Hampshire County Council Policy and Resources Select Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors Adrian Collett and Wayne Irish.

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 2 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 last meeting were reviewed and agreed

The Committee received a deputation from Jonathan Booth in relation to Item 6 – Broadband update.

The Chairman made no announcements on this occasion.

A deputation was received from Jonathan Booth on this item.

The Committee received presentations from both the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services and Openreach giving an update on the

Hampshire Superfast Broadband Programme. It also gave an overview on the developing Government plans for gigabit coverage.

During questions, Members heard:

·         Details of wayleave agreements

·         Necessity for broadband to be installed in all new-build homes

·         schemes progressing more quickly

The Chairman thanked officers and Openreach for their very interesting presentation.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

The Committee considered a report of the Director HR, OD, Communications and Engagement giving an update on the year end performance against the Serving Hampshire Strategic Plan for 2021-2025.

The Director introduced the report and examples were highlighted of strong performance against key strategic objectives, including apprenticeships, recycling and the resettlement of refugees. A number of questions were answered which included; labour market and skills, developer contributions, inclusion and diversity and complaints to Ombudsman.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee:

a) notes the County Council’s performance for 2021/22;

b) notes progress to advance inclusion and diversity;

c) notes progress against the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2025; and

d) notes the overview of Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) Determinations in 2021/22, and assessment decisions contained in the LGSCO 2020-21 annual report letter.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Executive providing a summary of the work of each of the Select Committees over the last 12 months.

RESOLVED:

That the Policy and Resources Select Committee approved the summary of work of each of the Select Committees over the past year, for submission to County Council as the Scrutiny Annual Report.

The Committee received the work programme for the coming year. During discussion, it was agreed that an item on Apprenticeships would be added for the November meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the work programme be agreed.