Hart Borough Council
Councillors:
32
Wards:
11
Committees:
14
Meetings (2025):
65
Meetings (2024):
60
Meeting
Cabinet - Hart
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 10th July 2025
7:00 PM
Thursday, 10th July 2025
7:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 10th July 2025
11:00 PM
Thursday, 10th July 2025
11:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
10 Jul 2025
10 Jul 2025
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Officer
Chief Executive
Daryl Phillips
In attendance
Deputy Leader
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder - Finance
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Digital and Communications
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Community Safety and Regulatory Services
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Development Management
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Climate Change and Corporate Services
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Housing and Community Services
Officer
Committee and Member Services Manager
Sharon Black
Democratic Services
In attendance
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Planning Policy
Officer
Contracts & Procurement Manager; Monitoring Officer
Ashley Grist
In attendance
Officer
Digital, Customer & Change Manager
Steven Bennett
In attendance
Officer
Biodiversity Officer
Mike Barry
In attendance
Officer
Planning Policy - Strategic & Corporate Projects Manager
Christine Tetlow
In attendance
Officer
Sustainability & Climate Change Officer
Liz Vango-Smith
In attendance
Officer
UKSPF Senior Project Officer
Paula Stephenson
In attendance
Agenda
1
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2025 are attached for confirmation and signature as a correct record.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
The minutes of 5 June 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Proposed by: Cllr Neigbhour; Seconded by: Cllr Wildsmith; Unanimously agreed
Proposed by: Cllr Neigbhour; Seconded by: Cllr Wildsmith; Unanimously agreed
2
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence from Members*.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.
Minutes
Apologies had been received from Cllr Oliver.
3
Declarations of Interest
To declare disclosable pecuniary, and any other interests*.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.
Minutes
No declarations were made.
4
Chair's Announcements
Minutes
The Chair had no announcements.
5
Public Participation (Items Pertaining to the Agenda)
Anyone wishing to make a statement to the Committee should contact Committee Services at least two clear working days prior to the meeting. Further information can be found
online.
online.
Minutes
There was none.
6
Repair and Maintenance of Sandy Lane Ditch
To seek Cabinet approval for the release of funds for ongoing maintenance and repair works along the length of the Sandy Lane Ditch.
Recommendation
Cabinet is asked to agree to the release of up to £75,000 capital funding for further repair and maintenance works to the Sandy Lane Ditch.
Recommendation
Cabinet is asked to agree to the release of up to £75,000 capital funding for further repair and maintenance works to the Sandy Lane Ditch.
Attachments:
- Document Repair and Maintenance of Sandy Lane Ditch 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
To seek Cabinet approval for the release of funds for ongoing maintenance and repair works along the length of the Sandy Lane Ditch.
Members heard:
The Council owned a number of watercourses (ditches) which they were required to maintain and were annually inspected The Sandy Lane ditch had eroded and collapsed in part. The Environment Agency (EA) had provided funding to repair the footpath adjacent to the collapse and contractors had been procured Other precautionary work had been identified, and for this the sum of up to £75,000 was being requested from Earmarked Reserves (EMR) to fund this unexpected work A further permit from the EA would be applied for to carry out the work
Members questioned:
Which part of the long ditch had been identified for remedial works
Members also noted that once the repairs are completed, the length of the ditch will be subject to annual inspection on a risk-based assessment to ensure it is maintained in good repair. Additionally, more sustainable methods for maintaining these areas would be explored, including the possibility of replacing concrete slabs with more natural solutions for managing water, such as biodiverse bank habitats.
Proposed by: Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Radley; Unanimously agreed
Decision
Cabinet agreed to the release of up to £75,000 capital funding for further repair and maintenance works to the Sandy Lane Ditch.
Members heard:
The Council owned a number of watercourses (ditches) which they were required to maintain and were annually inspected The Sandy Lane ditch had eroded and collapsed in part. The Environment Agency (EA) had provided funding to repair the footpath adjacent to the collapse and contractors had been procured Other precautionary work had been identified, and for this the sum of up to £75,000 was being requested from Earmarked Reserves (EMR) to fund this unexpected work A further permit from the EA would be applied for to carry out the work
Members questioned:
Which part of the long ditch had been identified for remedial works
Members also noted that once the repairs are completed, the length of the ditch will be subject to annual inspection on a risk-based assessment to ensure it is maintained in good repair. Additionally, more sustainable methods for maintaining these areas would be explored, including the possibility of replacing concrete slabs with more natural solutions for managing water, such as biodiverse bank habitats.
