New Forest Borough Council
Councillors:
48
Wards:
27
Committees:
15
Meetings (2025):
72
Meetings (2024):
78
Meeting
Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Panel - New Forest
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 21st January 2021
9:30 AM
Thursday, 21st January 2021
9:30 AM
End:
Thursday, 21st January 2021
1:30 PM
Thursday, 21st January 2021
1:30 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 21st January 2021
12:00 AM
Thursday, 21st January 2021
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 21st January 2021
12:00 AM
Thursday, 21st January 2021
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
21 Jan 2021
21 Jan 2021
Location:
Microsoft Teams - Online
Microsoft Teams - Online
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cllr Beverley Thorne
Apologies
In Attendance
Cllr Sue Bennison
In attendance
Chairman
Cllr Alexis McEvoy, BSc (Hons)
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Cllr Fran Carpenter
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Cllr Sandra Delemare
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Cllr Mahmoud Kangarani
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Cllr Martyn Levitt
Present, as expected
Officer
Finance Manager
Kevin Green
In attendance
Secretary
Democratic Services Officer
Andy Rogers
In attendance
Officer
Executive Head of Planning Regeneration and Economy
Claire Upton-Brown
In attendance
In Attendance
Cllr Michael Harris
In attendance
Agenda
0
Apologies
Minutes
1
Declarations of Interest
To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item. The nature of the interest must also be specified.
Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.
Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.
Minutes
No declarations of interest were made by any member in connection with any agenda item.
2
Public Participation
To note any issues raised during the public participation period.
Minutes
No issues were raised during the public participation period.
3
Freeports Bid
To consider the proposal to submit a Freeport Bid to Government.
Attachments:
- Document Freeport Bid RPT 13 Jan 2021
Minutes
The Panel considered a proposal to submit a Freeport Bid to the Government.
The Panel noted the significant economic and financial benefits to the immediate and wider economy of an area resulting from Freeport status. The bid would be in line with the current Local Plan and would allow a more strategic approach to planning in the area. There were no immediate financial implications for the Council.
The likely impact of any future development on the district and its communities and how any negative impacts could be resolved, mitigated or compensated would need to be considered regardless of Freeport status, though Freeport status may change the process for considering future development and the way this work was funded.
Members noted that Freeports encouraged firms to do business in the area as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, and to increase employment and growth, including in the pockets of deprivation in the District.
RESOLVED:
That the Cabinet be advised that the Panel supports the Freeport bid, which includes a tax site including land at Marchwood Industrial Estate/Marchwood Port/ABP land/Exxon and Fawley.
The Panel noted the significant economic and financial benefits to the immediate and wider economy of an area resulting from Freeport status. The bid would be in line with the current Local Plan and would allow a more strategic approach to planning in the area. There were no immediate financial implications for the Council.
The likely impact of any future development on the district and its communities and how any negative impacts could be resolved, mitigated or compensated would need to be considered regardless of Freeport status, though Freeport status may change the process for considering future development and the way this work was funded.
Members noted that Freeports encouraged firms to do business in the area as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, and to increase employment and growth, including in the pockets of deprivation in the District.
RESOLVED:
That the Cabinet be advised that the Panel supports the Freeport bid, which includes a tax site including land at Marchwood Industrial Estate/Marchwood Port/ABP land/Exxon and Fawley.
4
Asset Maintenance and Replacement Programme 2021/22
To consider the Asset Maintenance and Replacement Programme 2021/22.
Attachments:
- Document Asset Maintenance and Replacement Programme 2021/22 13 Jan 2021
Minutes
The Panel considered the Asset Maintenance and Replacement Programme for 2021/22.
Members expressed a number of concerns concerning the proposed closures of toilet provision at Calshot, and Barton and opposed the closures.
The portfolio holder explained that the report’s purpose was to set out the financing of proposals brought forward by other portfolios and services, which were subject in some cases to consultation.
It was noted that a separate task and finish group was being formed to discuss the toilet projects.
Members also felt the coastal recharge was an important project that should continue.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Panel note the contents of the report
(b) That the schedule of projects as included at appendix 2 and 3 be agreed by the Cabinet for inclusion in the 2021/22 budget, subject to the concerns raised in opposition the proposed toilet closures at Barton and Calshot.
Members expressed a number of concerns concerning the proposed closures of toilet provision at Calshot, and Barton and opposed the closures.
The portfolio holder explained that the report’s purpose was to set out the financing of proposals brought forward by other portfolios and services, which were subject in some cases to consultation.
It was noted that a separate task and finish group was being formed to discuss the toilet projects.
Members also felt the coastal recharge was an important project that should continue.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Panel note the contents of the report
(b) That the schedule of projects as included at appendix 2 and 3 be agreed by the Cabinet for inclusion in the 2021/22 budget, subject to the concerns raised in opposition the proposed toilet closures at Barton and Calshot.
