Agenda and minutes

The meeting will commence with a short service of prayers.

The Mayor invited all Members of the Council and members of the public present to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for former Councillor Megan Chapman who passed away on 8 February 2017.

The meeting continued with prayers from Reverend Susan Allman of St. Peter’s Church, Titchfield.

There were no apologies for absence given at this meeting, although Councillor Mrs Brady had sent apologies that she would be absent for the beginning of the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 15 December 2016.

RESOLVED that the Mayor be authorised to sign as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 15 December 2016.

The Mayor announced that she has two forthcoming Tea Parties - on Thursday 2 March there will be a talk entitled “The Siege of Malta” with Richard Boden and on Thursday 6 April Matt Wakefield will be presenting “This and That”.  Both Tea Parties will take place in the Mayor’s Parlour at will start at 2pm.  Admission is £4.

The Mayor also announced that on Friday 31 March will be The Mayor of Fareham’s Charity Masked Ball.  This will commence at 7pm at Ferneham Hall with carriages will be at midnight.  Tickets are £45 each with tables of ten costing £40.

There were no Executive Leader announcements made at this meeting.

Executive Member for Public Protection:

Vanguard Intervention ICT Department

The Executive Member for Public Protection announced that he had recently met with members of the ICT team who had talked him through the improvements they have been making as part of their Vanguard intervention which looked at when ‘something is broken’.

Previously ICT had focussed on keeping busy fixing problems with a quick resolution but now they are concentrating on preventing problems both by avoiding them in the first place and making sure that the fix they make is a permanent solution.

The Executive Member for Public Protection stated that they are doing this by working together, drawing in experts with the right knowledge to solve the problem, rather than working in isolation.  The team have also introduced a visible monitoring tool which enables them to see and react to problems very quickly. 

The ICT Team had shared with the Executive Member for Public Protection feedback they had received from service users, which is very positive, and recognises the improvements they have made in our journey to focus on what matters to the customer.

Fly Tipping

The Executive Member for Public Protection was pleased to announce that, earlier this month, Ashley Moore (formerly of Gosport), had been jailed for years after his three month fly-tipping spree across the County.  This prosecution sent out a clear message to everyone that the Council has a zero tolerance approach to this offence.  The Executive Member for Public Protection offered his congratulations to Officers who had compiled the information for the prosecution.

CCTV

The Executive Member for Public Protection announced that, as joint Chairman of the CCTV Partnership, he was very pleased to say that the team in the CCTV monitoring area were able to bring an arrest of a knifeman who was caught after storming into an old-age-pensioner's flat in Gosport for robbery.  The perpetrator was jailed for 7½ years.  The Executive Member for Public Protection stated that this result shows the value of the cameras in keeping residents safe and preventing crime and, in this case, CCTV played a crucial role in apprehending an offender and bringing him to justice.

Executive Member for Leisure and Community:

Westbury Manor Museum

The Executive Member for Leisure and Community announced that in June 2016 the Executive approved a capital budget of £483,000 for the remodelling of the Westbury Manor Museum.

This new facility will provide a unique vibrant ‘culture stop’ which will re-energise the visitor experience to the museum and provide a focal point for the town centre.  The scheme has been developed in partnership with the Hampshire Cultural Trust who will operate the new facility when it opens in the summer of 2017.

The Executive Member for Leisure and Community advised Members that the Council has entered into a 10 year management agreement and lease with the Hampshire Cultural Trust, which will involve new governance arrangements and that therefore, going forward there will be no further meetings of the Museum Joint Management Committee.

These meetings will be replaced by bi-annual monitoring meetings between the Council and Hampshire Cultural Trust who will also give a presentation to the Leisure & Community Policy Development Review Panel on the performance of the Museum each year.

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

Members are reminded that the Monitoring Officer has granted a dispensation to all Members to enable discussion and a decision to be taken at item 15 - Finance Strategy, Capital Programme, Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2017/18.

The Mayor confirmed that the Monitoring Officer had granted a dispensation to all Members to enable discussion and a decision to be taken at item 15 – Finance Strategy, Capital Programme, Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2017/18.

