Hart Borough Council
Councillors:
32
Wards:
11
Committees:
14
Meetings (2025):
65
Meetings (2024):
60
Meeting
Council - Hart
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 31st July 2025
7:00 PM
Thursday, 31st July 2025
7:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 31st July 2025
11:00 PM
Thursday, 31st July 2025
11:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
31 Jul 2025
31 Jul 2025
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Digital and Communications
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Planning Policy
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Community Safety and Regulatory Services
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Development Management
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Climate Change and Corporate Services
Committee Member
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder - Finance
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Housing and Community Services
Officer
Chief Executive
Daryl Phillips
In attendance
Officer
Committee and Member Services Manager
Sharon Black
Democratic Services
In attendance
Officer
Committee and Members Services Officer
Emma Evans1
In attendance
Committee Member
Mark Vernon
Apologies
Agenda
0
Appendix A Questions from Members
Attachments:
- Document Appendix A Minutes Council 31 July 2025 06 Aug 2025
Minutes
0
Written Response from Cllr Cockarill to Cllr Crampton's Supplementary Question
Attachments:
- Document Written Response from Cllr Cockarill to Cllr Crampton 06 Aug 2025
Minutes
1
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 29 May 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 23 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting of 29 May 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
2
Presentation by Service Dogs UK
At the request of the Chairman a presentation from Service Dogs UK.
Minutes
Dave Tipping, Operations Manager for Service Dogs UK gave a presentation on the work of the charity. Service Dogs UK is a charity that provides suitable rescue dogs, to Veterans if the Armed Forces and Emergency Services with a clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD. Together, they train dogs to become accredited PTSD assistance dogs.
Members asked questions about the areas of service delivery, costs involved, and dog selection.
Mr Tipping was thanked for his very informative presentation.
Councillor Woods arrived at 19.05.
Members asked questions about the areas of service delivery, costs involved, and dog selection.
Mr Tipping was thanked for his very informative presentation.
Councillor Woods arrived at 19.05.
3
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence from Members*.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services before the meeting as soon as they know they will be absent.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services before the meeting as soon as they know they will be absent.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor’s Bailey, Hale, Makepeace-Browne and Vernon.
4
Declarations of Interest
To declare disclosable pecuniary, and any other interests*.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services before the meeting as soon as they know they may have an interest to declare.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services before the meeting as soon as they know they may have an interest to declare.
Minutes
No declarations made.
5
Council Procedure Rule 12 - Questions by the Public
To receive any questions from members of the public submitted in line with Council Procedure Rule 12.
Note: The text of any question under Council Procedure Rule 12 must be given to the Chief Executive (email committeeservices@hart.gov.uk) no later than Noon on Friday, 25 July 2025.
Note: The text of any question under Council Procedure Rule 12 must be given to the Chief Executive (email committeeservices@hart.gov.uk) no later than Noon on Friday, 25 July 2025.
Minutes
No questions had been received from Members of the Public.
6
Council Procedure Rule 14 - Questions by Members
To receive any questions from Members submitted in line with Council Procedure Rule 14.
Note: The text of any question under the Council Procedure Rule 14.3 must be given to the Chief Executive (email committeeservices@hart.gov.uk) not later than 5.00pm on Monday 28 July 2025.
The text of any question under Council Procedure Rule 14.4 must be submitted to the Chief Executive before 10.00am on Thursday 31 July 2025.
Note: The text of any question under the Council Procedure Rule 14.3 must be given to the Chief Executive (email committeeservices@hart.gov.uk) not later than 5.00pm on Monday 28 July 2025.
The text of any question under Council Procedure Rule 14.4 must be submitted to the Chief Executive before 10.00am on Thursday 31 July 2025.
Minutes
Questions had been received from Councillors Crampton and Farmer (detailed in Appendix A).
7
Chairman's Announcements
Minutes
The Chairman highlighted his engagements, specifically the Odiham100 events thanking Cllr Hale for his work and support. Cllr Taylor was also thanked for his involvement in the ‘Let’s Celebrate Towns’ event.
8
Cabinet Members' Announcements
Minutes
The Leader of the Council, and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Direction, and Partnerships, Councillor Neighbour encouraged Members to submit their views on Local Government Organisation (LGR) via the survey ending on 17 August 2025.
