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Hampshire County Council
Councillors: 78
Wards: 76
Committees: 49
Meetings (2025): 165
Meetings (2024): 156

Meeting

County Council - Hampshire

Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 13th February 2025
10:15 AM
End:
Thursday, 13th February 2025
2:15 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Date:
13 Feb 2025
Location:
Council Chamber - HCC
Meeting Attendees
Councillor Prad Bains photo
Committee Member
Councillor Prad Bains

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Derek Mellor photo
Committee Member
Councillor Derek Mellor

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Nick Adams-King photo
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Councillor Nick Adams-King

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Lulu Bowerman photo
Committee Member
Councillor Lulu Bowerman

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Jackie Branson photo
Committee Member
Councillor Jackie Branson

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Ryan Brent photo
Committee Member
Councillor Ryan Brent

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Steven Broomfield photo
Committee Member
Councillor Steven Broomfield

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Pamela Bryant photo
Committee Member
Councillor Pamela Bryant

Conservative

Apologies

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Councillor Graham Burgess photo
Committee Member
Councillor Graham Burgess

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Fran Carpenter photo
Committee Member
Councillor Fran Carpenter

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Roz Chadd photo
Committee Member
Councillor Roz Chadd

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Peter Chegwyn photo
Committee Member
Councillor Peter Chegwyn

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Mark Cooper photo
Committee Member
Councillor Mark Cooper

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Rod Cooper photo
Committee Member
Councillor Rod Cooper

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Tonia Craig photo
Committee Member
Councillor Tonia Craig

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Alex Crawford photo
Committee Member
Councillor Alex Crawford

Labour

Present, as expected

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Councillor Debbie Curnow-Ford photo
Committee Member
Councillor Debbie Curnow-Ford

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Tim Davies photo
Committee Member
Councillor Tim Davies

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Christopher Donnelly photo
Committee Member
Councillor Christopher Donnelly

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Alan Dowden photo
Committee Member
Councillor Alan Dowden

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor David Drew photo
Committee Member
Councillor David Drew

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Barry Dunning photo
Committee Member
Councillor Barry Dunning

Conservative

Apologies

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Councillor Liz Fairhurst photo
Committee Member
Councillor Liz Fairhurst

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Michael Ford photo
Committee Member
Councillor Michael Ford

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Steve Forster photo
Committee Member
Councillor Steve Forster

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Jonathan Glen photo
Committee Member
Councillor Jonathan Glen

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Tim Groves photo
Committee Member
Councillor Tim Groves

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Marge Harvey photo
Committee Member
Councillor Marge Harvey

Conservative

Apologies

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Councillor Pal Hayre photo
Committee Member
Councillor Pal Hayre

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Juliet Henderson photo
Committee Member
Councillor Juliet Henderson

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Edward Heron photo
Committee Member
Councillor Edward Heron

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Keith House photo
Committee Member
Councillor Keith House

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Zoe Huggins photo
Committee Member
Councillor Zoe Huggins

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Wayne Irish photo
Committee Member
Councillor Wayne Irish

Liberal Democrat

Apologies

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Councillor Adam Jackman photo
Committee Member
Councillor Adam Jackman

Conservative

Absent

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Councillor Gavin James photo
Committee Member
Councillor Gavin James

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Patricia Stallard photo
Committee Member
Councillor Patricia Stallard

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Rupert Kyrle photo
Committee Member
Councillor Rupert Kyrle

Liberal Democrat

Apologies

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Councillor Peter Latham photo
Committee Member
Councillor Peter Latham

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Alexis McEvoy photo
Committee Member
Councillor Alexis McEvoy

Independent

Present, as expected

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Councillor Lesley Meenaghan photo
Committee Member
Councillor Lesley Meenaghan

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Mark Kemp-Gee photo
Committee Member
Councillor Mark Kemp-Gee

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Rob Mocatta photo
Committee Member
Councillor Rob Mocatta

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Arun Mummalaneni photo
Committee Member
Councillor Arun Mummalaneni

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Kirsty North photo
Committee Member
Councillor Kirsty North

