Havant Borough Council Council Meeting

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors Hughes, Milne, Redsull and Sceal.

There were no declarations of interest from the members present.

Proposed by Councillor Kennett and seconded by Councillor Keast, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meetings of Extraordinary Council and Council meetings of 16 November 2022 be confirmed as correct records.

The Mayor informed members that other dates and events up to the first week in January are available on the webiste.  There were no questions from members in relation for the Mayor on her published report.

There were no requests from members of the public to ask questions or to address Council under the provision of this Standing Order.

The Monitoring Officer confirmed to members that item 5(7) The Future Information Computer Technology (ICT) Infrastructure and Security Provision Options Paper was removed from the Council agenda due to there being no budgetary considerations in relation to this matter.  During the meeting of Cabinet held on 18 January 2023, it was requested that members be given opportunity to ask any questions in relation to this report.

1     Council Tax Support Scheme from Cabinet held on 14 December 2022

Councillor Denton introduced the item as relevant Cabinet Lead and proposed the recommendations to Council.

Seconded by Councillor Turner, following a vote, it was

RESOLVED that Council agreed:

1)    that the 2022/23 Council Tax Support Scheme is retained for 2023/24 but with the following amendments:

i)       the allowances and premiums used in determining entitlement for working age claims are uplifted in line with the figures applied by the Department for Works and Pensions, (DWP), for the Housing Benefit Scheme in 2023/24;

ii)     the non-dependant deductions used in determining entitlement for working age claims are adapted in line with the rates as set by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for non-dependant pension age claims;

iii)    the Council continues to facilitate a Council Tax Support Hardship Fund

2)    that the necessary amendments are made to the Council Tax Support Scheme document and that it is then published in accordance with Local Government Finance Act 1992 Section 13A(2)

2     2022-23 Q2 Budget Monitoring and Performance Report from Cabinet held on 14 December 2022

Councillor Denton introduced the item as relevant Cabinet Lead and proposed the recommendations to Council.

Seconded by Councillor Stone, following debate and a vote, it was

RESOLVED that Council agreed:

A.   Receipt of £1.65m Brownfield Grant to proceed with the demolition of Bulbeck Road car park;

B.   Receipt of £0.085m in relation to Springwood play park, funded by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; 

C.   Receipt of £0.1m in relation to Changing Places Toilets funded by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

D.   Receipt of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation for 2022/23 of £0.025M capital and £0.077 revenue funding and to note indicative allocations for 2023/24 funding of £0.203m and £0.695m, a total of £1m funding over the next three years; and

E.   Delegate to the Regeneration & Economic Development Manager to drawdown the funds in consultation with s151.

F.   The revised 2022/23 to 2025/26 capital programme is detailed in Appendix C

G.  For a capital sum of up to £30k to support a county council led project in relation to Langstone seawall, only west of wade lane, once approved by Hampshire County council and all relevant stakeholders. For delegated authority to the Executive Head of Coastal Partnership to agree the spend.

3     Appointment of Head of Paid Service from Human Resources Committee held on 06 December 2022.

Councillor Diamond introduced the item as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and proposed the recommendations to Council.

Seconded by Councillor Crellin it was

RESOLVED that Council appoint Steve Jorden as Chief Executive Officer & Head of Paid Service for Havant Borough Council.

4     Designation of Monitoring Officer from Human Resources Committee held on 20 December 2022

Councillor Diamond introduced the item as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and proposed the recommendations to Council.

Seconded by Councillor Crellin it was

RESOLVED that Council designate Joanne McIntosh, Chief Legal Officer, as Monitoring Officer for Havant Borough Council In accordance with Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

5       Designation of Section 151 Officer from Human Resources Committee held on 21 December 2022

Councillor Diamond introduced the item as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and proposed the recommendations to Council.

Seconded by Councillor Crellin it was

RESOLVED that Council designate Steven Pink, Chief Finance Officer, as Statutory Finance Officer, or Section 151 Officer, in accordance with Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Mayor congratulated the successful candidates and thanked Kim Sawyer, Head of Paid Service, Malcolm Coe, Section 151 Officer and Mark Watkins, Monitoring Officer for their work during their time at Havant Borough Council.

The Leader informed members that residents had attended the Council offices today to deliver letters for all Councillors in relation to a proposal to build a water recycling plant alongside the reservoir that was approved at Council last year.  The Council has already responded to 2 consultations in the last 12 months, outlining our concerns and firmly believe that more work is required by Southern Water to alleviate resident’s concerns.

In addition, the Leader pledged to write to Southern Water to ask them to attend a meeting, with members of the public at the Plaza, whereby residents will be able to hear directly from Southern Water. 

Councillor Satchwell raised that following her peaceful passing on Christmas Day, Councillor Satchwell thanked Dale Norman who was a founding member of Haylings BEST. 

As well as being a founding member of Haylings BEST (who have arranged many popular events on Hayling Island and particularly on Hayling Island Seafront), Dale worked closely with Havant Borough Council to organise the popular ‘Playing at the Plaza’ events for many years at Eastoke Corner. 

Councillor Kennett asked for an update on what work has been undertaken on the Local Plan since March 2022 and the timelines for submission of the new plan, which was responded to by Councillor Lloyd within the meeting, confirming the work undertaken and that All Member Briefings are being scheduled.  Milestones will be included in the project plan.

Councillor Keast asked of there was still a proposal in the Local Plan to prevent the number of fast-food outlets in the Borough increasing, as part of the council’s contribution towards obesity.  Councillor Lloyd pledged to take away Councillor Keast’s concerns.

Councillor Inkster asked residents of Bedhampton can be assured that Beavers will not be introduced to the site at Scratchface Lane.  Councillor Pike confirmed that the Environment Act requires local authorities to consider bio-diversity net gain in all our projects and ward Councillors will be consulted on a proposed scheme.

Councillor Kennett asked what changes to our approach has there been to improve our financial performance.  Councillor Denton confirmed the work of the Budget Working Group, as well as a move to an active treasury management policy.

Councillor Linger asked how our collection rates of business and domestic rates of 56.6% compared with other councils.  Councillor Denton confirmed he would respond outside of the meeting.

There were no questions received from Councillors under the provisions of this Standing Order.

There were no urgent questions received under the provisions of this Standing Order.

Proposed by Councillor Stone, seconded by Councillor Keast, it was

RESOLVED that Council approve:

1     the appointment of Councillors to those Committees, Boards and panels as set out in Parts A and B;

2     the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs (as appropriate) to those Committees as set out in Parts A and B; and

3  all such appointments to remain in place until the next Annual Council meeting 2023.

Proposed by Councillor Kennett and seconded by Councillor Bowdell it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of Committees held since the last meeting of Council be received.