Havant Borough Council
Councillors:
36
Wards:
17
Committees:
35
Meetings (2025):
89
Meetings (2024):
96
Meeting
Cabinet - Havant
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 12th February 2025
5:30 PM
Wednesday, 12th February 2025
5:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 12th February 2025
9:30 PM
Wednesday, 12th February 2025
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
12 Feb 2025
12 Feb 2025
Location:
Hurstwood Room, Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX
Hurstwood Room, Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX
Meeting Attendees
Secretary
Democratic & Electoral Services Manager
Jenni Harding
Expected
Secretary
Democratic Services Officer
Emma Carlyle
Expected
Secretary
Democratic Services Officer
Lauren Maidens
Expected
Public
Spare Copies
Expected
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment & Water Quality (Climate Change Champion)
Committee Member
Chairman of Governance Committee
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Regeneration & Communities
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Housing
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Planning and Environment and Chairman of Planning Committee
Committee Member
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Lead for Finance, Leader of Liberal Democratic Party
Chairman
Leader of the Council - Cabinet Lead for Corporate Strategy. Performance, and External Relations, Chairman of Human Resources Committee
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive and record any apologies for absence.
Minutes
There were no apologies for absence received for this meeting.
2
Declarations of Interests
To receive and record any declarations of interest from members present.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct, a councillor is required to disclose at the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI) that they may have in respect of any matter for consideration on this agenda. Any councillor with a DPI must not participate in any discussion or vote regarding that matter and they must also withdraw from the meeting immediately before consideration of the matter.
Councillors are further invited to disclose any personal or prejudicial interests which may be relevant to any matter on this agenda. Participation in the meeting and vote shall depend upon the nature of the interest.
Councillors should refer to the declaration of interest flowchart and raise any queries with the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.
Members are reminded that they should re-declare their interest before consideration of the item or as soon as the interest becomes apparent and if appropriate, withdraw from the room immediately thereafter.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct, a councillor is required to disclose at the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI) that they may have in respect of any matter for consideration on this agenda. Any councillor with a DPI must not participate in any discussion or vote regarding that matter and they must also withdraw from the meeting immediately before consideration of the matter.
Councillors are further invited to disclose any personal or prejudicial interests which may be relevant to any matter on this agenda. Participation in the meeting and vote shall depend upon the nature of the interest.
Councillors should refer to the declaration of interest flowchart and raise any queries with the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.
Members are reminded that they should re-declare their interest before consideration of the item or as soon as the interest becomes apparent and if appropriate, withdraw from the room immediately thereafter.
Minutes
There were no declarations of interests relating to matters on the agenda.
3
Minutes
To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of Cabinet held on 18 December 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 04 Feb 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 18 December 2024 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
4
Chairman's Report
To receive a report from the Chairman.
Minutes
The Leader had nothing to report to this meeting.
5
Cabinet Lead Delegated Decisions, Minutes from Meetings etc.
RECOMMENDED that the following Delegated Decisions be noted:
(1) Delegated Decisions - none
RECOMMENDED that the following Minutes of Meetings be noted:
(1)
Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee – 09 December 2024
(2) Langstone Harbour Board – none
(3) Solent Freeport Consortium Board – 16 October 2024
(1) Delegated Decisions - none
RECOMMENDED that the following Minutes of Meetings be noted:
(1)
Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee – 09 December 2024
(2) Langstone Harbour Board – none
(3) Solent Freeport Consortium Board – 16 October 2024
Minutes
Cabinet RESOLVED that:
the Minutes of the meetings below be noted:
(1) Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee on 09 December 2024
(2) Solent Freeport Consortium on 16 October 2024
the Minutes of the meetings below be noted:
(1) Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee on 09 December 2024
(2) Solent Freeport Consortium on 16 October 2024
6
Councillor Questions under Cabinet (Executive) Standing Order 9.3
In accordance with Cabinet (Executive) Standing Order (CESO) 9.3.1, to receive questions from the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and CESO 9.3.3, a period of 20 minutes is permitted to receive questions put to Cabinet by Councillors.
Minutes
There were no questions from Councillors under the provision of Standing Order 9.3.