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Phil North photo
Committee Member
Councillor Phil North

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Russell Oppenheimer photo
Committee Member
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Sarah Pankhurst photo
Committee Member
Councillor Sarah Pankhurst

Independent

Present, as expected

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Councillor Tanya Park photo
Committee Member
Councillor Tanya Park

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Stephen Parker photo
Committee Member
Councillor Stephen Parker

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Louise Parker-Jones photo
Committee Member
Councillor Louise Parker-Jones

Independent

Present, as expected

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Councillor Neville Penman photo
Committee Member
Councillor Neville Penman

Independent

Present, as expected

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Councillor Stephen Philpott photo
Committee Member
Councillor Stephen Philpott

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Jackie Porter photo
Committee Member
Councillor Jackie Porter

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Roger Price photo
Committee Member
Councillor Roger Price

Liberal Democrat

Apologies

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Councillor Lance Quantrill photo
Committee Member
Councillor Lance Quantrill

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Stephen Reid photo
Committee Member
Councillor Stephen Reid

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Elaine Still photo
Committee Member
Councillor Elaine Still

Conservative

Apologies

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Councillor Kim Taylor photo
Committee Member
Councillor Kim Taylor

Labour

Present, as expected

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Councillor Tom Thacker photo
Committee Member
Councillor Tom Thacker

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Michael Thierry photo
Committee Member
Councillor Michael Thierry

Conservative

Apologies

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Councillor Martin Tod photo
Committee Member
Councillor Martin Tod

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Jacky Tustain photo
Committee Member
Councillor Jacky Tustain

Labour

Present, as expected

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Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE photo
Committee Member
Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Malcolm Wade photo
Committee Member
Councillor Malcolm Wade

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Jan Warwick photo
Committee Member
Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 - Finance
Councillor Jan Warwick

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Bill Withers Lt Col (Retd) photo
Committee Member
Councillor Bill Withers Lt Col (Retd)

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Andrew Joy photo
Committee Member
Councillor Andrew Joy

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Melville Kendal photo
Committee Member
Councillor Melville Kendal

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Keith Mans photo
Chairman
Chairman of the Council
Councillor Keith Mans

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Malcolm Wallace photo
Committee Member
Councillor Malcolm Wallace

Green

Present, as expected

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Councillor David Harrison photo
Committee Member
Councillor David Harrison

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Councillor Ann Briggs photo
Vice-Chairman
Vice Chairman of the Council
Councillor Ann Briggs

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Joanne Burton photo
Committee Member
Borough Councillor
Councillor Joanne Burton

Conservative

Apologies

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Committee Member
Councillor Adrian Collett

Present, as expected

Committee Member
Councillor Dominic Hiscock

Present, as expected

Councillor Andy Tree photo
Committee Member
Councillor Andy Tree

Whitehill & Bordon Community Party

Present, as expected

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Agenda
0 Part II: Matters for Information
0 Part I: Matters for Decision
0 The Meeting closed at 4.05pm
Minutes
1 Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes Apologies were received from Councillors Pamela Bryant?, Joanne Burton, Barry Dunning?, Marge Harvey?, Wayne Irish?, Rupert Kyrle?, Roger Price?, Elaine Still and Michael Thierry and from Honorary Alderman Chris Carter and Keith Chapman.
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.

Members were reminded of a general dispensation granted by the Conduct Advisory Panel relating to the Revenue Budget and Precept item. This dispensation enables Members with a beneficial interest in land within the administrative area of the County Council to participate and vote in County Council business relating to the setting of Council Tax or Precepts. It was therefore taken as read that all Cabinet Members had declared an interest in item 10 on the agenda.

In addition, Councillor Forster declared a personal interest in item 14 b) on the agenda due to his work involvement in EV charging.
3 Minutes
To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 28 November 2024 and the Extraordinary meeting held on 9 January 2025.
Minutes The minutes of the meetings held on 28 November 2024 and 9 January 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
4 Deputations
To receive any deputations in accordance with Standing Order 12.
Minutes The following deputations were received in accordance with Standing Order 12:

a) Mortimers Lane (Fair Oak) traffic and safety.