Proposed by: Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Radley; Unanimously agreed
Decision
Cabinet agreed to the release of up to £75,000 capital funding for further repair and maintenance works to the Sandy Lane Ditch.
7
Q4 Performance Plan Outturn
To update Cabinet on the Council’s performance indicator results of 2024/25 (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025).
Recommendation
That the performance indicator report for 2024/25 is noted.
Recommendation
That the performance indicator report for 2024/25 is noted.
Attachments:
- Document 20250702105234_002097_0002593_ReportTemplateNovember24AllCommitteesFinal 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
To update Cabinet on the Council’s performance indicator results of 2024/25 (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025).
Members heard:
The process for reporting through Service Panels was now embedded In general, performance was good in those areas that were being more closely monitored
Members asked:
For reassurance that anomalies in individual quarters were being or had been addressed and were not a cause for concern Whether the figures were a true reflection of the current state of some of the service areas, given discussions that had taken place previously in Overview & Scrutiny Whether some of the KPIs should be more ambitious About anomalies within the information presented (specifically around DM9 and DM10)
Members noted that a resourcing update for the Development Management (DM) area would be incorporated into the budget setting process. The Development Management function had recently undergone several staffing changes, and a new Development Management and Building Control Contract Manager had joined Hart in late June.
Decision
The performance indicator report for 2024/25 was noted.
Members heard:
The process for reporting through Service Panels was now embedded In general, performance was good in those areas that were being more closely monitored
Members asked:
For reassurance that anomalies in individual quarters were being or had been addressed and were not a cause for concern Whether the figures were a true reflection of the current state of some of the service areas, given discussions that had taken place previously in Overview & Scrutiny Whether some of the KPIs should be more ambitious About anomalies within the information presented (specifically around DM9 and DM10)
Members noted that a resourcing update for the Development Management (DM) area would be incorporated into the budget setting process. The Development Management function had recently undergone several staffing changes, and a new Development Management and Building Control Contract Manager had joined Hart in late June.
Decision
The performance indicator report for 2024/25 was noted.
8
Corporate Peer Challenge Review Report
This report confirms the receipt of the Local Government Association (LGA) 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) feedback report for Hart District Council. It summarises the purpose of the CPC, the overall findings, and the recommendations made. It also outlines the proposed next steps, including the preparation of an action plan to be reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its adoption by Cabinet in September.
Recommendation
Cabinet is recommended to:
a) Note the receipt of the LGA 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge Feedback report.
b) Endorse the preparation of an action plan in response to the report’s recommendations.
c) Agree that the draft action plan be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its adoption by Cabinet in September
Recommendation
Cabinet is recommended to:
a) Note the receipt of the LGA 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge Feedback report.
b) Endorse the preparation of an action plan in response to the report’s recommendations.
c) Agree that the draft action plan be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its adoption by Cabinet in September
Attachments:
- Document Corporate Peer Challenge Review Report 02 Jul 2025
- Document Peer Challenge recommendations 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
This report confirmed the receipt of the Local Government Association (LGA) 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) feedback report for Hart District Council. It summarised the purpose of the CPC, the overall findings, and the recommendations made. It also outlined the proposed next steps, including the preparation of an action plan to be reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its adoption by Cabinet in September.
Members heard:
This was a very positive report, with 10 recommendations for improvement The forthcoming Cabinet Away Day would look at the action plan, and linked to that also the Corporate Plan
Proposed by; Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Collins
Members discussed:
How to improve services in the light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) That a significant proportion of the recommendations were LGR-focused, to allow the Council to leave a legacy for residents The need to be proactive in the light of LGR and embrace the recommendations
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet:
a) Noted the receipt of the LGA 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge Feedback report.
b) Endorsed the preparation of an action plan in response to the report’s recommendations.
