Agenda and minutes

The meeting will commence with a short service of prayers.

The meeting opened with prayers from the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Susan Allman.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs L E Clubley, P J Davies, A Mandry, Mrs K Mandry and C J Wood.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Special Council Meeting and Council Meeting held on 16 June 2016.

RESOLVED that the Mayor be authorised to sign as a correct record the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on 16 June 2016 and the Council meeting held on 16 June 2016.

The Mayor announced that she will be holding Tea Parties on Thursday 1 September and 6 October 2016.  On the 1 September, there will be talk on the History of the Field Gun, and on the 6 October some of the Fareham in Bloom volunteers will be giving a talk on “People, Parks and Plants”.Both of these will be held in the Mayor’s Parlour and start at 2.30pm with an admission is £4.00

On Saturday 3 September there will be a Barn Dance to raise monies for Mayoral Charities.  This will be held at Meon Bye Farm, Triangle Lane, Titchfield from 6 – 10pm.  There will be live music from the Wessex Barn Dance Band and a hog roast.  Soft drinks are supplied and you are welcome to bring your own drink.  Families are very welcome and tickets are £10 adults and £5 for children.

Unitary Authority

The Executive Leader advised that Hampshire County Council has commenced a consultation in respect of a proposed Unitary Authority for Hampshire which includes options with and without Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils.   District Council Leaders have written to County Councillor colleagues and the Executive Leader has circulated his letter to all Members for information.

The Executive Leader also announced that consultation has begun in respect of the proposed Combined Authority with Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.  The Executive Leader stated that a Combined Authority for Unitary Councils would need to be established in the first instance and if that happens, then there is the option for District Councils to join, even without the support of the County Council.

Stubbington By-Pass

The Executive Leader announced that earlier today a bid for Government funding was submitted by Solent Local Enterprise Partnership for Stubbington bypass.  Local funding of £8.5 million has now been identified from the business rates growth at Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus, which is collected by Fareham Borough Council and would be paid to Hampshire County Council who will be borrowing the £8.5 million, so there is a bid for £25.7 million for the balance of the £34 million for the full funding of the much needed Stubbington bypass.  It is hoped that the results of the bid will be included in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement.

Daedalus

The Executive Leader was pleased to announce some changes to the Daedalus site following the recent rebranding as Solent Airport at Daedalus.  To the east of the site is Swordfish Business Park; the west, Faraday Business Park and Solent Airport which is managed and operated by Regional and City Airports.  Further information in respect of the airport can be found at www.solentairport.co.uk .  Infrastructure is in place with Spitfire Way and Vulcan Way being opened and Daedalus Drive set to open in the near future.   There are many commercial buildings and planning applications for six new hangers.  The Innovation Centre is hugely successful and has 100% occupancy and last week Kate’s Diner opened on-site.  There is an increase in visiting aircraft year on year and is due to be further aviation manufacturing on site in the future.

The Executive Member for Public Protection – Councillor T M Cartwright announced that, as Chairman of Fareham’s Community Safety Partnership, he was pleased to report that Access All Areas commenced this week at both the Fareham Leisure Centre and Salterns, Hill Head.  To date just over 1,000 children entered, which is a huge achievement and during this period, anti-social behaviour dropped significantly.  Councillor Cartwright stated it is really good to see these youngsters participating in all the various activities.  At the Leisure Centre on Tuesday they were given full access to the Centre including the inflatable party in the pool where 80 youngsters thoroughly enjoying themselves.  There are more events next week at Wicor and Stubbington recreation grounds, culminating in the final event at Park Lane recreation ground on the 18 August where there will be a free Fun Fair.  Councillor Cartwright gave his congratulations to the Leisure and Community staff that organised these events.

The Executive Member for Public Protection stated he recently met with Chief Inspector Sharon Woolrich who confirmed she will remain as Fareham’s Chief Inspector as well as taking on the Gosport district; this follows a restructuring exercise recently carried out.  Councillor Cartwright stated that he is very pleased that she is remaining as she is currently doing an excellent job.

