Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2025):
165
Meetings (2024):
156
Meeting
Hampshire 2050, Corporate Services and Resources Select Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 23rd January 2025
10:00 AM
Thursday, 23rd January 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 23rd January 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 23rd January 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
23 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Committee Member
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Councillor Adrian Collett
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Keith House and Councillor Wayne Irish attended the meeting as a Liberal Democrat substitute.
2
Declarations of interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
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.
Councillor Graham Burgess declared a personal interest in Item 7 on the agenda.
Councillor Graham Burgess declared a personal interest in Item 7 on the agenda.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 October 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes - 24 October 2024 15 Jan 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman made no announcements on this occasion.
6
2025/26 Revenue Budget Capital Programme Report & Savings Report for H2050
To pre-scrutinise a report for the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services setting out the proposed 2025/26 revenue budget, capital programme and savings proposals for Hampshire 2050.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-01-23-H2050 SC Cover Rpt 2025-26 H2050 Revenue Budget and Capital Programme and Savings- 15 Jan 2025
- Document 2025-01-23 EMH2050 H2050 Directorate Exec Member Decision report (budget savings)v3 15 Jan 2025
- Document Items 6 and 7 - Budget slides 15 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Select Committee pre-scrutinised a report for the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services regarding the proposals for the 2025/26 revenue budget for Hampshire 2050 Directorate.
Members received a joint presentation from the Directors of Hampshire Corporate Operations, People and Organisation and Hampshire 2050 providing an overview of the Council’s financial position as well as key features of their proposed Revenue and capital budgets for 2025/26 for their respective directorates (Items 6 and 7 on the agenda).
During the presentation for both these items, Members heard:
· A detailed review had taken place to ensure that the County Council was delivering its Core Purpose, including consideration of what further savings could be made if services were delivered at Legal Minimum. An Independent Panel of experts concluded that the Council was well run, was performant across its services, had delivered consistently on its savings programmes, but was now unable to find sufficient new recurring savings to balance the 2025/26 budget, with a significant risk that in the medium term the Council was no longer sustainable.
· Whilst the Local Government Finance Settlement had left the Council marginally better off, responsibilities such as increases in National Insurance contributions and inflation would not be fully met by the growth in the settlement.
· Corporate Operations priorities included work to combine strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management across Children’s and Adults’ directorates.
· Work to conclude re-design of People and Organisation services and supporting business processes for the directorates new operating models remained a priority, to ensure that these changes were effectively embedded across the organisation.
· The H2050 Directorate would need to play a significant role in responding to the English Devolution White Paper - developing opportunities in relation to infrastructure, skills, economic growth and spatial planning. Other key priorities included unlocking the commercial development potential of our land, driving and delivering the rationalisation, reviewing the Council’s built estate and Corporate Land portfolio. Statutory priorities included the adoption of the County Councils Minerals and Waste Plan, the implementation of Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) and the new responsibility to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
· Total of SP25 savings for 2025/26 for each of the directorates, including an amount for the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme were: £6.586m (Corporate Operations); £2.501m (People and Organisation); £3.281m (Hampshire 2050) respectively. Members expressed their view that supporting the welfare and maintaining the motivation of the remaining workforce would be key to supporting delivery.
During a full discussion and questions of both these items, Members heard:
· The Local Government Finance Settlement was not increased as it does not consider Hampshire to be as deprived as other regions in the country. The Leader has written to Government asking for changes. Members noted that a full update on the Finance Settlement and budget position would be provided to Cabinet and Council in February and be covered in the All Member Briefing.
· Following introduction of the MARS scheme, Members were advised that a review would take place on what support would be provided to staff affected by the changes.
· There were corporate risk policies already in place together with 15 risk appetite statements as part of the County Council’s risk management framework and Risk Management Strategy 2022-25, ensuring the statements support and contribute to informed and balanced decision making.
· The County Council still had reserves and the ability to relinquish its corporate estate if required.
· It was a requirement for the County Council to have a Local Nature Recovery Strategy which was due out for consultation. It would then be brought back to this Select Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services regarding the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2025/26 for the Hampshire 2050 Directorate.
