Havant Borough Council
Councillors:
36
Wards:
17
Committees:
35
Meetings (2025):
87
Meetings (2024):
96
Meeting
Council - Havant
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 26th February 2025
5:30 PM
Wednesday, 26th February 2025
5:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 26th February 2025
9:30 PM
Wednesday, 26th February 2025
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
26 Feb 2025
26 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
Committee Member
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Lead for Finance, Leader of Liberal Democratic Party
Committee Member
Chairman of Governance Committee
Public
Honoraray Alderman
Honorary Alderman Ralph Cousins
Expected
Committee Member
Leader of the Council - Cabinet Lead for Corporate Strategy. Performance, and External Relations, Chairman of Human Resources Committee
Public
Honorary Alderman
Honorary Alderman Ken Smith
Expected
Officer
Communications, Engagement and Insight Manager
Caroline Harvey
Not required
Public
Public Copies (Council and Cabinet)
Expected
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Housing
Committee Member
Leader of the Conservative Party
Secretary
Democratic Services Officer
Emma Carlyle
Expected
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Regeneration & Communities
Committee Member
Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Secretary
Democratic Services Officer
Mark Gregory
Expected
Committee Member
Armed Forces Champion
Secretary
Democratic & Electoral Services Manager
Jenni Harding
Expected
Committee Member
Vice Chairman of Planning Committee
Secretary
Democratic Services Officer
Lauren Maidens
Expected
Committee Member
Councillor Elizabeth Lloyd (formerly known as Dianne)
Independent for Stakes
Present, as expected
View ProfileOfficer
Executive Head of Regeneration, Economic Development and Preventative Services
Wayne Layton
Not required
Council Staff
Head of Coastal Partnership
Lyall Cairns
Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership
Not required
Officer
Executive Head of Internal Services
Matt Goodwin
Not required
Council Staff
Personal Assistant
Jane McEvoy
Not required
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment & Water Quality (Climate Change Champion)
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Community Assets
Committee Member
Chairman of Licensing Committee
Committee Member
Deputy Mayor of the Council and Vice Chairman of Licensing Committee
Committee Member
Cabinet Lead for Planning and Environment and Chairman of Planning Committee
Committee Member
Leader of the Green Party & Cabinet Lead Commercial
Committee Member
Leader of the Reform UK Party
Agenda
0
PART 1 (Items open for public attendance)
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Faiz and Milne.
2
Declarations of Interests
To receive and note any disclosable pecuniary interests from councillors. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, a councillor is required to disclose at the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest (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.
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 from the members present relating to matters on the agenda.
3
Confirmation of Previous Minutes
To confirm the minutes of the meetings of the Extraordinary Council and Ordinary Council held on 15 January 2025 as a true record.
Attachments:
- Document Extraordinary Council Minutes 15 Jan 25 18 Feb 2025
- Document DRAFT Council Minutes Jan 2025 18 Feb 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of the Extraordinary Council and Ordinary Council held on 15 January 2025 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
4
Provisional Appointment of the Mayor for 2025/2026
Minutes
Proposed by Councillor Munday, and seconded by Councillor Horton, it was
RESOLVED
that Councillor Munazza Faiz be provisionally appointed as Mayor for 2025/2026.
RESOLVED
that Councillor Munazza Faiz be provisionally appointed as Mayor for 2025/2026.
5
Provisional Appointment of the Deputy Mayor for 2025/2026
Minutes
Proposed by Councillor Philippa Gray, and seconded by Councillor Forrow, it was
RESOLVED
that Councillor Paul Tansom be provisionally appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2025/2026.
RESOLVED
that Councillor Paul Tansom be provisionally appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2025/2026.
6
Cabinet/Board/Committee Recommendations
To consider recommendations made by Cabinet and other committees, in addition to the recommendations set out in item 7 on the agenda, which relates to the setting of the budget and will be considered later in the agenda.
Governance Committee - Monday 27th January 2025
Contract Procedure Rules
Recommended that Full Council;
1. Adopts the revised Contract Procedure Rules as attached in Appendix B.
2. The Monitoring Officer be authorised to correct any minor typographical errors or inconsistent numbering or cross references which become evident in publishing the Contract Procedure Rules in its final form.