Councillor R H Price, JP declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest for item 15 – Finance Strategy, Capital Programme, Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 as he leases an allotment in Portchester. He confirmed that he would leave the chamber and not take part in any debate on allotments.

Councillor J M Englefield declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest for item 15 – Finance Strategy, Capital Programme, Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 as he leases an allotment in Portchester. He confirmed that he would leave the chamber and not take part in any debate on allotments.

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.

There were no petitions presented at this meeting.

To receive a verbal update on the Petition “Remove the Newgate 4 Horses” which was presented to the Council at its meeting on 15 December 2016.

The Executive Leader gave an update in respect of a Petition that was received at the Council meeting on the 15 December 2016, entitled “Remove the Newgate 4 Horses”.

The Executive Leader stated that this Petition had been discussed at the Public Protection Policy and Development Review Panel on the 17 January and a deputation made.

At that meeting, Panel Members had been advised that the Council’s Environmental Health Service works closely with the RSPCA as a support agency in cases of animal welfare and where complaints are received, investigations are carried out and contact made with the RSPCA where necessary. The Environmental Health Service is aware of the case history of the horses at Newgate Lane and is carefully monitoring the situation. 

Panel Members had noted that the Council does not own the land at Newgate Lane and therefore does not have any powers of eviction at the site. 

Panel Members had agreed that the Council would continue to work with the RSPCA to provide full support of any action they consider necessary in connection with the horses at Newgate Lane. 

To receive any deputations of which notice has been given.

There were no deputations given at this meeting.

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.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Executive meeting held on Monday, 9 January 2017 be received.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the minutes of the Executive meeting held on the Monday, 6 February 2017 were received;

(b)  the recommendations contained in minute 10(1) will be considered under item 15(4) (see minute 15 below);

(c)  the recommendations contained in minute 10(2) will be considered under item 15(2) and 15(3) (see minute 15 below); and

(d)  the recommendations contained in minute 10(4) will be considered under item 15(5) (see minute 15 below).

RESOLVED that the Schedule of Individual Executive Member and Officer Delegated Decisions be received.

To receive, consider and answer questions on reports and recommendations of the meeting of the Scrutiny Board.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Board held on Thursday, 22 December 2016 be received, subject to an amendment showing that Councillor T M Cartwright and Councillor S D T Woodward were also in attendance at that meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Board held on Tuesday, 31 January 2017 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 held on Wednesday, 14 December 2016 be received.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday, 23 January 2017 be received.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday, 25 January 2017 be received

Note: the following recommendation is to be determined:

Minute 6 – Spending Plans 2017/18

The Committee recommends that Council:

(a)  agrees the revised budget for 2016/17; and

(b)  agrees the base budgets for 2017/18.

Minute 7 – Fees and Charges 2017/18

The Committee recommends that Council agrees the fees and charges for 2017/18.

Minute 8 – Polling Station Review

The Committee recommends that Council approve the use of Crofton Community Centre as a polling station for polling districts HH3 and HH4.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the minutes of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee held on 24 January 2017 be received;

(b)  the recommendations contained in Minute 6 – Spending Plans 2017/18 be accepted and accordingly that the Council:

                 i.       agrees the revised budget for 2016/17; and

               ii.       agrees the base budgets for 2017/18;

(c)  the recommendations contained in Minute 7 – Fees and Charges 2017/18 be accepted and accordingly, that the Council agrees the Fees and Charges for 2017/18; and

(d)  the recommendation contained in Minute 8 – Polling Station Review be accepted and accordingly that the Council approves the use of Crofton Community Centre as a polling station for polling districts HH3 and HH4.

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

Questions received by Councillor R H Price, JP:

1.         In the previous six months prior to the 31 January 2017, how many fly tipping issues have we had to deal with on Council land?

