Hart Borough Council Council Meeting

Councillor Wildsmith gave a summary of his enjoyable year as Chairman, highlighting successful visits to schools across the district. 

Councillor Smith was proposed as Chairman for 2024/25 by Councillor Crampton and seconded by Councillor Neighbour.

Voting by a show of hand was unanimous.

DECISION

That Councillor Smith be elected Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2024/25.

Cllr Smith proposed a vote of thanks for Cllr Wildsmith, congratulating him on his work as Chairman during 2023/24 and presenting him with his past Chairman’s badge.

Councillor Dorn was proposed by Councillor Radley and seconded by Councillor Neighbour.

Voting by a show of hands was unanimous.

DECISION

That Councillor Dorn be elected Vice Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2024/25.

A member stated that a written answer to a question asked under Minute 83 Planning (10 April) Minutes. It was advised that this was an oversight, and a response would be provided shortly.

The Minutes of the meeting of 25 April 2024 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Apologies were received from Councillors Bailey and Delaney.

No declarations made.

The Chairman welcomed the new Members and returning Members to the Council.

The Chief Executive thanked Members for feedback received regarding the Election count. It was confirmed Hart was ready for the upcoming General Election reminding Members that only 6 weeks’ notice would be provided. Neither new postal vote rules nor voting ID rules caused any significant problems and the Police Crime Commissioner count had been successfully conducted. Members were praised for their support and the Election Team were congratulated on a successful election. 

The Leader confirmed membership of Cabinet and their Portfolios:

Councillor Neighbour          Leader - Strategic Direction and Partnerships 

Councillor Radley                Deputy Leader - Finance  

Councillor Clarke                 Digital and Communications

Councillor Bailey                  Community Services

Councillor Collins                Parking and Community Safety

Councillor Quarterman        Climate Change and Corporate Services

Councillor Wildsmith           Regulatory

Councillor Oliver                   Planning Policy and Development Management

The Chairman asked for nominations for the unallocated place on the Staffing and Appeals Committee.

Councillor Radley proposed Councillor Smith. Cllr Neighbour seconded.

Voting by a show of hands was unanimous.

Councillor Smith was confirmed as a member of the Staffing and Appeals Committee.

The nominations for Membership for each Committee, with regards to the rules of political proportionality, were confirmed:

DECISION:

That the membership of the Committees be agreed as above.

Members of the Committees established under Minute No 8 above elected their Chairmen for the 2024/2025 municipal year.

DECISION

That the Committee Chairmen be agreed:

Committee                                                   Chairman

Audit                                                               Cllr Makepeace-Browne

Licensing                                                    Cllr Butler

Development Management                        Cllr Cockarill

Overview & Scrutiny                                    Cllr Worlock

Staffing and Appeals                                Cllr Woods    `

The Chairman congratulated the 2023/24 Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their diligence and thanked Councillor Dorn for his excellent Chairmanship. 

Members endorsed the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the recommendations for future work programmes and amended working methods.

DECISION

Council endorsed the recommendations contained within the report and that they were to be passed on to the new Committee.

The Chief Executive advised that the Council is advertising to seek to appoint two Independent Persons for a three-year term.  Council was asked to agree that the Monitoring Officer is to be authorised to approach adjoining Authorities with a view to sharing their Independent Persons for an interim period.

Proposed Cllr Neighbour. Seconded Cllr Dorn.

Voting by a show of hands was unanimous.

DECISION

That the Monitoring Officer is to be authorised to approach adjoining Authorities with a view to sharing their Independent Persons for an interim period.