He announced that he had attended Green Oak Primary School in Hartley Wintney to see how they had used the sustainability grant they had received from Hart.
Members were informed that the next round of Countryside grant funding would go live on 1 August 2025.
All 5 Countryside sites had now successfully retained their Green Flag status.
The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Radley – no update.
The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Corporate Services, Councillor Quarterman stated that under the declaration of a climate change emergency, it had been agreed that the Council would be updated with progress every six months. The latest review paper had been discussed at Overview and Scrutiny Committee in June and Cabinet in July. The report showed the successful completion of the thermal imaging project supported by volunteers from Hart Voluntary Action, the work done on engaging with local schools and the installation of additional solar panels at the Hart Leisure Centre. A report on baseline emissions from Council activity had been published, which showed a 25% reduction, principally due to the conversion of the waste fleet to hydro treated vegetable oil, which had been previously reported to Council.
The main point of discussion at both meetings had been the proposal to proceed with the plan to use grant funding from the public sector decarbonization fund to install air sourced heat pumps at the Frogmore Leisure Centre. As the result of concern about the rising costs of this project from the Council’s initial assessments, it had been agreed to add a pre- commissioning assessment of the proposed design in order to ensure value for money. The project would need further Cabinet approval once the tenders had been received.
The Portfolio Holder for Digital and Communications, Councillor Clarke reminded Members to fill in the LGR survey (available on the website) and to encourage others to do so and to promote the Countryside grants widely.
The Portfolio Holder for Development Management, Councillor Oliver, announced that new parking charges had been successfully rolled out of as of 16 June 2025 across the district. The amount of negative feedback had been minimal. Most customers had realised that prices had been held for a considerable period and that charges remained very competitive against neighbouring districts and boroughs.
The roll out of the new food waste service was on plan and was still scheduled to commence on 6 October 2025. To help councillors understand what was being delivered to their residents, they could collect their own caddies and receive training. Caddies issued to residents would have a QR code on them that linked to the waste services web pages to help them understand what went in which bin. Members were asked to help promote the new service over the summer at events.
A member queried if it was mandatory for residents to use the new food waste service. It was confirmed that it was not mandatory and would remain so until Local Government Reorganisation changes took place.
The Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, Councillor Cockarill – no update.
The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory, Councillor Collins stated that the Community Safety team had delivered three Stay safe days to 267 students at Robert Mays School in June.
There had also been two successful prosecutions for littering, with costs awarded. The Environmental Enforcement Officer has also witnessed significantly less littering on patrols.
The Community Safety Team would shortly be launching a pride in place campaign to tackle several issues across the district, and work had begun with tackling unauthorised banners and fly posting.
The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Wildsmith announced that work on re-modelling Heathlands Court was progressing well. Vivid was working to develop a specification with a view to going out to tender for a contractor soon. Work was also underway to submit a planning application to obtain necessary permissions. The Funding Agreement between Hart and Vivid was being drawn up and a Project Group had been formed drawing upon expertise from teams across Hart and Vivid. It was hoped that physical works will start this autumn/winter.
The last government funded property was due be completed on by mid-August. This would make 9 homes in total that had been acquired through the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme. This property would be offered to a Ukrainian household.
The first Older Adults Forum had been well attended, with many local third sector organisations attending along with some NHS colleagues. The discussion had been productive with work priorities such as social inclusion, digital access, transport and financial capability identified for the next meeting in September.
The team had also run a Health Fair on 12 July in partnership with Fleet Market. There had been good direct engagement with over 200 residents with many organisations reporting they had productive conversations around health and wellbeing.
He announced that he had attended Green Oak Primary School in Hartley Wintney to see how they had used the sustainability grant they had received from Hart.
Members were informed that the next round of Countryside grant funding would go live on 1 August 2025.
All 5 Countryside sites had now successfully retained their Green Flag status.
The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Radley – no update.