The Executive Member for Highways and Waste thanked the deputation for attending, confirmed that planned schemes to improve walking and cycling were expected to start in the summer and that she would review the other requests.

b) 30mph speed restriction between Hurtsbourne Priors and St Mary Bourne.

The Executive Member for Highways and Waste thanked the deputations for their attendance and recognised the increased number of residents in the area. She undertook to review the request for signage.

c) Speed Limit and traffic management in Abbots Worthy.

The Executive Lead Member for Highways and waste thanked the deputation for their attendance and the detailed evidence submitted and confirmed she would respond fully in due course.
5 Chairman's Announcements
To receive such announcements as the Chairman may wish to make to the Council.
Minutes The Chairman announced that at the Tourism South East Beautiful South Tourism Awards in December 2024, “Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens” had won a Gold Award in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year Category 2023. The award was a testament to the hard work and creative vision of all involved, in providing the people of Hampshire with a magical Christmas experience.

Since the last meeting, the Chairman had attended a number of events, including:

A number of carol services, including at Naomi House and Jacksplace School visit to Winton Community Academy Adults’ Health & Care Directorate Visit in the Gosport. Fareham and Eastleigh area, including Juniper Court, Spinnaker View, Newcroft Respite and Hawthorne Court Opening of the Saab UK Fareham Campus. The site is developing radar systems and underwater robotics.

It was with much sadness, the Chairman reported the passing of Honorary Alderman Criss Connor and former County Councillor Pam Holden-Brown.

Former County Councillor Pam Holden-Brown represented the Eastleigh North division from 1993 to 2004. Councillors Keith House, Alan Dowden, Jonathan Glen and Jackie Branson paid tribute.

Honorary Alderman Criss Connor represented the Basingstoke North West electoral division from 1985 to 1989 and the Basingstoke Central electoral division from 2013 to 2017. Councillors Kim Taylor, Stephen Reid and Arun Mummalaneni paid tribute.

Members observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect.
6 Leader's Report
To receive such reports as the Leader of the Council may wish to bring before the Council.
Minutes The Leader provided an update on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, reporting that Hampshire had been confirmed on the government’s priority program for devolution. Discussions were ongoing among the 11 district, three unitary and the county council, with emphasis placed on creating sustainable and robust structures. He reported that a government consultation on devolution proposals was expected to begin soon.

A meeting was held in December, with Southern Water, to address communication issues during water outages, notably the outage affecting Southern Test Valley, Eastleigh, Southampton, and nearby areas. The County Council emphasised the need for better engagement with local government during future outages and improved communication processes and urged Southern Water to collaborate with the Local Resilience Forum and follow established professional protocols. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for June to review progress.

Cabinet members recently visited Portsmouth University and Southampton Solent University to explore collaboration opportunities, such as innovation, service improvement for Hampshire residents, and leveraging new technology. A visit to the University of Winchester was planned for later that month to continue the discussions.

The Leader emphasised the Council's role in serving Hampshire’s 1.4 million residents in the context of financial constraints and difficult budget decisions, and a short film showcasing the Council’s services was shown. The film aimed to highlight the diverse and crucial services provided by the Council to its residents.

Finally, the Leader reiterated the importance of ensuring the Council's continued effectiveness in serving the community.
7 Questions under Standing Order 16.1.1
To deal with questions pursuant to Standing Order 16.1.1. Where a member has submitted more than one question, their second and subsequent questions will not be answered until all members’ first questions have been dealt with.
Attachments:
Minutes Executive Members responded to questions submitted, as published, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.1.
8 Appointments
To consider a report of the Chief Executive to make any Member appointments or alterations as required to the membership of committees and standing panels of the County Council, to statutory joint committees, to other proportional bodies the County Council is represented on, or to any other bodies which are not subject to proportionality rules.
Attachments:
Minutes The Council considered and agreed the report of the Chief Executive as presented by the Leader of the Council. In presenting the report, the Leader proposed the following additional appointments:

- Councillor Stephen Reid to fill the vacancy on the Hampshire 2050, Corporate Services and Resources Select Committee.