c) Agreed that the draft action plan be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its adoption by Cabinet in September
Members heard:
This was a very positive report, with 10 recommendations for improvement The forthcoming Cabinet Away Day would look at the action plan, and linked to that also the Corporate Plan
Proposed by; Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Collins
Members discussed:
How to improve services in the light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) That a significant proportion of the recommendations were LGR-focused, to allow the Council to leave a legacy for residents The need to be proactive in the light of LGR and embrace the recommendations
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet:
a) Noted the receipt of the LGA 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge Feedback report.
b) Endorsed the preparation of an action plan in response to the report’s recommendations.
c) Agreed that the draft action plan be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its adoption by Cabinet in September
9
Climate Change updated and request for funding allocations for projects to deliver Action Plan
To update the committee on the progress made with the climate change action plan from December 2024 to May 2025, including measured greenhouse gas emissions, and to seek approval to update the climate action plan.
To gain Cabinet’s decision on next steps for the heat pump project.
Recommendation
Cabinet is requested to agree the following recommendations:
i. To note the climate change action plan update (Appendix 1) and emissions report (Appendix 2).
ii. To approve the revised climate change action plan and revised delivery date to 2029 (Appendix 3a and 3b).
iii. To approve the building priorities list included in Appendix 3b and delegate authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, to vary this list to ensure compliance with regulations and corporate strategy in the future.
iv. To approve the continuation of the capital project to install heat pumps at Frogmore Leisure Centre to replace the existing gas boiler for heating system, part-funded from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme phase 3c.
To gain Cabinet’s decision on next steps for the heat pump project.
Recommendation
Cabinet is requested to agree the following recommendations:
i. To note the climate change action plan update (Appendix 1) and emissions report (Appendix 2).
ii. To approve the revised climate change action plan and revised delivery date to 2029 (Appendix 3a and 3b).
iii. To approve the building priorities list included in Appendix 3b and delegate authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, to vary this list to ensure compliance with regulations and corporate strategy in the future.
iv. To approve the continuation of the capital project to install heat pumps at Frogmore Leisure Centre to replace the existing gas boiler for heating system, part-funded from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme phase 3c.
Attachments:
- Document Cabinet report - Climate Change Programme Six Monthly Update July 2025 02 Jul 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - climate change action plan 2023-2027 (1) 02 Jul 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - Climate Change Emissions Report_May 2025 02 Jul 2025
- Document Appendix 3a - climate action plan review_May 2025 FINAL (1) 02 Jul 2025
- Document Appendix 3b - council building priorities (1) 02 Jul 2025
- Document Appendix 4 - Climate Change Programme Expenditure Summary_May 2025 02 Jul 2025
- Document Appendix 5 - Details about Frogmore Leisure Centre heat pump 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet was updated on the progress made with the climate change action plan from December 2024 to May 2025, including measured greenhouse gas emissions. The update also sought approval to revise the climate action plan and to obtain the Cabinet’s decision on next steps for the heat pump project.
Members heard:
This was a regular six-monthly update, and an update would also be given to full council at the end of July
The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Corporate proposed an amendment to the recommendations as follows:
“The first point to read:
iv. Subject to point 'v', to approve the continuation of the capital project to install heat pumps at Frogmore Leisure Centre to replace the existing gas boiler for heating system, part-funded from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme phase 3c
And subsequently a new additional recommendation:
v.????In light of the high revised estimated capital cost for the heat pump project and to ensure good value for money, the specification and approach will be reviewed prior to commencement of the tender process, and the final contract award and revised budget requirement will be subject to Cabinet approval before the project commences further'.”
Cllr Radley seconded this amendment.
Members were given highlights of the work done by the Climate Change Team over the past six months:
The thermal imaging scheme run with Hart Voluntary Action had been extremely successful Engagement with schools had been very well received There was now a year’s worth of data on the introduction of waste vehicles using Hydrolysed Vegetable Oil (rather than diesel), which had resulted in a 25% reduction in carbon emissions Work was progressing on the heat pump project for Frogmore Leisure Centre – an amendment to the recommendations to Cabinet on this project had been outlined by the Portfolio Holder earlier in the meeting
Members questioned:
Whether there was a deadline by which the grant for the heat pumps at Frogmore had to be spent, and would it be clawed back by Salix if not spent? Would any delay to the process by introducing a new check point by Cabinet on the cost, impact on completing the project on time
Officers were thanked for their ongoing efforts, particularly in collaboration with schools within the District.