Finally, FBC officers and Councillor Cartwright met with the Police Crime Commissioner’s Estates Team last Thursday, and I am pleased to confirm that it was agreed the neighbourhood policing teams for Fareham East and West and Portchester will move into the Civic Offices early in the new year.  This will give a great opportunity for partnership working with the Community Safety Team, Integrated Offender Management, Probation, Transform and Youth Offending Teams.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any petitions presented by a member of the Council.

Note: any petition so presented will be dealt with in accordance with the Council’s petition scheme.

A Petition was received from Councillor Miss T Harper.  The Petition comprises 158 letters requesting a pedestrian crossing across The Avenue opposite the Oast and Squire Public House.

The Mayor advised that the petition would be dealt with in accordance with Fareham Borough Council’s petition scheme.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been given.

Deputations were received from Mr Andrew Jackson, an independent resident of Funtley, and from Mr Clive Percival, representing Funtley Village Society, in respect of Item 17 – Funtley Community Governance Review. 

With the agreement of the Mayor, this item was brought forward on the agenda to be dealt with under this point.

To receive, consider and answer questions on reports and recommendations of the Executive.  Minutes of the meetings of the Executive and a schedule of individual Executive member decisions are appended.

Note: the following recommendation is to be determined:

Minute 10(1) – Delivery of Welborne: Detailed Programme and Costs and Interim Governance Review.

The Executive recommends to Council that:

(d)       the Welborne Standing Conference be dissolved; and

(e)       Henry Cleary OBE be thanked for his work as Chairman and the other members also be thanked for their contribution to the work of the Conference over the past four years.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the minutes of the Executive meeting held on the 11 July 2016 were received; and

(b)  the recommendations contained in minute 10(1) be accepted and accordingly:

(i)            the Welborne Standing Conference be dissolved; and

(ii)          Henry Cleary OBE be thanked for his work as Chairman and the other members also be thanked for their contribution to the work of the conference over the past four years.

To receive, consider and answer questions on reports and recommendations of the meeting of the Scrutiny Board held on 19 May and 23 June 2016.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Board meeting held on the 19 May 2016 be received.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Board meeting held on the 23 June 2016 be received.

To receive the minutes of the following Committees and to consider and answer questions on any reports and recommendations made.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on the 25 May 2016 be received.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on the 22 June 2016 be received.

Note: the following recommendation is to be determined:

Minute 6(a) – Fraud and Corruption Sanctions and Redress Policy and Anti-Fraud Policy.

The Committee recommends to Council:

(b)       the adoption of the revised Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on the 27 June 2016 be received; and

(b)  the recommendation contained in minute 6(a) be accepted and accordingly the revised Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy be adopted.  

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Appeals Committee meeting held on the 13 July 2016 be received.

To answer questions pursuant to Standing Order 17.2 for this meeting.

There were no questions raised at this meeting.

Members will be informed, prior to the meeting, of any motion duly notified in accordance with Standing Order 15 but received after print and dispatch of the agenda.

(1)   Notice of Motion received 17 July 2016 from Councillor R H Price, JP:

I propose that this council fully supports the Armed Forces and Supports the Royal British Legions request for questions to be added to the 2021 census by writing to Her Majesty’s Government and also asking the Local Government Association to make similar representation.

1.    The obligations it owes to the Armed Forces community within Fareham Borough Council area as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant which we have signed; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

2.    The absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within Fareham Borough Council area. This includes serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.

3.    That the availability of such data would greatly assist the council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector, and national Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within Fareham Borough Council area.

In light of the above, this council moves to support and promote The Royal British Legion’s call to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community. We further call upon the UK Parliament, which will approve the final census questionnaire through legislation in 2019, to ensure that the 2021 census includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community.

A Notice of Motion was received from Councillor R H Price, JP:

“I propose that this Council fully supports the Armed Forces and Supports the Royal British Legion’s request for questions to be added to the 2021 Census by writing to Her Majesty’s Government and also asking the Local Government Association to make similar representation.