7
Matters referred by Full Council or the Overview & Scrutiny Committee Under Cabinet (Executive) Standing Order 9.4c
In accordance with Cabinet (Executive) Standing Order 9.4c, this item is reserved for matters referred by the Full Council or the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for consideration.
Minutes
There were no matters for Cabinet to consider under the provision of Standing Order 9.4c.
8
Appointments to the Share-holder Sub-Committee
Attachments:
- Document Appointments to the Shareholder sub-committee 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix A - Appointments to the Shareholder Sub-Committee 04 Feb 2025
Minutes
Councillor Munday, as Chairman of Cabinet introduced the report outlining his recommended representation on the Shareholder Sub-Committee.
Members considered the options as set out in the report and following debate it was;
RESOLVED that
the appointment of representatives to the shareholder sub-committee as set out in Appendix A be approved.
Namely;
· Cllr Phil Munday (Leader)
· Cllr Philippa Gray (Cabinet Lead with responsibility for Finance)
· Cllr Paul Gray
· Cllr Gillian Harris
· Cllr Grainne Rason
Reserves
· Cllr Richard Brown
· Cllr Amy Redsull
Members considered the options as set out in the report and following debate it was;
RESOLVED that
the appointment of representatives to the shareholder sub-committee as set out in Appendix A be approved.
Namely;
· Cllr Phil Munday (Leader)
· Cllr Philippa Gray (Cabinet Lead with responsibility for Finance)
· Cllr Paul Gray
· Cllr Gillian Harris
· Cllr Grainne Rason
Reserves
· Cllr Richard Brown
· Cllr Amy Redsull
9
Havant Borough Council Budget 2025/26
Attachments:
- Document - Havant Borough Council Budget Report 25-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix A - Revenue Budget Summary 2025-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix B - Medium Term Finance Strategy 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix C - Capital Strategy 2025-26 to 2029-30 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix D - Capital Programme 2025-26 to 2029-30 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix E - Usable Reserves 2025-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix F - Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix G - Investment Strategy 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix H - Fees and Charges 2025-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix J - Business Rates 2025-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix K - Statement of Robustness 25-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix I - Council Tax Resolution 2025-26 - FINAL 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix H - Fees and Charges 2025-26 Updated 04 Feb 2025
Minutes
Councillor Munday thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their time and effort in scrutinising this budget at their meeting held on Monday 10 February 2024, at which they noted the report and made no additional recommendations for consideration by Cabinet.
Councillor Philippa Gray as relevant Cabinet Lead, introduced a report setting out the budget for 2025/26 highlighting that that the draft budget had been reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in which she was in attendance to hear their views.
Cabinet was advised that the Council has been able to balance its budget for the financial year 2025/26. However, it was noted that a balanced budget could only be achieved due to a number of “one-off” funding sources that could not be relied upon in future years.
The key points of note of the draft budget were: a Council Tax increase of 2.98%; an increase in fees and charges; and the inclusion of provision for known demand led cost pressures.
Some funding assumptions had been made, subject to calculated estimates with the most up to date information, on matters such as, National Insurance contribution, Extended Producer Responsibility, Business Rates Pool and funds for Temporary Accommodation.
Councillor Gray further thanked operational officers, the finance team, Executive Heads and members of the Cabinet for their work in producing a balanced budget given the difficult financial climate faced by local government across the country.
The matter of car parking provision in the Borough was raised at the Overview and Scrutiny Meeting held on Monday 10 February 2024 and the Leader reminded Cabinet that no decision had yet been made on this matter.
Further tough decisions would be required to balance future budgets and to protect vital front-line services and the decision on how this would be delivered would be decided at a future Cabinet.
Cabinet discussed the report and the options available to Cabinet and thanked officers for their time and effort in working with Cabinet on producing a balanced budget.
Following questions, debate and vote, Cabinet agreed the report’s recommendations for the reasons set out in the submitted report.
RESOLVED that
A. the updated executive Fees and Charges 2025/26 as set out in Appendix H be approved.
B. Council be RECOMMENDED to:
1 approve the 2025/26 Revenue Budget as set out in Appendix A
2 approve the 2025/26 – 2029/30 Capital Programme as set out in Appendix D
3 set the Band D Council Tax rate for Havant Borough Council at £239.76, representing a £6.94 increase on the current charge.