5
Capital Strategy 2021/22
To consider the Capital Strategy 2021/22.
Attachments:
- Document Capital strategy 2021-22 13 Jan 2021
Minutes
The Panel considered the Capital Strategy for 2021/22.
RESOLVED:
That it be a recommendation to the Cabinet that the Capital Strategy 2021/22, including the adoption of the MRP statement, be approved.
RESOLVED:
That it be a recommendation to the Cabinet that the Capital Strategy 2021/22, including the adoption of the MRP statement, be approved.
6
Work Programme
To review the Panel’s work programme and note performance data in relation to portfolios under this Panel.
Attachments:
- Document Leaders Portfolio Performance Dashboard 13 Jan 2021
- Document Finance, Investment and Corporate Services Portfolio Performance Dashboard 13 Jan 2021
- Document Economic Development Portfolio Performance Dashboard 13 Jan 2021
- Document Work Programme 13 Jan 2021
Minutes
The Panel reviewed its work programme and noted performance data in relation to portfolios under this Panel. Members raised a number of queries to which answers were given.
Cllr J Heron
It was noted that the council tax collection rate had reduced due to the pandemic, and for a number of reasons it had not at that time been appropriate to recover arrears.
Commercial property investment had been undertaken prudently, and the initiative not only provided income, but, as only schemes within the Council area were progressed, it was also a means of investing in the local area and supporting enterprise within the District. Good returns on investment had been made.
It was noted that the Hardley Depot works were deferred pending clarification of the waste strategy and operational requirements.
Cllr M Harris
In answer to a question, it was felt New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) had an excellent role to play and the Chairman worked hard on business growth in the Forest. It was also confirmed that all businesses in the District had now been made automatic members the NFBP.
Broadband connectivity was the top priority and he was working with the Solent LEP.
It was noted that the Council had done exceptionally well in administering grants to local businesses.
Cllr Rickman
Cllr Rickman reiterated comments on the business grants, and praised staff and members for their efforts during the pandemic.
It was noted that Elections were still being held in May, under covid restrictions.
Cllr J Heron
It was noted that the council tax collection rate had reduced due to the pandemic, and for a number of reasons it had not at that time been appropriate to recover arrears.
Commercial property investment had been undertaken prudently, and the initiative not only provided income, but, as only schemes within the Council area were progressed, it was also a means of investing in the local area and supporting enterprise within the District. Good returns on investment had been made.
It was noted that the Hardley Depot works were deferred pending clarification of the waste strategy and operational requirements.
Cllr M Harris
In answer to a question, it was felt New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) had an excellent role to play and the Chairman worked hard on business growth in the Forest. It was also confirmed that all businesses in the District had now been made automatic members the NFBP.
Broadband connectivity was the top priority and he was working with the Solent LEP.
It was noted that the Council had done exceptionally well in administering grants to local businesses.
Cllr Rickman
Cllr Rickman reiterated comments on the business grants, and praised staff and members for their efforts during the pandemic.
It was noted that Elections were still being held in May, under covid restrictions.
7
Portfolio Holders' Updates
To receive any updates from the Portfolio Holders for Corporate Affairs, Finance, Corporate Services & Improvement and Local Economic Development, Property & Innovation on developments within their Portfolio areas.
Minutes
The Panel received updates from Portfolio holders on the following points as below:
Cllr Rickman
· Involvement in Freeport Bid
· Waterside Conference
· Covid vaccinations – he commended staff in helping get people vaccinated
Cllr J Heron
· Migration to Teams – successful
· Sharepoint migration underway
· Accolaid replacement
· Commercial Investment - a number of sites under consideration – prudent approach
· Medium Term Financial Plan being finalised
Cllr Harris
· Meeting with MP responsible for Broadband and Solent LEP
· Film New Forest had generated £4m investment in the district
· High Street Assistance Initiatives
· Good property investment income stream – good progress
· Detail on Business Grants
Cllr Rickman
· Involvement in Freeport Bid
· Waterside Conference
· Covid vaccinations – he commended staff in helping get people vaccinated
Cllr J Heron
· Migration to Teams – successful
· Sharepoint migration underway
· Accolaid replacement
· Commercial Investment - a number of sites under consideration – prudent approach
· Medium Term Financial Plan being finalised
Cllr Harris
· Meeting with MP responsible for Broadband and Solent LEP
· Film New Forest had generated £4m investment in the district
· High Street Assistance Initiatives
· Good property investment income stream – good progress
· Detail on Business Grants
8
Staff Efficiency/Innovation Ideas Survey
Chairman to report
Minutes
The Chairman reported that she had attended the Employee Forum on 11 December and discussed a staff efficiency suggestion scheme.
The Panel fully supported the scheme as proposed.
The Panel fully supported the scheme as proposed.
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