Members received a joint presentation from the Directors of Hampshire Corporate Operations, People and Organisation and Hampshire 2050 providing an overview of the Council’s financial position as well as key features of their proposed Revenue and capital budgets for 2025/26 for their respective directorates (Items 6 and 7 on the agenda).
During the presentation for both these items, Members heard:
· A detailed review had taken place to ensure that the County Council was delivering its Core Purpose, including consideration of what further savings could be made if services were delivered at Legal Minimum. An Independent Panel of experts concluded that the Council was well run, was performant across its services, had delivered consistently on its savings programmes, but was now unable to find sufficient new recurring savings to balance the 2025/26 budget, with a significant risk that in the medium term the Council was no longer sustainable.
· Whilst the Local Government Finance Settlement had left the Council marginally better off, responsibilities such as increases in National Insurance contributions and inflation would not be fully met by the growth in the settlement.
· Corporate Operations priorities included work to combine strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management across Children’s and Adults’ directorates.
· Work to conclude re-design of People and Organisation services and supporting business processes for the directorates new operating models remained a priority, to ensure that these changes were effectively embedded across the organisation.
· The H2050 Directorate would need to play a significant role in responding to the English Devolution White Paper - developing opportunities in relation to infrastructure, skills, economic growth and spatial planning. Other key priorities included unlocking the commercial development potential of our land, driving and delivering the rationalisation, reviewing the Council’s built estate and Corporate Land portfolio. Statutory priorities included the adoption of the County Councils Minerals and Waste Plan, the implementation of Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) and the new responsibility to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
· Total of SP25 savings for 2025/26 for each of the directorates, including an amount for the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme were: £6.586m (Corporate Operations); £2.501m (People and Organisation); £3.281m (Hampshire 2050) respectively. Members expressed their view that supporting the welfare and maintaining the motivation of the remaining workforce would be key to supporting delivery.
During a full discussion and questions of both these items, Members heard:
· The Local Government Finance Settlement was not increased as it does not consider Hampshire to be as deprived as other regions in the country. The Leader has written to Government asking for changes. Members noted that a full update on the Finance Settlement and budget position would be provided to Cabinet and Council in February and be covered in the All Member Briefing.
· Following introduction of the MARS scheme, Members were advised that a review would take place on what support would be provided to staff affected by the changes.
· There were corporate risk policies already in place together with 15 risk appetite statements as part of the County Council’s risk management framework and Risk Management Strategy 2022-25, ensuring the statements support and contribute to informed and balanced decision making.
· The County Council still had reserves and the ability to relinquish its corporate estate if required.
· It was a requirement for the County Council to have a Local Nature Recovery Strategy which was due out for consultation. It would then be brought back to this Select Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services regarding the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2025/26 for the Hampshire 2050 Directorate.
7
2025/26 Revenue Budget Report for Corporate Services
To pre-scrutinise a report for the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services setting out the proposed 2025/26 revenue budget for Corporate Services.
Attachments:
Minutes
The Select Committee pre-scrutinised a report for the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services regarding the proposals for the 2025/26 revenue budget for Corporate Services.
See Minute number 76 for presentation and discussion of this item.
Councillor Graham Burgess declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of being Chairman of the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation.
It was proposed that an amendment be made to withdraw the removal of the County Council’s contribution to the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation (SSRO) of £49,000 from the recommendations. This amendment was not supported by the Committee.
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services regarding the 2025/26 Revenue Budget for Corporate Services.
See Minute number 76 for presentation and discussion of this item.
Councillor Graham Burgess declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of being Chairman of the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation.
It was proposed that an amendment be made to withdraw the removal of the County Council’s contribution to the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation (SSRO) of £49,000 from the recommendations. This amendment was not supported by the Committee.
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services regarding the 2025/26 Revenue Budget for Corporate Services.
8
Revised Corporate Complaints Policy
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation on a revised Corporate Complaints Policy ahead of it being considered by Cabinet.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-01-23 Select Committee Report - Updated Corporate Complaints Policy - Final 15 Jan 2025
- Document 2025-01-23 Select Committee Report - Updated Corporate Complaints Policy App 1 - Final 15 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding a revised Corporate Complaints Policy, prior to it be considered by Cabinet on 4 February 2025 (Item 8 in the Minute Book).