The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Corporate Services, Councillor Quarterman stated that under the declaration of a climate change emergency, it had been agreed that the Council would be updated with progress every six months. The latest review paper had been discussed at Overview and Scrutiny Committee in June and Cabinet in July. The report showed the successful completion of the thermal imaging project supported by volunteers from Hart Voluntary Action, the work done on engaging with local schools and the installation of additional solar panels at the Hart Leisure Centre. A report on baseline emissions from Council activity had been published, which showed a 25% reduction, principally due to the conversion of the waste fleet to hydro treated vegetable oil, which had been previously reported to Council.
The main point of discussion at both meetings had been the proposal to proceed with the plan to use grant funding from the public sector decarbonization fund to install air sourced heat pumps at the Frogmore Leisure Centre. As the result of concern about the rising costs of this project from the Council’s initial assessments, it had been agreed to add a pre- commissioning assessment of the proposed design in order to ensure value for money. The project would need further Cabinet approval once the tenders had been received.
The Portfolio Holder for Digital and Communications, Councillor Clarke reminded Members to fill in the LGR survey (available on the website) and to encourage others to do so and to promote the Countryside grants widely.
The Portfolio Holder for Development Management, Councillor Oliver, announced that new parking charges had been successfully rolled out of as of 16 June 2025 across the district. The amount of negative feedback had been minimal. Most customers had realised that prices had been held for a considerable period and that charges remained very competitive against neighbouring districts and boroughs.
The roll out of the new food waste service was on plan and was still scheduled to commence on 6 October 2025. To help councillors understand what was being delivered to their residents, they could collect their own caddies and receive training. Caddies issued to residents would have a QR code on them that linked to the waste services web pages to help them understand what went in which bin. Members were asked to help promote the new service over the summer at events.
A member queried if it was mandatory for residents to use the new food waste service. It was confirmed that it was not mandatory and would remain so until Local Government Reorganisation changes took place.
The Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, Councillor Cockarill – no update.
The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory, Councillor Collins stated that the Community Safety team had delivered three Stay safe days to 267 students at Robert Mays School in June.
There had also been two successful prosecutions for littering, with costs awarded. The Environmental Enforcement Officer has also witnessed significantly less littering on patrols.
The Community Safety Team would shortly be launching a pride in place campaign to tackle several issues across the district, and work had begun with tackling unauthorised banners and fly posting.
The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Wildsmith announced that work on re-modelling Heathlands Court was progressing well. Vivid was working to develop a specification with a view to going out to tender for a contractor soon. Work was also underway to submit a planning application to obtain necessary permissions. The Funding Agreement between Hart and Vivid was being drawn up and a Project Group had been formed drawing upon expertise from teams across Hart and Vivid. It was hoped that physical works will start this autumn/winter.
The last government funded property was due be completed on by mid-August. This would make 9 homes in total that had been acquired through the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme. This property would be offered to a Ukrainian household.
The first Older Adults Forum had been well attended, with many local third sector organisations attending along with some NHS colleagues. The discussion had been productive with work priorities such as social inclusion, digital access, transport and financial capability identified for the next meeting in September.
The team had also run a Health Fair on 12 July in partnership with Fleet Market. There had been good direct engagement with over 200 residents with many organisations reporting they had productive conversations around health and wellbeing.
9
Chief Executive's Announcements
Minutes
The Chief Executive reminded Members about the changes to the scheduled Committee meetings in September to enable consideration of LGR. O&S would be held on 4 September to consider the planned business. The consideration of LGR would take place at an extraordinary meeting of O&S on 9 September, Cabinet on 16 September and then Council on 25 September 2025.
10
Minutes of Committees
The Minutes of the following Committees, which met on the dates shown, are submitted.
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.1, Members are allowed to put questions at Council without Notice in respect of any matters in the Minutes to the Leader of the Council or any Chairman of the relevant meeting at the time those Minutes are received by Council.
Meeting
Date
Page Numbers
For Decision
Development Management
16 April 2025
10-12
Overview and Scrutiny
13 May 2025
13-16
Development Management
21 May 2025
17-21
Cabinet
5 June 2025
22-25
Overview and Scrutiny
10 June 2025
26-36
Development Management
18 June 2025
31-35
Standards Committee
24 June 2025
36-38
See Minute 6. Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers
Recommendation:
Standards Committee recommends to Council the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers (Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers be adopted and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any necessary changes to the Constitution to incorporate the Code into the Council’s Constitution and the respective Officers job descriptions.