2.         How many were there in the same six months ending 31 January 2016 on Council land?

3.         What has the cost been to clear the fly tipping in each of the periods under questions 1 and 2?

4.         Has there been any change in the type of material fly tipped?

5.         Are we aware what amount of fly tipping has taken place in these two periods on private land?

Responses by the Executive Member for Streetscene:

1.         106 fly tipping incidents have been reported on Hampshire Highway and FBC owned land during this period.

2.         During this period 121 fly tipping incidents have been reported on Highway and FBC owned land.

3.         In the previous six months prior to the 31 January 2017, it is estimated to have cost £7,150 to clear.

In the same six months ending 31 January 2016, it is estimated to have cost £12,106 to clear.  This is mostly due to 19 fly tips classed as significant loads being cleared during the period prior to 31 January 2016 as opposed to only 8 for the period prior to 31 January 2017.  The cost to collect and dispose of significant loads is much higher than other fly tips.

4.         The Council is not aware of any trend for the type of fly tipped material changing at this time.

5.         Landowners have a responsibility to clear fly tips on their own land and therefore would not necessarily let the Council know about an incident.  This makes it difficult to gain any accurate information on the amount of fly tipping occurring on private land.

Additional Information:

Hampshire County Council has initiated the development of a  county – wide fly – tipping strategy to deliver a vision of a future for Hampshire where we all work together to ensure that all parties take responsibility for their waste, to bring about a significant reduction in the unacceptable social, economic and environmental harm caused by fly – tipping. The strategy includes engagement with all the waste collection and disposal authorities in the county, along with the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, Hampshire Constabulary and other interested organisations. It is intended that the strategy will   be governed through Project Integra, a partnership of all the local authorities in Hampshire.

The aim is to launch the strategy in April 2017.

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.

“In light of the Council’s agreement at the Council meeting on the 15^th December 2016 that Portchester identity should not be lost, will the Council arrange that the size of the letters for the sign at Hamilton Road on the A27 after leaving Portsmouth where you enter the Borough has Portchester in letters of similar size to the word Fareham so that it is very clear that you are entering Portchester”.

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

"In light of the Councils agreement at the Full Council meeting on the 15^th December 2016 that Portchester identity should not be lost, will the Council arrange that the size of the letters for the sign at Hamilton Road on the A27 after leaving Portsmouth where you enter the Borough has Portchester in letters of similar size to the word Fareham so that it is very clear that you are entering Portchester."

Councillor Mrs C Heneghan joined the meeting during this item.

Having been duly seconded by Councillor S Cunningham and following a debate, the Motion was lost with 3 voting for, 23 against and 3 abstentions.

Following the vote, Councillor S D T Woodward advised Members that the Council could look into obtaining a sticker to cover the existing lettering on the sign and show larger lettering, as this would present a cheaper alternative option.

To consider suspending the provision of Standing Order 19.4 to allow the Executive Leader of the Council to speak on the matters referred to in items 15(2) and 15(3) for longer than five minutes and the spokesman for the Opposition Group to speak for not more than ten minutes; and to consider suspending the provisions of Standing Order 19.5 to allow the Executive Leader of the Council to speak on the matters referred to in items 15(2) and 15(3) more than once to respond to points raised in debate.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, it was RESOLVED that:

(a)  the provisions of Standing Orders 19.4 be suspended to allow the Executive Leader of the Council to speak on the matters referred to in items (2) and (3) for longer than five minutes and the Spokesman for the opposition group to speak for not more than ten minutes; and

(b)  the provisions of Standing Order 19.5 be suspended to allow the Executive Leader to speak on the matters referred to in item (2) and (3) more than once in order to respond to points raised in debate.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 06 February 2017, presented to Council at its meeting on 24 February 2017 at item 10(2), contained recommendations on the revenue budget and the level of council tax for 2017/18.  If Members accept the Executive’s recommendations, formal approval will be sought of the following matters:-

(a)  the capital programme and financing of £63,686,000;

(b)  an overall revised revenue budget for 2016/17 of £8,903,300;

(c)  a revenue budget for 2017/18 of £8,616,700; and

(d)  a council tax for Fareham Borough Council for 2017/18 of £150.22 per band D property, which represents a £5.00 increase when compared to the current year and is within referendum limits.