The recommendation, as amended, was unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following recommendations, as amended:
i. Noted the climate change action plan update (Appendix 1) and emissions report (Appendix 2).
ii. Approved the revised climate change action plan and revised delivery date to 2029 (Appendix 3a and 3b).
iii. Approved the building priorities list included in Appendix 3b and delegate authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, to vary this list to ensure compliance with regulations and corporate strategy in the future.
iv. Subject to point 'v', to approve the continuation of the capital project to install heat pumps at Frogmore Leisure Centre to replace the existing gas boiler for heating system, part-funded from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme phase 3c
v.????In light of the high revised estimated capital cost for the heat pump project and to ensure good value for money, the specification and approach will be reviewed prior to commencement of the tender process, and the final contract award and revised budget requirement will be subject to Cabinet approval before the project commences further'.”
Members heard:
This was a regular six-monthly update, and an update would also be given to full council at the end of July
The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Corporate proposed an amendment to the recommendations as follows:
“The first point to read:
iv. Subject to point 'v', to approve the continuation of the capital project to install heat pumps at Frogmore Leisure Centre to replace the existing gas boiler for heating system, part-funded from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme phase 3c
And subsequently a new additional recommendation:
v.????In light of the high revised estimated capital cost for the heat pump project and to ensure good value for money, the specification and approach will be reviewed prior to commencement of the tender process, and the final contract award and revised budget requirement will be subject to Cabinet approval before the project commences further'.”
Cllr Radley seconded this amendment.
Members were given highlights of the work done by the Climate Change Team over the past six months:
The thermal imaging scheme run with Hart Voluntary Action had been extremely successful Engagement with schools had been very well received There was now a year’s worth of data on the introduction of waste vehicles using Hydrolysed Vegetable Oil (rather than diesel), which had resulted in a 25% reduction in carbon emissions Work was progressing on the heat pump project for Frogmore Leisure Centre – an amendment to the recommendations to Cabinet on this project had been outlined by the Portfolio Holder earlier in the meeting
Members questioned:
Whether there was a deadline by which the grant for the heat pumps at Frogmore had to be spent, and would it be clawed back by Salix if not spent? Would any delay to the process by introducing a new check point by Cabinet on the cost, impact on completing the project on time
Officers were thanked for their ongoing efforts, particularly in collaboration with schools within the District.
The recommendation, as amended, was unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following recommendations, as amended:
i. Noted the climate change action plan update (Appendix 1) and emissions report (Appendix 2).
ii. Approved the revised climate change action plan and revised delivery date to 2029 (Appendix 3a and 3b).
iii. Approved the building priorities list included in Appendix 3b and delegate authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, to vary this list to ensure compliance with regulations and corporate strategy in the future.
iv. Subject to point 'v', to approve the continuation of the capital project to install heat pumps at Frogmore Leisure Centre to replace the existing gas boiler for heating system, part-funded from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme phase 3c
v.????In light of the high revised estimated capital cost for the heat pump project and to ensure good value for money, the specification and approach will be reviewed prior to commencement of the tender process, and the final contract award and revised budget requirement will be subject to Cabinet approval before the project commences further'.”
10
UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Revised 2025/26 Project and Financial Plan
Hart District Council (HDC) has been granted£327k through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to fund projects in 2025/26. This report proposes a revision to the financial plan for the 2025/26 funding, which was approved by Cabinet in March.
Recommendation
That Cabinet is requested to approve:
The updated 2025/26 UKSPF financial plan set out in Appendix 1.
Recommendation
That Cabinet is requested to approve:
The updated 2025/26 UKSPF financial plan set out in Appendix 1.
Attachments:
- Document 25 07 10 Cabinet Report UK SPF 02 Jul 2025
- Document 25 07 10 Appendix 1 - UKSPF Financial Plan (1) 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
Hart District Council (HDC) has been granted £327k through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to fund projects in 2025/26.
This report proposed a revision to the financial plan for the 2025/26 funding, which was approved by Cabinet in March.
Members heard:
The projects needed to be completed by the end of March 2026 One of the original projects that had been allocated funds had not been able to progress and had therefore pulled out The funding had therefore been reallocated to a project that had already been given funding, as there was no time to run another round for applications
Proposed by: Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Clarke; Unanimously agreed
Thanks were given to the officers who had worked with the recipients of the funding, both for the 2024/25 scheme as well as the current 2025/26 one.