- Jodie Beckham and Katy Hutchings to be co-opted to the Corporate Parenting Board, representing the Care Experience Adults Council.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council:

a) Approves the appointments set out in Section 1 of the report,

b) Approves the appointment of Councillor Stephen Reid to fill the vacancy on the Hampshire 2050, Corporate Services and Resources Select Committee.

c) Approves the appointments of Jodie Beckham and Katy Hutchings to be co-opted to the Corporate Parenting Board, representing the Care Experience Adults Council.
9 Section 25 Report of the Chief Financial Officer
To consider the Section 25 Report of the Chief Financial Officer regarding the robustness of the estimates included in the budget and the adequacy of the financial reserves.
Minutes In presenting the report, the Leader acknowledged that the Chief Financial Officer had recommended a 15% council tax increase to ensure financial sustainability, which would trigger a referendum. However, in considering the proposals, the Cabinet agreed and was recommending a lower 4.995% increase, citing concerns over spending £2.5 million on a likely unsuccessful referendum. Historical referendum data and the 2023 Future Services public consultation, where only 18% supported a higher tax, reinforced this proposal. The council would continue discussions with the government for exceptional financial support to balance the 2026-27 budget.

In response to a number of questions, the Chief Financial Officer provided clarification on the following points:

- A review of local government funding was expected over the summer, which will be crucial in determining the budget for 2026-27. The best time to reassess the Council’s financial strategy will be after the government's funding review is completed.

- Even with financial adjustments, the council faced a £200 million recurring deficit, meaning reserves alone would not sustain long-term balance. Hampshire County Council is not at this stage for 2025–26, as reserves are available to cover the shortfall.

- If the deficit remained large, the council may need to issue a Section 114 notice, signalling an inability to balance the budget without external intervention.

- A Section 114 notice is only issued when the council cannot balance its budget within a financial year.

- Despite previous efforts, rising financial pressures exceed the council’s ability to generate income or save money through service reductions.

- The council must continue exploring savings and efficiencies while awaiting the government’s Local Government funding review.

- One possible approach is capitalizing the capital payments reserve, but this does not solve the long-term deficit.

During debate, it was acknowledged that the budget deficit remained a serious concern and despite repeated requests to government for exceptional financial support over the years, the government had offered minimal assistance. Achieving a balance budget in the coming years without issuing a section 114 notice would require significant reductions which could be challenging for many residents.

The Council also paid tribute to Rob Carr, the Chief Financial Officer, for his professionalism, patience, and ability to provide detailed answers to even the most complex financial questions in a collaborative and engaging manner, with good humour and thoroughness. The Council expressed thanks and good wishes to him on his forthcoming retirement.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council:

a) Note the content of the Section 25 Report and ensure that it is taken into account in setting the Budget and Council Tax for 2025/26.

b) Note that the Chief Financial Officer has concluded that a robust, Council wide process has been properly followed in preparing the detailed budget estimates.

c) Note that the Chief Financial Officer’s recommendations below are on the assumption that the Council implements the additional £45.3m SP25 phase 2 savings recommended in the main budget report considered elsewhere on the County Council agenda, and seeks to maximise the prospective Phase 3 savings which are being progressed.

d) Note that the Chief Financial Officer has concluded that the County Council’s financial reserves are adequate in the overall context of the budget and risks for 2025/26 ONLY at a council tax increase of 4.99%.

e) Note that the Chief Financial Officer has concluded that the County Council’s financial reserves are not adequate in the overall context of the financial position beyond the 2025/26 financial year at a council tax increase of 4.99% next year.

f) Note that the Chief Financial Officer’s view is that if council tax is only increased by 4.99%, it increases the likelihood that the Council would issue a Section 114 notice (and/or trigger a further request for EFS) in advance of the 2026/27 financial year.

g) Note that the Chief Financial Officer has concluded that the County Council’s financial reserves would be adequate in the overall context of the financial position beyond the 2025/26 financial year at a council tax increase of 14.99% next year.