Item 6 Code of Good Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers
Overview and Scrutiny
8 July 2025
39-42
Cabinet
10 July 2025
43- 50
Development Management Committee
16 July 2025
51-54
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.1, Members are allowed to put questions at Council without Notice in respect of any matters in the Minutes to the Leader of the Council or any Chairman of the relevant meeting at the time those Minutes are received by Council.
Meeting
Date
Page Numbers
For Decision
Development Management
16 April 2025
10-12
Overview and Scrutiny
13 May 2025
13-16
Development Management
21 May 2025
17-21
Cabinet
5 June 2025
22-25
Overview and Scrutiny
10 June 2025
26-36
Development Management
18 June 2025
31-35
Standards Committee
24 June 2025
36-38
See Minute 6. Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers
Recommendation:
Standards Committee recommends to Council the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers (Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers be adopted and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any necessary changes to the Constitution to incorporate the Code into the Council’s Constitution and the respective Officers job descriptions.
Item 6 Code of Good Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers
Overview and Scrutiny
8 July 2025
39-42
Cabinet
10 July 2025
43- 50
Development Management Committee
16 July 2025
51-54
Attachments:
- Document Minutes , 16/04/2025 Development Management Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 13/05/2025 Overview and Scrutiny Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 21/05/2025 Development Management Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 05/06/2025 Cabinet 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 10/06/2025 Overview and Scrutiny Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 18/06/2025 Development Management Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 24/06/2025 Standards Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 08/07/2025 Overview and Scrutiny Committee 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 10/07/2025 Cabinet 23 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes , 16/07/2025 Development Management Committee 23 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Minutes of the following Committees, which met on the dates shown, were received by Council:
Meeting
Date
Development Management
16 April 2025
Overview and Scrutiny
13 May 2025
Development Management
21 May 2025
Cabinet
5 June 2025
Overview and Scrutiny
10 June 2025
Development Management
18 June 2025
Standards
24 June 2025
Overview and Scrutiny
8 July 2025
Cabinet
10 July 2025
Development Management
16 July 2025
Standards – Minute No. 6. Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers
Proposed by Cllr Worlock, seconded by Cllr Woods and unanimously agreed.
Decision
The Council agreed that the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers be adopted and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any necessary changes to the Constitution to incorporate the Code into the Council’s Constitution and the respective Officers’ job descriptions.
Meeting
Date
Development Management
16 April 2025
Overview and Scrutiny
13 May 2025
Development Management
21 May 2025
Cabinet
5 June 2025
Overview and Scrutiny
10 June 2025
Development Management
18 June 2025
Standards
24 June 2025
Overview and Scrutiny
8 July 2025
Cabinet
10 July 2025
Development Management
16 July 2025
Standards – Minute No. 6. Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers
Proposed by Cllr Worlock, seconded by Cllr Woods and unanimously agreed.
Decision
The Council agreed that the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers be adopted and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any necessary changes to the Constitution to incorporate the Code into the Council’s Constitution and the respective Officers’ job descriptions.
11
Outside Bodies - Feedback from Members
To receive any feedback from Members who are representatives of the Council on an Outside Body.
Attachments:
- Document Outside Representatives Nominations 25-26 23 Jul 2025
Minutes
No feedback was received from Council representatives on Outside Bodies.
12
Motion to Council
The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Smith and seconded by Councillor Butler.
“This Council wishes to alleviate the cost and administrative burdens placed on volunteer drivers and organisations in Hart involved in the transportation of passengers for health-related appointments who would otherwise be unable to attend those appointments by providing free parking in Hart-owned car parks for those appointments using the existing Hampshire Hospital Parking Permit scheme (yellow parking permit scheme) administered under the auspices of Hampshire County Council.”
“This Council wishes to alleviate the cost and administrative burdens placed on volunteer drivers and organisations in Hart involved in the transportation of passengers for health-related appointments who would otherwise be unable to attend those appointments by providing free parking in Hart-owned car parks for those appointments using the existing Hampshire Hospital Parking Permit scheme (yellow parking permit scheme) administered under the auspices of Hampshire County Council.”
