Hampshire County Council Policy and Resources Select Committee Meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Elaine Still and Tom Thacker. Councillors Derek Mellor and Zoe Huggins attended the meeting as the Conservative substitutes.

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, agreed and signed by the Chairman.

There were no deputations on this occasion.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the first meeting of this Committee held since the County Council elections in May. He also thanked former members of this Committee for their service during their tenure.

The Chairman introduced this item by highlighting his understanding of the role of scrutiny. The Committee then received a presentation from officers in Legal and Governance providing an introduction to scrutiny.

Members heard that the approach taken to scrutiny at Hampshire County Council encouraged scrutiny of issues prior to decision making. They were also advised that they could suggest topics, which were in the remit of this Committee, at any time for inclusion in its work programme.

RESOLVED:

The Policy and Resources Select Committee notes the content of the

presentation.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive regarding Serving Hampshire – 2020/21 Year End Performance which was being considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 13 July 2021.

Members were advised that the County Council continued to perform well in the delivery of core public services during 2020/21.  A combination of sound stewardship, strong public support and the exceptional commitment and flexibility of staff had enabled the County Council to remain resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of detailed questions were answered including the implications of the areas of high risk for the Council,  partnership working for consultations carried out by both district and County councils and % of waste diverted to landfill.

The Committee were made aware of the Hampshire Perspectives Residents Forum which was introduced last September to allow members of the public to have a voice. Recent surveys undertaken had included travel and transport, digital connectiveness and vaccinations and rapid testing.

Members were also updated on the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman determinations for 2020/21. It was noted that all of the recommended actions had been completed prior to the report being submitted to Cabinet.

During detailed discussions, a number of questions were answered relating to determinations within Children’s Services Department. It was noted that scrutiny of this matter fell with the remit of the Children and Young People Select Committee. The Chairman of that Select Committee confirmed that this matter was included on its work programme for later in the year.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee:

a)    notes the County Council’s performance for 2020/21;

b)    notes progress to advance inclusion and diversity;

c)    notes the findings of the 2019-20 Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman report; and

d)      notes the determinations of the LGSCO released on 20 May 2021.

The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive on the new Serving Hampshire Strategic Plan for 2021-2025, and its accompanying Corporate Performance Management Framework.

Members were advised that the proposed new Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 set out the ambitions and priorities for Hampshire County Council for the term of the new Administration. It reflected the significant challenges facing the County Council during this period and where it would focus its efforts to ensure resources were targeted where they were most needed. It was noted that the new Plan took into account:

·         wider policy landscape

·         strategic priorities identified by the Hampshire 2050 Commission of Inquiry

·         proposed activity to support Hampshire’s recovery and restoration from the COVID-19 pandemic

·         impact of health and social inequality highlighted/exacerbated by COVID-19 and the need to advance social equality

During discussion, a number of questions were answered including partnership working with the voluntary and community sector and our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

RESOLVED:

That Policy and Resources Select Committee:

a) notes the proposed new Serving Hampshire Strategic Plan 2021- 2025;

b) notes the proposed changes to the Corporate Performance Management Framework.

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

The Chairman thanked those former and current Chairman of each of the Select Committees for their work over the past year.

RESOLVED:

That the Policy and Resources Select Committee approves the summary of the 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 report and in doing so, the Chairman confirmed that Members were welcome to suggest topics to himself or the Democratic and Member Services Officer supporting the meeting. During discussion, the Committee agreed to receive an item on the County Council’s approach to consultation and engagement.

RESOLVED:

That the Work Programme be agreed with the addition of receiving a report on the County Council’s approach to consultation and engagement at a future meeting.