h) Note the request that was made to Government for Exceptional Financial Support in the form of a council tax increase above the referendum level and that this request was not approved.

i) Note the significant impact that the request for EFS would have had on the County Council’s future finances as set out in paras 41 to 43 of the Section 25 Report.

j) Note the Chief Financial Officer’s advice that as the request for EFS was not agreed by Government, that County Council should agree a 15.0% increase in council tax for 2025/26 which will trigger a referendum.

k) Note the Chief Financial Officer’s advice that even if Cabinet do not recommend that County Council increase council tax by 15.0% and trigger a referendum, that County Council should still consider this option as part of the Budget Setting meeting.
10 REVENUE BUDGET & PRECEPT 2025/26 AND CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2025/26 TO 2027/28
To consider the report of Cabinet recommending the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2025/26 and Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28.
Attachments:
Minutes The Council considered the Revenue Budget and Precept for 2025/26 and the Capital Programme for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

In presenting the report, the Leader urged members not to use the term bankrupt and clarified that a Section 114 signified the cost of providing services outstripped the funding received. The County Council faced a growing gap between the cost of essential services and available funding, with fewer financial options to address the situation.

The proposed gross budget for 2025-26 exceeded £3 billion, funding critical services including education, social care, special educational needs and universal services such as waste disposal, highways and street lighting. However, the net budget was £1.2 billion, requiring £65 million from reserves if a 4.995% council tax increase is approved. He acknowledges the financial burden on households and stressed that the increase was necessary to support vulnerable residents.

The council's financial pressures are driven by rising costs in social care, special educational needs, and growing demand for services. The number of elderly residents requiring support has significantly increased, along with children needing care and education services. Rising care costs and demand for health and social care have dramatically impacted the budget, leaving little flexibility.

Despite financial constraints, the County Council continued to invest in local infrastructure, including school expansions, transport improvements, and waste management projects. The Leader concluded by inviting Executive Lead Members to outline specific budget proposals for their respective areas:

The Executive Lead member for Children’s Services highlighted the commitment to delivering high-quality children's services despite financial challenges, emphasising the council’s reputation for excellence while maintaining relatively lower costs for taxpayers. The council received an outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2024, reflecting its dedication to social work standards and fiscal responsibility.

A significant portion of the budget was allocated to school transport and placement costs for children in care, particularly for those with special educational needs (SEN). Rising transport costs are driven by increasing demand for education, health, and care plans, with nearly 200 applications received each month. To address these challenges, the Council had developed innovative solutions, such as Hockley House, in partnership with the NHS, ensuring tailored support for vulnerable young people while reducing reliance on external providers.

The council was also investing in new schools and resource provisions to enhance SEN education within Hampshire, reducing dependence on high-cost independent placements and improving outcomes for children. The council was also advocating for legislative change to better manage financial pressures and sustain services.

Additionally, strategies to reduce school transport costs, particularly for post-16 travel, were under review to ensure informed decision-making. Finally, the Executive Lead Member reassured members that, despite financial complexities, the Council remains committed to prioritising children’s needs, thanking staff and members for their continued efforts in enhancing services.

The Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health advised that Adult Services continued to protect and support vulnerable residents. Staff were praised for their compassion and professionalism, with external assessments confirming the high quality of services.

The partnership with Argenti supported over 14,500 individuals, offering vital assistance and emergency response services. A new technology-based support system for family carers was being introduced to reduce stress and prevent burnout, receiving positive early feedback. In younger adult services, voice-activated technology was being integrated to enhance independence for adults with learning disabilities while easing administrative burdens on care staff.

Extra Care housing, spanning 21 schemes with 98% occupancy, provided independent living with 24/7 on-site support, and a recent survey showed that 96% of residents reported improved well-being, safety, and independence.

Additionally, the council was using short-term breaks to reduce the need for full-time residential care, helping individuals remain independent longer while managing costs. Adult Services remained committed to delivering essential care and assistance.

The Executive Lead Member for Universal Services advised that major infrastructure projects, including the Botley bypass and M27 Junction 10, continue, and new technical construction methods were being utilised. A disruption charge for utility companies causing road delays was under consideration, potentially boosting the highways budget by £5–10 million per year.