(Note: a copy of the report to the Executive is included in this agenda pack).

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, there will be a recorded vote on the budget decision.

It was proposed by Councillor S D T Woodward and seconded by Councillor T M Cartwright that the Council accepts the recommendations of the Executive and approves:

(a)  the capital programme and financing of £63,686,000;

(b)  an overall revised revenue budget for 2016/17 of £8,903,300;

(c)  a revenue budget for 2017/18 of £8,616,700; and

(d)  a Council Tax for Fareham Borough Council for 2017/18 of £150.22 per band D property, which represents a £5.00 increase when compared to the current year and is within referendum limits.

Councillor Mrs M Brady joined the meeting during this item.

In presenting the proposal for the budget, the Executive Leader reviewed the Council’s performance, success stories, notable achievements from the year and outlined the agreed priorities. He also reminded Members of the successful completion of Holly Hill Leisure Centre which was officially opened by Olympic Gold medallist, Adam Peaty on 10 October 2016.

Achievements under the Council’s Corporate Priority for the delivery of affordable new homes included the completion of six two-bedroom homes constructed to Passivhaus Certification Standards in Sarisbury; the construction of 16 one-bedroom flats at Sevenson Court which received a £320,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency; and Sylvan Court which is a new £5.2m sheltered housing scheme which has recently been completed in Sarisbury Green.

One of the notable achievements outlined by the Executive Leader was the announcement made in January by the Homes and Communities Agency that Welborne would become one of fourteen new English Garden Villages, based on garden city principles.  The Executive Leader stated that following the publication of the Prior Information Notice which signalled its intention to start the formal tender delivery process, the aim is to have a delivery partner in place by the end of 2017.

The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire Spatial Position Statement was published by PUSH in June 2016.  This sets out development targets for the individual Councils within South Hampshire and forms a significant part of the statutory ‘duty to cooperate’ that Councils have with each other, and will inform the preparation of Local Plans by each Council within the PUSH area.

The Executive Leader outlined how the new branding for Daedalus was unveiled in June 2016: the airport was renamed Solent Airport at Daedalus, Daedalus East became Faraday Business Park and Daedalus West became Swordfish Business Park.  The on-site Innovation Centre achieved 100% occupancy within months of opening, with phase two of the centre now having been approved.

The Executive Leader turned to major road improvements that had been made which include:

·         A27 St. Margaret’s Roundabout improvements including widening, extra lanes and installation of signal controls;

·         Newgate Lane North which includes a new 3 land approach to the Speedfields roundabout, a new junction with traffic signals to HMS Collingwood, including pedestrian and cycle provisions;

·         Peel Common roundabout works which include the provision of traffic signals and additional traffic lanes, as well as improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists;

·         Planning permission was given for the Stubbington Bypass and the Executive Leader stated that this Council is supplying, via business rates collected at Daedalus, £8.5m to Hampshire County Council towards the £34m required for the project.  The remaining £25.7m funds have now been allocated provided by the Solent LEP from a Government Award;

·         Advance works for the Newgate Lane South project have now commenced which will see the construction of a new 7.3 metre wide section of Newgate Lane on a new alignment to the east of the existing road and Woodcote Lane; and

·         Dualing of the A27 from Titchfield to Segensworth is well under way to reduce queues for motorists travelling west from the M27 to A27.

The Executive Leader stated that on 21 April 2016, The Queen’s 90^th Birthday was celebrated at Portchester Castle, an event which was arranged in partnership with English Heritage.  In addition, the Mayor held a special tea party for Fareham residents who were born in the same year as the Queen.

September marked the 50^th anniversary of Fareham’s twinning with Vannes in France.  A specially commissioned sculpture was unveiled in Westbury Manor Museum gardens and a Freedom March was held through Fareham Town Centre with sailors on parade from HMS Collingwood.