Minutes
The following motion was proposed and moved by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Butler:
“This Council wishes to alleviate the cost and administrative burdens placed on volunteer drivers and organisations in Hart involved in the transportation of passengers for health-related appointments who would otherwise be unable to attend those appointments by providing free parking in Hart-owned car parks for those appointments using the existing Hampshire Hospital Parking Permit scheme (yellow parking permit scheme) administered under the auspices of Hampshire County Council.”
Cllr Smith immediately proposed an amended motion that was seconded by Cllr Butler:
“This Council wishes to alleviate the cost and administrative burdens placed on volunteer drivers and organisations in Hart involved in the transportation of passengers for health-related appointments who would otherwise be unable to attend those appointments by providing free parking in Hart-owned car parks for those appointments using the existing Hampshire Hospital Parking Permit scheme (yellow parking permit scheme) administered under the auspices of ?Hampshire County Council.?The Cabinet Member for Car Parks should therefore be authorised to arrange a 6-month?trial for accepting permits informally. This will help assess the impact of the proposal and evaluate how we can monitor and ensure compliance. If the Portfolio Holder is satisfied thereafter that the trial does not raise any concerns regarding application and monitoring, they can then approve an update to the Off-Street Parking Order when it is next revised for another reason.”
Cllr Smith explained this amendment would help keep costs low.
Cllr Coburn left at 19:52 p.m.
The motion was debated. Key areas of discussion were:
· Cost of implementation
· Methods of enforcement
· Clarification of use of the Good Neighbour Scheme
· Nature of the trial in Hook
· Need to work with the volunteers
· Importance of supporting people to volunteer.
Cllr Woods left at 8:04pm and returned at 8.06pm.
A vote by show of hands was taken. Unanimous.
The motion was carried.
“This Council wishes to alleviate the cost and administrative burdens placed on volunteer drivers and organisations in Hart involved in the transportation of passengers for health-related appointments who would otherwise be unable to attend those appointments by providing free parking in Hart-owned car parks for those appointments using the existing Hampshire Hospital Parking Permit scheme (yellow parking permit scheme) administered under the auspices of Hampshire County Council.”
Cllr Smith immediately proposed an amended motion that was seconded by Cllr Butler:
“This Council wishes to alleviate the cost and administrative burdens placed on volunteer drivers and organisations in Hart involved in the transportation of passengers for health-related appointments who would otherwise be unable to attend those appointments by providing free parking in Hart-owned car parks for those appointments using the existing Hampshire Hospital Parking Permit scheme (yellow parking permit scheme) administered under the auspices of ?Hampshire County Council.?The Cabinet Member for Car Parks should therefore be authorised to arrange a 6-month?trial for accepting permits informally. This will help assess the impact of the proposal and evaluate how we can monitor and ensure compliance. If the Portfolio Holder is satisfied thereafter that the trial does not raise any concerns regarding application and monitoring, they can then approve an update to the Off-Street Parking Order when it is next revised for another reason.”
Cllr Smith explained this amendment would help keep costs low.
Cllr Coburn left at 19:52 p.m.
The motion was debated. Key areas of discussion were:
· Cost of implementation
· Methods of enforcement
· Clarification of use of the Good Neighbour Scheme
· Nature of the trial in Hook
· Need to work with the volunteers
· Importance of supporting people to volunteer.
Cllr Woods left at 8:04pm and returned at 8.06pm.
A vote by show of hands was taken. Unanimous.
The motion was carried.
13
Special Severance Payment with Former Executive Director
Purpose:
In accordance with the Council’s Pay Policy and the Council’s best value obligations, to report the outcome of the senior management restructure and to confirm that a mutually beneficial Special Severance Payment (SSP) agreement has been reached with a former Executive Director who voluntarily left the organisation as part of the Council’s strategic measures to address the 2026/27 budget gap.
Background:
As part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to achieve financial sustainability and to help close the projected budget gap for the 2026/27 financial year, a number of structural and staffing changes have been implemented. These changes include a voluntary departure by an Executive Director, which has been formalised through a mutually beneficial SSP.