Cabinet - Wednesday 12th February 2025
Council Tax Support Scheme
Recommend that Council:
1. 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, (DWP), 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
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).
Governance Committee - Monday 27th January 2025
Contract Procedure Rules
Recommended that Full Council;
1. Adopts the revised Contract Procedure Rules as attached in Appendix B.
2. The Monitoring Officer be authorised to correct any minor typographical errors or inconsistent numbering or cross references which become evident in publishing the Contract Procedure Rules in its final form.
Cabinet - Wednesday 12th February 2025
Council Tax Support Scheme
Recommend that Council:
1. 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, (DWP), 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
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).
Minutes
There were 2 Cabinet / Board / Committee recommendations for Council to consider at this meeting.
(1) Contract Procedure Rules
Councillor Shepherd introduced the item and recommendations to Council arising from the meeting of the Governance Committee held on 27 January 2025, seeking the agreement of Full Council to adopt the revised Contract Procedure Rules (Part H of the Constitution) and authorise minor amendments, after publication, to be made by the Monitoring Officer.
The members considered the options set out in the report and following a vote, Council
RESOLVED
1 that the revised Contract Procedure Rules as attached in Appendix B be adopted.
2. that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to correct any minor typographical errors or inconsistent numbering or cross references which become evident in publishing the Contract Procedure Rules in its final form.
(2) Council Tax Support Scheme
Councillor Philippa Gray introduced the item and recommendations to Council arising from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 February 2025, seeking the agreement of Full Council to approve the 2024-25 Council Tax Support Scheme be adopted, subject to the amendments set out in the agenda and that the amended document be published in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
The members considered the options set out in the report and following a vote, Council
RESOLVED
1 that the 2024-25 Council Tax Support Scheme is retained for 2025/26 but with the following amendments be approved:
(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, (DWP), 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
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).
(1) Contract Procedure Rules
Councillor Shepherd introduced the item and recommendations to Council arising from the meeting of the Governance Committee held on 27 January 2025, seeking the agreement of Full Council to adopt the revised Contract Procedure Rules (Part H of the Constitution) and authorise minor amendments, after publication, to be made by the Monitoring Officer.
The members considered the options set out in the report and following a vote, Council
RESOLVED
1 that the revised Contract Procedure Rules as attached in Appendix B be adopted.
2. that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to correct any minor typographical errors or inconsistent numbering or cross references which become evident in publishing the Contract Procedure Rules in its final form.
(2) Council Tax Support Scheme
Councillor Philippa Gray introduced the item and recommendations to Council arising from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 February 2025, seeking the agreement of Full Council to approve the 2024-25 Council Tax Support Scheme be adopted, subject to the amendments set out in the agenda and that the amended document be published in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
The members considered the options set out in the report and following a vote, Council
RESOLVED
1 that the 2024-25 Council Tax Support Scheme is retained for 2025/26 but with the following amendments be approved:
(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, (DWP), 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
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).
7
Havant Borough Council Budget 2025/26
· Councillor Munday, as Leader of the Council will give his budget speech to the Council (No time limit)
· Budget speech by the Leader of the Opposition(s) Groups (No time limit)
· Debate (Normal time limits apply – except the Cabinet Lead with responsibility for Finance, for whom there is no time limit)
· Right to Reply – Councillor Munday (Normal time limits apply)
To consider:
a. the recommendations from Cabinet held on 12 February 2025 as set out in the attached report; and
b. in the event of amendments being received in accordance with CSO 20.3 (Section A, Council Standing Orders) the report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be taken on this item.
· Budget speech by the Leader of the Opposition(s) Groups (No time limit)
· Debate (Normal time limits apply – except the Cabinet Lead with responsibility for Finance, for whom there is no time limit)
· Right to Reply – Councillor Munday (Normal time limits apply)
To consider:
a. the recommendations from Cabinet held on 12 February 2025 as set out in the attached report; and
b. in the event of amendments being received in accordance with CSO 20.3 (Section A, Council Standing Orders) the report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be taken on this item.
