collection.  Hampshire Council will support the LGA in campaigning for a ban on these products by 2024 by writing to all Hampshire MPs.

No questions had been received in accordance with Standing Order 16.3.

The Council received and noted the report as presented by Councillor Rhydian Vaughan in his capacity as Chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.

Following endorsement of the annual report by the Hampshire 2050, Coporate Services and Resources Select Committee at their meeting on 13 July, the Council received and noted the report summarising the work caried out by the Council’s Select Committees during 2022/23.

The Chairman thanked past and present Members together with the officers supporting the Committee for the work they had done.

The Council received and noted the Annual report of the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee summarising the health scrutiny work carried out by the Committee during 2022/23.

The Chairman thanked Members together with the officers supporting the Committee for the work they had done.

The following information reports were received:

-        Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund – April 2023 to March 2024

-       Additional specialist education provision for Hampshire