4 approve the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2029/30, Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy Business Rates 2025/26 and Prudential Indicators.
5 approve the Council Tax Resolution, as set out in Appendix I.
6 endorse the statement of the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves.
Councillor Philippa Gray as relevant Cabinet Lead, introduced a report setting out the budget for 2025/26 highlighting that that the draft budget had been reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in which she was in attendance to hear their views.
Cabinet was advised that the Council has been able to balance its budget for the financial year 2025/26. However, it was noted that a balanced budget could only be achieved due to a number of “one-off” funding sources that could not be relied upon in future years.
The key points of note of the draft budget were: a Council Tax increase of 2.98%; an increase in fees and charges; and the inclusion of provision for known demand led cost pressures.
Some funding assumptions had been made, subject to calculated estimates with the most up to date information, on matters such as, National Insurance contribution, Extended Producer Responsibility, Business Rates Pool and funds for Temporary Accommodation.
Councillor Gray further thanked operational officers, the finance team, Executive Heads and members of the Cabinet for their work in producing a balanced budget given the difficult financial climate faced by local government across the country.
The matter of car parking provision in the Borough was raised at the Overview and Scrutiny Meeting held on Monday 10 February 2024 and the Leader reminded Cabinet that no decision had yet been made on this matter.
Further tough decisions would be required to balance future budgets and to protect vital front-line services and the decision on how this would be delivered would be decided at a future Cabinet.
Cabinet discussed the report and the options available to Cabinet and thanked officers for their time and effort in working with Cabinet on producing a balanced budget.
Following questions, debate and vote, Cabinet agreed the report’s recommendations for the reasons set out in the submitted report.
RESOLVED that
A. the updated executive Fees and Charges 2025/26 as set out in Appendix H be approved.
B. Council be RECOMMENDED to:
1 approve the 2025/26 Revenue Budget as set out in Appendix A
2 approve the 2025/26 – 2029/30 Capital Programme as set out in Appendix D
3 set the Band D Council Tax rate for Havant Borough Council at £239.76, representing a £6.94 increase on the current charge.
4 approve the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2029/30, Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy Business Rates 2025/26 and Prudential Indicators.
5 approve the Council Tax Resolution, as set out in Appendix I.
6 endorse the statement of the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves.
10
Council Tax Support Scheme
Attachments:
- Document Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-26 04 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix A - Integrated Impact Assessment - Council Tax Support Scheme 04 Feb 2025
- Document Background Paper - Havant S13A 202425 Scheme Final 04 Feb 2025
Minutes
Councillor Philippa Gray, as relevant Cabinet Lead, introduced a report setting out the proposed Council Tax Scheme, highlighting that Councils have local discretion afforded to them to provide flexibility to support residents who are struggling to meet their council tax obligations.
Cllr Gray also reiterated for members that Pensioners are exempt from the amendment and their Council Tax Support is calculated using 100% Liability.
Cabinet discussed the report and the options available to Cabinet.
Following questions, debate and vote, Cabinet agreed the recommendations for the reasons set out in the submitted report.
Cabinet recommends to Council that Council:
i. approves that the 2024-25 Council Tax Support Scheme is retained for 2025/26 but with the following amendments:
(a) 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, for the Housing Benefit Scheme in 2025/26;
(b) the non-dependant deductions used in determining entitlement for working age claims are adapted in line with the rates as set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for non-dependant pension age claims;
(c) the Council continues to facilitate a Council Tax Support Hardship Fund
ii. 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).
Cllr Gray also reiterated for members that Pensioners are exempt from the amendment and their Council Tax Support is calculated using 100% Liability.
Cabinet discussed the report and the options available to Cabinet.
Following questions, debate and vote, Cabinet agreed the recommendations for the reasons set out in the submitted report.
Cabinet recommends to Council that Council:
i. approves that the 2024-25 Council Tax Support Scheme is retained for 2025/26 but with the following amendments:
(a) 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, for the Housing Benefit Scheme in 2025/26;
(b) the non-dependant deductions used in determining entitlement for working age claims are adapted in line with the rates as set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for non-dependant pension age claims;
(c) the Council continues to facilitate a Council Tax Support Hardship Fund
ii. 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).
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in