Attachments:
- Document - Havant Borough Council Budget Report 25-26 (for Council) 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix A - Revenue Budget Summary 2025-26 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix B - Medium Term Finance Strategy 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix C - Capital Strategy 2025-26 to 2029-30 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix D - Capital Programme 2025-26 to 2029-30 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix E - Usable Reserves 2025-26 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix F - Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 (final) 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix G - Investment Strategy 2025-26 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix H - Fees and Charges 2025-26 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix I - Council Tax Resolution Working 2025-26 FINAL 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix J - Business Rates 2025-26 18 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix K - Statement of Robustness 25-26 18 Feb 2025
Minutes
Council received budget speeches from:
A. Councillor Munday, as Leader of the Council;
B. Councillor Fairhurst, as Leader of the Conservative Group; and
C. Councillor Collings, as Leader of the Reform UK Group.
There were no amendments to the budget received by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with Council Standing Order 20.3.
Councillor Blades left the Council Chamber at 18:59.
Council debated the recommended budget.
In his response to issues raised during the debate, Councillor Munday agreed to:
1. Review current hard plastic recycling opportunities and explore if there are opportunities for residents to increase hard plastic recycling.
2. Revisit opportunities to build Warblington Footbridge.
3. Review differentiating charges between private and community events being held on Council owned land and bring clarity for hirers.
4. Explore ways to increase temporary accommodation and the building of more social rent housing in the Borough.
5. Review the ‘Reserve’ budget and how this money is spent more sensibly.
RESOLVED that Council
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.
In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, and the requirements of the Council Standing Order 22.6 the vote on this resolution was recorded as follows:
‘For’ the motion:
Councillor Berwick
Councillor Brown
Councillor Coates
Councillor Forrow
Councillor Paul Gray
Councillor Philippa Gray
Councillor Hagan
Councillor Harris
Councillor Harrison
Councillor Horton
Councillor Hulls
Councillor Lind
Councillor Munday
Councillor Mychaleckyj
Councillor Oliver
Councillor Rason
Councillor Redsull
Councillor Robert
Councillor Shepherd
Councillor Tansom
‘Against’ the motion:
Councillor Bowdell
Councillor Brent
Councillor Andrew Briggs
Councillor Ann Briggs
Councillor Collings
Councillor Diamond
Councillor Fairhurst
Councillor Keast
Councillor Rhodes
Councillor Robinson
Councillor Shimbart
Councillor Wade
Abstentions:
Councillor Lloyd
Absent:
Councillor Blades
Councillor Faiz
Councillor Milne
A. Councillor Munday, as Leader of the Council;
B. Councillor Fairhurst, as Leader of the Conservative Group; and
C. Councillor Collings, as Leader of the Reform UK Group.
There were no amendments to the budget received by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with Council Standing Order 20.3.
Councillor Blades left the Council Chamber at 18:59.
Council debated the recommended budget.
In his response to issues raised during the debate, Councillor Munday agreed to:
1. Review current hard plastic recycling opportunities and explore if there are opportunities for residents to increase hard plastic recycling.
2. Revisit opportunities to build Warblington Footbridge.
3. Review differentiating charges between private and community events being held on Council owned land and bring clarity for hirers.
4. Explore ways to increase temporary accommodation and the building of more social rent housing in the Borough.
5. Review the ‘Reserve’ budget and how this money is spent more sensibly.
RESOLVED that Council
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.
In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, and the requirements of the Council Standing Order 22.6 the vote on this resolution was recorded as follows:
‘For’ the motion:
Councillor Berwick
Councillor Brown
Councillor Coates
Councillor Forrow
Councillor Paul Gray
Councillor Philippa Gray
Councillor Hagan
Councillor Harris
Councillor Harrison
Councillor Horton
Councillor Hulls
Councillor Lind
Councillor Munday
Councillor Mychaleckyj
Councillor Oliver
Councillor Rason
Councillor Redsull
Councillor Robert
Councillor Shepherd
Councillor Tansom
‘Against’ the motion:
Councillor Bowdell
Councillor Brent
Councillor Andrew Briggs
Councillor Ann Briggs
Councillor Collings
Councillor Diamond
Councillor Fairhurst
Councillor Keast
Councillor Rhodes
Councillor Robinson
Councillor Shimbart
Councillor Wade
Abstentions:
Councillor Lloyd
Absent:
Councillor Blades
Councillor Faiz
Councillor Milne
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