Investment was being set aside for a new recycling facility in Eastleigh, following recommendations for increasing recycling rates and improving cooperation between waste collection and disposal authorities. Efforts in countryside and recreation aimed for cost neutrality, with initiatives such as heated camping pods at Outdoor Centres. Volunteers contributed significantly to footpath and rights-of-way maintenance, and a preventative approach to damage was being prioritised to reduce long-term costs.

Passenger transport efforts focussed on increasing bus usage, supporting community-based transport solutions, and linking successful services efficiently. In property services, despite ongoing inflation, reinvestment continued in the school estate through roofing and insulation upgrades. Additionally, the departure of 88 staff members under the MARS scheme had contributed £447,000 in budget savings.

The Leader introduced the Hampshire Pledge, which was shown on screen, acknowledging the Council would continue to provide services in line with pledge for as long as possible, and he expressed gratitude to the dedicated officers the Council was fortunate to have. He

commended the budget to Members and moved the recommendations.

During debate, the following points were made:

- A need for fundamental change for school transport

- Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation could bring much needed financial resolution, and hope that local Leaders will recognise the need to future proof and put residents’ needs first.

- Right to focus available funding in priority areas such as supporting vulnerable adults and children

- Reference to the savings made through SP25 and the expenditure reductions over the last 15 months

- Risk of unintended consequences of service reductions, such as changes to bus passes, being significant and damaging to some residents

- Examples of excellent services provision given, as reported by Executive Leader Members in introducing the report

- Expectation that all remaining reserves would be used in the coming year

- Reference to key issues, including above inflation care costs and successive government underfunding

- Parish and town councils offer creative solutions when faced with challenges and there were examples of some providing services previously provided by district councils

- Reflections of potentially misleading previous revenue support grants from government

- Reducing reliance on school transport by providing school places in right areas to enable more local travel

The Chairman confirmed there would be a recorded vote for recommendation A Revenue Budget and Precept recommendations a-m. Recommendations B a) to b) were put to the vote and supported by the majority of Members present and were therefore carried.

The outcome of the recorded vote was as follows:

FOR (38):

Councillors: Nick Adams-King, Lulu Bowerman, Jackie Branson, Ryan Brent, Ann Briggs, Steven Broomfield, Graham Burgess, Fran Carpenter, Roz Chadd, Debbie Curnow-Ford, Tim Davies, David Drew, Liz Fairhurst, Michael Ford, Steve Forster, Julliet Henderson, Edward Heron, Zoe Huggins, Andrew Joy, Mark Kemp-Gee, Peter Latham, Lesley Meenaghan, Derek Mellor, Rob Mocatta, Arun Mummalaneni, Kirsty North, Phil North, Russell Oppenheimer, Sarah Pankhurst, Stephen Parker, Stephen Philpott, Lance Quantrill, Stephen Reid, Patricia Stallard, Tom Thacker, Andy Tree, Rhydian Vaughan and Jan Warwick.

AGAINST (10)

Councillors: Prad Bains, Adrian Collett, Mark Cooper, Alan Dowden, Tim Groves, Dominic Hiscock, Keith House, Jackie Porter, Malcolm Wallace and Jonathan Williams.

ABSTAIN (4):

Councillors: David Harrison, Louise Parker-Jones and Kim Taylor.

RESOLVED:

A Revenue Budget and Precept 2025/26

That the County Council approve:

a) That it notes and takes account of the Chief Financial Officer’s Section 25 report on the Budget when the Council determines the budget and precept for 2025/26.

b) The Revised Budget for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 1 to the main Budget Report.

c) The Revenue Budgets for Services for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 3 to the main Budget Report.

d) The overall Revenue Budget for the County Council as set out in Annex 1 to this Part I report which requires a draw from the Budget Bridging Reserve of £64.936m.

e) The Savings proposals set out in Appendix 7, taking account of the Equality Impact Assessments detailed in Appendix 8 and the Cumulative Equality Impact Assessment in Appendix 13 and subject to any stage 2 consultations that may be required (all in the main Budget Report).