Decision
Cabinet approved the updated 2025/26 UKSPF financial plan set out in Appendix 1 to the report
This report proposed a revision to the financial plan for the 2025/26 funding, which was approved by Cabinet in March.
Members heard:
The projects needed to be completed by the end of March 2026 One of the original projects that had been allocated funds had not been able to progress and had therefore pulled out The funding had therefore been reallocated to a project that had already been given funding, as there was no time to run another round for applications
Proposed by: Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Clarke; Unanimously agreed
Thanks were given to the officers who had worked with the recipients of the funding, both for the 2024/25 scheme as well as the current 2025/26 one.
Decision
Cabinet approved the updated 2025/26 UKSPF financial plan set out in Appendix 1 to the report
11
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The purpose of this report is to update on the latest position regarding the Hampshire 12 and the northern Hampshire authority engagement proposals, confirming the current stage of the project, next steps, KPMG’s role, and financial implications for Hart District Council. This report, however, does not address issues associated with preferred options. This work is still ongoing and also subject to a public engagement exercise. That outcome will be subject to separate reports in September
Recommendation
The Cabinet is recommended to agree on the following:
i. To fund the current Hampshire and Solent local government reorganisation work from the 2024/2025 underspend, approving a further £150k budget
ii. To agree to the continuation of the joint strategic partnership that is being developed between Hart, Rushmoor, and Basingstoke & Deane councils.
iii. To agree to closer working with Rushmoor, where Rushmoor can provide direct LGR and project management support to Hart, while also exploring the opportunities for further shared service arrangements, to be funded from the additional budget approved in (i) above.
Recommendation
The Cabinet is recommended to agree on the following:
i. To fund the current Hampshire and Solent local government reorganisation work from the 2024/2025 underspend, approving a further £150k budget
ii. To agree to the continuation of the joint strategic partnership that is being developed between Hart, Rushmoor, and Basingstoke & Deane councils.
iii. To agree to closer working with Rushmoor, where Rushmoor can provide direct LGR and project management support to Hart, while also exploring the opportunities for further shared service arrangements, to be funded from the additional budget approved in (i) above.
Attachments:
- Document Local Government Reorganisation Project Funding Update 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
This report was to update on the latest position regarding the Hampshire 12 and the northern Hampshire authority engagement proposals, confirming the current stage of the project, next steps, KPMG’s role, and financial implications for Hart District Council.
The report, however, did not address issues associated with preferred options. This work was still ongoing and subject to a public engagement exercise. That outcome will be subject to separate reports in September
Members heard:
That 12 of the Hampshire councils were working together; 2 were working together separately; and one had withdrawn completely from the process Ultimately, it would be for central Government to decide which scheme would be chosen to progress Consultants were being used, and costs were being shared amongst the 12 councils The proposed “Northern Hampshire Unitary”, consisting of Hart (HDC), Basingstoke and Deane (BDBC), and Rushmoor (RBC), was progressing with discussions. Costs were being split 50% for BDBC and 25% each for HDC and RBC Everyone is working towards a submission date of 26 September 2025 Staffing resources were being shared with RBC, which will need additional funding as the work increases That there was a proposal to change a district boundary in the New Forest/Southampton area
Members questioned:
Whether it was likely that Andover would be incorporated into the Northern Hampshire group Whether all of the proposals included the Northern Hampshire Unitary being made up of HDC, BDBC and RBC Whether the Council should be doing more to publicise the consultation being run.
Members also heard:
That the Council’s engagement with residents looked at what residents would like, but it was not a consultation on the options- the Government itself would undertake a consultation exercise in due course There would also be a Northern Hampshire engagement exercise, asking a proportion of local residents for their thoughts on the local area and its identity The two complementary engagement exercises would be used as evidence to support the options being submitted by the Council A presentation had been given to Overview & Scrutiny on the current position, although this changes on an almost daily basis The Chief Executive would send a note out to Councillors to bring them up to date, and explain how they can help get the message out about the engagement exercise with their residents The Council’s engagement exercise ended on 17 August 2025.
Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Wildsmith; Unanimously agreed
Recommendation
Cabinet agreed the following:
i. To fund the current Hampshire and Solent local government reorganisation work from the 2024/2025 underspend, approving a further £150k budget
ii. To agree to the continuation of the joint strategic partnership that is being developed between Hart, Rushmoor, and Basingstoke & Deane councils.
iii. To agree to closer working with Rushmoor, where Rushmoor can provide direct LGR and project management support to Hart, while also exploring the opportunities for further shared service arrangements, to be funded from the additional budget approved in (i) above.
The report, however, did not address issues associated with preferred options. This work was still ongoing and subject to a public engagement exercise. That outcome will be subject to separate reports in September
Members heard:
That 12 of the Hampshire councils were working together; 2 were working together separately; and one had withdrawn completely from the process Ultimately, it would be for central Government to decide which scheme would be chosen to progress Consultants were being used, and costs were being shared amongst the 12 councils The proposed “Northern Hampshire Unitary”, consisting of Hart (HDC), Basingstoke and Deane (BDBC), and Rushmoor (RBC), was progressing with discussions. Costs were being split 50% for BDBC and 25% each for HDC and RBC Everyone is working towards a submission date of 26 September 2025 Staffing resources were being shared with RBC, which will need additional funding as the work increases That there was a proposal to change a district boundary in the New Forest/Southampton area
Members questioned:
Whether it was likely that Andover would be incorporated into the Northern Hampshire group Whether all of the proposals included the Northern Hampshire Unitary being made up of HDC, BDBC and RBC Whether the Council should be doing more to publicise the consultation being run.
Members also heard:
That the Council’s engagement with residents looked at what residents would like, but it was not a consultation on the options- the Government itself would undertake a consultation exercise in due course There would also be a Northern Hampshire engagement exercise, asking a proportion of local residents for their thoughts on the local area and its identity The two complementary engagement exercises would be used as evidence to support the options being submitted by the Council A presentation had been given to Overview & Scrutiny on the current position, although this changes on an almost daily basis The Chief Executive would send a note out to Councillors to bring them up to date, and explain how they can help get the message out about the engagement exercise with their residents The Council’s engagement exercise ended on 17 August 2025.
Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Wildsmith; Unanimously agreed
Recommendation
Cabinet agreed the following:
i. To fund the current Hampshire and Solent local government reorganisation work from the 2024/2025 underspend, approving a further £150k budget
ii. To agree to the continuation of the joint strategic partnership that is being developed between Hart, Rushmoor, and Basingstoke & Deane councils.
iii. To agree to closer working with Rushmoor, where Rushmoor can provide direct LGR and project management support to Hart, while also exploring the opportunities for further shared service arrangements, to be funded from the additional budget approved in (i) above.
12
Cabinet Work Programme
To consider and amend the Cabinet Work Programme.
Attachments:
- Document 25 07 10 Cabinet Work Programme V3 02 Jul 2025
Minutes
Members considered the Cabinet work programme, and no amendments were made.
Members were reminded that the September meeting would be held on 16 September, to allow a full discussion and decision on LGR to take place. There would also be a change to Overview & Scrutiny meetings for September – the regular meeting would take place on Thursday, 4 September, with an extraordinary meeting to discuss LGR only on Tuesday, 9 September.
Members were asked to support a request from the Chief Executive to release funding for early work on the Local Plan. The Cabinet had previously agreed to support this work, and a full report would be presented at the September meeting. However, to allow work to begin immediately, funding was required to cover the costs of the software necessary for the initial work, as well as staffing resources. The Portfolio Holder for Finance confirmed he was content with this request, and Cabinet supported it. The Chief Executive would make any decision on the amount to be released after consulting with the S151 Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance.
Members were reminded that the September meeting would be held on 16 September, to allow a full discussion and decision on LGR to take place. There would also be a change to Overview & Scrutiny meetings for September – the regular meeting would take place on Thursday, 4 September, with an extraordinary meeting to discuss LGR only on Tuesday, 9 September.
Members were asked to support a request from the Chief Executive to release funding for early work on the Local Plan. The Cabinet had previously agreed to support this work, and a full report would be presented at the September meeting. However, to allow work to begin immediately, funding was required to cover the costs of the software necessary for the initial work, as well as staffing resources. The Portfolio Holder for Finance confirmed he was content with this request, and Cabinet supported it. The Chief Executive would make any decision on the amount to be released after consulting with the S151 Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance.
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