1.         The obligations it owes to the Armed Forces community within Fareham Borough Council area as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant which we have signed; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

2.         The absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within Fareham Borough Council area.  This includes serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans and their families.

3.         That the availability of such data would greatly assist the council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector and National Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within Fareham Borough Council area.

In light of the above, this council moves to support and promote The Royal British Legion’s call to include a new topic in the 2021 Census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community.  We further call upon the UK Parliament, which will approve the final census questionnaire through legislation in 2019, to ensure that the 2021 Census includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community.”

Having been duly seconded by Councillor Mrs K K Trott and following a debate, the Motion was CARRIED unanimously.

To make any changes in appointments to the seats on committees in accordance with the wishes of political groups.  Such appointments will take effect from 29 July 2016.

There were no appointments or changes to committees made at this time.

The Hammond Memorial Hall Trust is a charity registered in 1971 formed from proceeds of the sale of the former Hammond Hall, Stubbington, Fareham.

Funds are invested and distributed by way of grants to Charitable Associations, Bodies and Organisations for recreational purposes for social welfare and improving the life of inhabitants in the Stubbington and Hill Head area.

The Charity is made up of a board of Trustees: 4 Council representatives and 3 representatives from the local community.  The ward councillors for Stubbington and Hill Head are ex officio trustees.  The Council appoints three additional trustees to administer the charitable scheme.

The Council is asked to confirm the appointment of a new trustee following the departure of an existing trustee.

RESOLVED that Reverend Richard England be appointed as a new trustee to the Hammond Memorial Hall Trust.

The charitable trust aims to promote and improve the welfare of anyone in need in Titchfield, Sarisbury Green,Stubbington, Warsash, Locksheath, Park Gate and Lee on Solent and seeks to make a real difference and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

The Charity provides one-off grants to help individuals and improve the quality of their life and provides support for organisations locally.  

The Council is asked to confirm the appointment of a new trustee following the departure of an existing trustee.

RESOLVED that John Freemantle be appointed as a new trustee to the Earl of Southampton Trust.

A report by the Head of Democratic Services.

This item was brought forward on the agenda and dealt with under item 9.

The Mayor thanked Mr Jackson and Mr Percival for making their deputations, thanked those who took part in the consultation and the Officers for their report.  The Executive Leader presented the report to Council and proposed that no change be made to the existing arrangements for governance in Funtley.  

Having been seconded by Councillor T M Cartwright, the item was debated.

In closing debate, the Executive Leader stated that the proposals do not fully reflect a clear and sustained level of local support having regard to both the residential and business electorate within Funtley as a whole, albeit recognising the achievements and aspirations of some of the residents of Funtley. This is supported by the relatively low response to the consultation compared to the overall size of the electorate and the decreasing support for the parish council proposal over the 12 month period of consultation and low turnout at the public meeting held by the Council to engage with the community on the issue during the consultation period.

The Executive Leader further stated that given the relatively small size of Funtley and the close ties with neighbouring villages and communities, the creation of a parish in a vacuum of other like arrangements would not adequately reflect the identities and social cohesion of the wider conurbation.  Whilst Funtley is geographically definable, it is not sufficiently distinct to avoid the risk of creating unnecessary social barriers with neighbouring communities.

Having regard to the small size of the Funtley electorate, a parish council would not constitute the most effective or convenient way of engaging the community and empowering it in relation to its contribution to wider Fareham Borough issues which can be achieved through its status as a consultee for planning and other local function issues which this Council is committed to continue to support. The perceived benefits of a parish council would, in this case, be outweighed by the added layer of bureaucracy and cost associated with the set up and running of an additional layer of Governance.  

To close his summary, the Executive Leader stated that the report to Council contains further detailed analysis supporting the decision and all representations received during the consultation which have been fully considered by Members.

(Councillor Butts left the meeting after the debate and prior to the vote)

On the recommendations being put to make no change to the existing governance arrangements, it was declared CARRIED with 19 voting in favour and 5 against.

RESOLVED that the Council:

(a)  notes the results of the consultations and takes into consideration the representations received; and

(b)  agrees to make no change to the existing governance arrangements.