f) The Reserves Strategy at Appendix 10 to the main Budget Report.

g) The council tax requirement for the County Council for the year beginning 1 April 2025 of £876,369,719.30.

h) The County Council’s band D council tax for the year beginning 1 April 2025 is £1,609.83, an increase of 4.995%, of which 2% is specifically for adult social care.

i) The County Council’s council tax for the year beginning 1 April 2025 for properties in each tax band is:

£

Band A 1,073.22

Band B 1,252.09

Band C 1,430.96

Band D 1,609.83

Band E 1,967.57

Band F 2,325.31

Band G 2,683.05

Band H 3,219.66

j) Precepts be issued totalling £876,369,719.30 on the billing authorities in Hampshire, requiring the payment in such instalments and on such date set by them previously notified to the County Council, in proportion to the tax base of each billing authority’s area as determined by them and as set out below:

Local Authority Tax Base Council Tax Precept

(HCC share)

Basingstoke and Deane 70,025.33 112,728,876.99

East Hampshire 52,823.33 85,036,581.33

Eastleigh 49,576.31 79,809,431.13

Fareham 44,596.40 71,792,622.61

Gosport 27,086.50 43,604,660.30

Hart 43,072.16 69,338,855.33

Havant 43,147.40 69,459,978.94

New Forest 73,355.00 118,089,079.66

Rushmoor 33,410.57 53,785,337.90

Test Valley 52,407.00 84,366,360.81

Winchester 54,886.50 88,357,934.30

k) The Capital & Investment Strategy for 2025/26 (and the remainder of 2024/25) as set out in Appendix 11 to the main Budget Report.

l) The Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 (and the remainder of 2024/25) as set out in Appendix 12 to the main Budget Report.

m) That authority is delegated to the Director of Corporate Operations to manage the County Council’s investments and borrowing according to the Treasury Management Strategy Statement as appropriate.

B. Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28

That the County Council:

a) Approve the capital programme as set out in Appendix 3 including the revisions to the previously approved programme including those requiring County Council approval set out in Appendix 2.

b) Note that the programme has been prepared fully on an expenditure basis as agreed by Cabinet in December 2024.
11 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PAY STATEMENT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2025/26
To consider a report of the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee recommending Hampshire County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2025/26.
Minutes The Council considered and agreed a report of the Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee, as presented by Councillor Russell Oppenheimer in his capacity as Chairman of the committee, seeking approval of the County Council’s Pay Statement for the financial year 2025/26 as set out in the Report and Appendix A to the Annex.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approve the Pay Statement for 2025/26 as detailed in the report to the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee (Annex and Appendix A to this Report), and agrees that the EHCC Committee remains the appropriate Committee to agree Chief Officer remuneration for Chief Officers above Grade K, including individual salary offers in respect of any new Chief Officer appointments, any changes to Chief Officer salaries after appointment and any severance packages for Chief Officers leaving the County Council, in accordance with the Pay Statement.
12 Review of Contract Standing Orders
To consider a report of Cabinet on proposed amendments to Contract Standing Orders and consequential updates to the Council’s Constitution.
Minutes The Council considered and approved a report of Cabinet on proposed amendments to Contract Standing Orders and consequential updates to the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approves the revised Contract Standing Orders set out in Annex 2 to the Cabinet report.
13 Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) investment pooling
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations on changes to the Government’s requirements for the management of investments for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and arrangements for the decisions that will be needed to implement the changes.
Minutes The Council considered and approved a report of the Director of Corporate Operations on changes to the Government’s requirements for the management of investments for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and arrangements for the decisions that will be needed to implement the changes.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council approves that authority is delegated to the Director of Corporate Operations, in consultation with the Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer and Chairman of the Pension Fund Panel and Board, to make any necessary decisions to implement a response to meet the Government’s new requirements for LGPS pooling, if a timely decision is unable to be made by County Council.
14 Low Carbon Advertising
To consider a Notice of Motion on Low Carbon Advertising, submitted by Councillor Malcom Wallace and seconded by Councillor Louise Parker-Jones
Attachments:
Minutes The Council considered a Notice of Motion on Low Carbon Advertising, proposed by Councillor Malcom Wallace and seconded by Councillor Louise Parker-Jones, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1.