Key Points:
• The Council, while preparing the 2025/26 budget, acknowledged that the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) anticipated a £1.4 million budget gap for 2026/27. To address this projected gap, the Council planned to implement efficiency savings through a restructuring of the Senior Leadership Team and a realignment of service delivery. These measures were expected to play a key role in bridging the budget gap.
• The Executive Director’s departure was voluntary and is being reported to Council in accordance with the Council's Pay Policy and best value obligations.
• The SSP was reached to ensure a smooth transition
• The terms of the SSP are consistent with the Council’s policies and legal obligations, and was drafted and managed by external solicitors on behalf of the Council to ensure legal compliance. The employee also had the SSP scrutinised by their own solicitor.
• The financial implications of the SSP are positive and will be accounted for within the current year’s budget as reflected in an adjusted Medium Terms Financial Strategy (MTFS). It will make a significant contribution towards the overall savings target for 2026/27 and for the revenue budget going forward thereafter.
Recommendation:
That the Council endorses the actions taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of Staffing Committee and the Group Leaders to
· secure Medium Term Financial Strategy identified efficiency savings through the restructure of the Senior Leadership Team;
· the use of a mutually agreed voluntary Special Severance Payment; and
· to note the positive contribution this action brings to support the Council’s broader financial strategy in accordance with agreed Medium Term Financial Strategy objectives.
In accordance with the Council’s Pay Policy and the Council’s best value obligations, to report the outcome of the senior management restructure and to confirm that a mutually beneficial Special Severance Payment (SSP) agreement has been reached with a former Executive Director who voluntarily left the organisation as part of the Council’s strategic measures to address the 2026/27 budget gap.
Background:
As part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to achieve financial sustainability and to help close the projected budget gap for the 2026/27 financial year, a number of structural and staffing changes have been implemented. These changes include a voluntary departure by an Executive Director, which has been formalised through a mutually beneficial SSP.
Key Points:
• The Council, while preparing the 2025/26 budget, acknowledged that the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) anticipated a £1.4 million budget gap for 2026/27. To address this projected gap, the Council planned to implement efficiency savings through a restructuring of the Senior Leadership Team and a realignment of service delivery. These measures were expected to play a key role in bridging the budget gap.
• The Executive Director’s departure was voluntary and is being reported to Council in accordance with the Council's Pay Policy and best value obligations.
• The SSP was reached to ensure a smooth transition
• The terms of the SSP are consistent with the Council’s policies and legal obligations, and was drafted and managed by external solicitors on behalf of the Council to ensure legal compliance. The employee also had the SSP scrutinised by their own solicitor.
• The financial implications of the SSP are positive and will be accounted for within the current year’s budget as reflected in an adjusted Medium Terms Financial Strategy (MTFS). It will make a significant contribution towards the overall savings target for 2026/27 and for the revenue budget going forward thereafter.
Recommendation:
That the Council endorses the actions taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of Staffing Committee and the Group Leaders to
· secure Medium Term Financial Strategy identified efficiency savings through the restructure of the Senior Leadership Team;
· the use of a mutually agreed voluntary Special Severance Payment; and
· to note the positive contribution this action brings to support the Council’s broader financial strategy in accordance with agreed Medium Term Financial Strategy objectives.
Minutes
The Chief Executive introduced the Special Severance Payment with Former Executive Director item.
Proposed by Cllr Crampton and seconded by Cllr Radley.
A vote was taken by show of hands.
Unanimous.
Decision
That the Council endorse the actions taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of Staffing Committee and the Group Leaders to secure Medium Term Financial Strategy identified efficiency savings through the restructure of the Senior Leadership Team; the use of a mutually agreed voluntary Special Severance Payment; and to note the positive contribution this action brings to support the Council’s broader financial strategy in accordance with agreed Medium Term Financial Strategy objectives.
Proposed by Cllr Crampton and seconded by Cllr Radley.
A vote was taken by show of hands.
Unanimous.
Decision
That the Council endorse the actions taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of Staffing Committee and the Group Leaders to secure Medium Term Financial Strategy identified efficiency savings through the restructure of the Senior Leadership Team; the use of a mutually agreed voluntary Special Severance Payment; and to note the positive contribution this action brings to support the Council’s broader financial strategy in accordance with agreed Medium Term Financial Strategy objectives.
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in