Members heard that the County Council’s current Complaints Policy was being reviewed against the new Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) Complaint Handling Code that had been introduced.
Members were made aware of the changes made since its revision, the accompanying new governance arrangements and the reasons behind the changes to align with new ombudsman guidance. The key changes were the introduction of revised governance and reporting arrangements, the reduction of stages within the complaints process (from 3 to 2) and a clearer outline of what does and does not constitute a complaint within this Policy.
Members welcomed the report, particularly the reduction in stages of the complaints process as it would likely result in a speedier outcome for the complainant.
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee:
1. Note the proposed Corporate Complaints Policy (Appendix 1), which aligns HCC’s complaints approach with the newLocal Government and Social Care Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code (2024). (see paragraphs 10 to 12).
2. Note the proposal to appoint the Director of People and Organisation as the suitably senior person to oversee its complaint handling performance as per the LGSCO Complaint Handling Code (see paragraphs 13 and 14).
3. Note the proposal that Cabinet will be assigned as the ‘Member’ with lead responsibility for complaints in governance arrangements as per the new LGSCO Complaint Handling Code (see paragraphs 15 and 16).
4. Note the existing 3 Stage complaints process will be reduced to a 2 Stage complaints process, in line with the new LGSCO Complaint Handling Code and HCC’s wider initiative to reduce repeated and unnecessary customer communications (see paragraphs 17 to 23).
5. Note the next steps following formal approval of the policy by Cabinet, including the proposed Communications strategy (paragraphs 26 to 27).
Members heard that the County Council’s current Complaints Policy was being reviewed against the new Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) Complaint Handling Code that had been introduced.
Members were made aware of the changes made since its revision, the accompanying new governance arrangements and the reasons behind the changes to align with new ombudsman guidance. The key changes were the introduction of revised governance and reporting arrangements, the reduction of stages within the complaints process (from 3 to 2) and a clearer outline of what does and does not constitute a complaint within this Policy.
Members welcomed the report, particularly the reduction in stages of the complaints process as it would likely result in a speedier outcome for the complainant.
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee:
1. Note the proposed Corporate Complaints Policy (Appendix 1), which aligns HCC’s complaints approach with the newLocal Government and Social Care Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code (2024). (see paragraphs 10 to 12).
2. Note the proposal to appoint the Director of People and Organisation as the suitably senior person to oversee its complaint handling performance as per the LGSCO Complaint Handling Code (see paragraphs 13 and 14).
3. Note the proposal that Cabinet will be assigned as the ‘Member’ with lead responsibility for complaints in governance arrangements as per the new LGSCO Complaint Handling Code (see paragraphs 15 and 16).
4. Note the existing 3 Stage complaints process will be reduced to a 2 Stage complaints process, in line with the new LGSCO Complaint Handling Code and HCC’s wider initiative to reduce repeated and unnecessary customer communications (see paragraphs 17 to 23).
5. Note the next steps following formal approval of the policy by Cabinet, including the proposed Communications strategy (paragraphs 26 to 27).
9
Work Programme
To consider and approve the work programme for the Select Committee.
Attachments:
- Document 2024-01-23 Hants 2050 SC Work Programme 15 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered their Work Programme (Item 9 in the Minute Book).
It was confirmed that the pre-scrutiny of the Stubbington Study Centre proposal would be added to the work programme for the March 2025 meeting ahead of consideration by Cabinet later that month.
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee discussed and agreed the work programme, including the proposal on the Stubbington Study Centre in March 2025. which would be prioritised by the Chairman, in consultation with the Directors of Corporate Operations, People and Organisation and Hampshire 2050.
It was confirmed that the pre-scrutiny of the Stubbington Study Centre proposal would be added to the work programme for the March 2025 meeting ahead of consideration by Cabinet later that month.
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee discussed and agreed the work programme, including the proposal on the Stubbington Study Centre in March 2025. which would be prioritised by the Chairman, in consultation with the Directors of Corporate Operations, People and Organisation and Hampshire 2050.
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