Councillor Wallace summarised the motion and proposed the recommendation. A brief debate followed in which the motion was welcomed by the Council.

The Motion was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

This Council resolves:

To request that the Leader and Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services considers modifying Hampshire County Council’s advertising policy to add “goods or services that contradict Hampshire’s climate change strategy” to the list of specific categories of organisations, products or services which may not advertise or be advertised by the Council.
14 Climate and Nature Bill
To consider a Notice of Motion on the Climate and Nature Bill, submitted by Councillor Adrian Collett and seconded by Councillor Tim Groves.
Attachments:
Minutes The Council considered a Notice of Motion on the Climate and Nature Bill, proposed by Councillor Adrian Collett and seconded by Councillor Tim Groves, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1. It was noted that an amended Motion was circulated to Members the previous evening and was included as a supplementary document within the agenda pack.

Councillor Collett summarised the motion and proposed the recommendation. He reminded members of the Council’s climate emergency declaration, it’s work towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and role in delivery of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy. He sought Council endorsement to reinforce climate priorities within government proposals and decision-making.

During the course of debate, there was general support for the motion and the following points were made:

- The UK has made good progress in cutting carbon emissions and set ambitious climate targets

- the Climate & Nature Bill aimed to reverse environmental decline rather than just halt it.

- Local initiatives in place supporting conservation efforts including hedgehog runs, tree planting, and climate solutions to contribute to nature restoration.

- A need to ensure climate policies remain central to decision-making in Hampshire and beyond.

- there were differing opinions on the pace of climate action, however broad agreement on the need for a better environment for future generations.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Groves thanked members for a supportive debate and reiterated the need to reverse the trend towards abandoning climate change.

The Motion was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

This Council resolves to:

a) Support the Climate and Nature Bill as introduced in the house of commons on the 16th of October and welcomes the contribution to the debate on Climate Change. The Council will watch the Bill’s progress through Parliament with interest.

b) welcome the opportunity that the Bill and proposed devolution to elected mayors will provide to ensure climate and nature strategies are at the heart of its strategic decision-making across Hampshire and the Solent.

c) Continue to work with and inform residents, and the expert forum on Climate and Nature strategies and decisions.

d) Write to all Hampshire MPs to inform them that this motion has been passed and urge them to sign up to support the CAN Bill - or thank them for having already done so.

e) Write to Zero Hour, the organisers of the cross-party campaign for the CAN Bill, expressing Hampshire County Council’s support.
14 Notice of Motion
To consider two Notices of Motion, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 18.1
Minutes
15 HIWFRA Questions
To deal with any questions which have been submitted pursuant to Standing Order 16.3 concerning the discharge of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority’s functions.
Minutes No questions had been received in accordance with Standing Order 16.3.
15 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority
Minutes
15 HIWFRA Report
To receive a report of the Authority.
Attachments:
Minutes The Council received the report as presented by Councillor Rhydian Vaughan, in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority.
16 Annual Report of the Audit Committee
To receive the Annual Report of the Audit Committee providing assurance that the committee fulfils its purpose and can demonstrate impact.
Minutes The Council received the Annual Report of the Audit Committee providing assurance that the committee fulfils its purpose and can demonstrate impact.
17 Executive and Committee Reports
To receive for information the reports of the following:
Minutes
17 Executive Member for Education
Minutes The following information report was received:

a) Executive Member for Education

Additional Specialist Provision
Previous Meetings
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22nd May 2025

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13th Feb 2025

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28th Nov 2024

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3rd Oct 2024

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18th Jul 2024

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23rd May 2024

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22nd Feb 2024

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9th Nov 2023

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28th Sep 2023

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20th Jul 2023

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Future Meetings
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17th Jul 2025

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24th Sep 2025

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2nd Oct 2025

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27th Nov 2025

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26th Feb 2026

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21st May 2026

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