Turning to accolades the Council had received, the Executive Leader outlined the success at the South and South East in Bloom Awards 2016 which included a Gold in the Small City category, a Gold for Portchester Crematorium in the Large Cemetery category, a Gold for Holly Hill Woodland Park in the Country Park category and a Gold for both the Sensory Garden of Reflection and Westbury Manor Museum in the Small Park category.

The Sensory Garden in Fareham Town Centre also received the Green Flag Award for the eight year in a row, whilst Holly Hill Woodland Park received the same recognition for the ninth year running. 

Other Awards the Council received include:

·         a Bronze Award for ‘Remodelling Local Services, in respect of the work with Vanguard;

·         an Award for ‘Best Partnership with a Local Authority’, received by the Building Control Partnership;

·         an Award to the Stray Dog Service at the annual RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprint Awards;

·         a commendation at the Municipal Journal Achievement Awards for Reinventing Public Services; and

·         Gold Award for Best Publication for the ‘Where Next for Housing in Fareham’ special edition of Fareham Today.

The Executive Leader outlined the extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre following consultation and the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in November and its associated powers.

The Council’s £364,000 annual Homelessness budget pays for staff resources and administration required to prevent and/or resolve homelessness and costs associated with maintaining and administering the Housing Waiting List and allocations into social housing.

Turning to the work undertaken with Vanguard Consultancy, the Executive Leader announced how this has continued to deliver significant savings and innovate ways in which services are delivered.  The Executive had agreed to fund the extension of the existing contract which will enable existing interventions to continue alongside the commencement of detailed interventions across additional services.

Turning to planning matters, the Planning Committee granted outline planning permission in January for a new electricity interconnector (IFA2) at Daedalus and cables connecting to the substation near Chilling, Warsash.

In early 2016 a revised planning application was submitted by Hallam Land Management for the development of 1100 homes at the Newlands Farm site and the Council is awaiting further information and an amended application.

The amended outline planning permission from Persimmon Homes sought to develop the land north of Cranleigh Road and west of Wicor Primary School, to provide up to 120 new homes, a new link road and green open space and play area.  The Planning Committee voted unanimously to refuse the application.  Persimmon Homes has appealed against the Council’s decision and an appeal will be heard by a Government Planning Inspector at a Public Inquiry in April.

In July 2016, a report on the Funtley Community Governance Review was presented to a meeting of the Council, following a request for the creation of a new Parish Council for Funtley Village.  The outcome of the review was that a Funtley Parish Council would not be established as it was felt there was not a clear and sustained level of support for a Parish Council.

In June the Council approved plans to transform Westbury Manor Museum into a new `culture stop’.  The investment includes £448,000 of funding from Fareham Borough Council and £217,000 from Hampshire Cultural Trust. 

The Executive Leader announced that July 2017 will mark the 100^th anniversary of flying at Daedalus and this will be followed in June 2019 by the 75^th anniversary of D-Day.  These historically significant anniversaries will be commemorated, with both occasions used to increase community awareness of the history of the airfield and attract new use by the flying community.

The Department for Communities and Local Government recently announced that thousands of new starter homes are to be built across the country and will draw funds from the Government’s £1.2 billion Starter Homes Land Fund.  They will be built exclusively for first-time buyers aged 23-40 and available for at least 20% below market value.  Fareham is one of 30 local authorities selected to deliver a share of these homes. 

In respect of Regeneration Visions: in January this year, the Executive agreed the Draft Regeneration Vision for Portchester for consultation.  This draft vision sets out the Council’s ambitions for regenerating the District Centre and how, working with key partners, the Council is looking to involve the local community and key parties in improving the centre.  A draft Regeneration for Fareham Town Centre for consultation was considered in February 2017.  This draft vision outlines how, by working with key partners, the Council is looking to involve the local community and key parties in improving and redeveloping Fareham Town Centre to encourage new commercial and residential development. 

As part of the Local Plan Part 2 during 2014-2015, the Council agreed to commit to undertake an immediate review of the Local Plan to reflect new housing and employment needs to Fareham until 2036.  The Local Plan 2036 is currently being developed and will form the central part of the Borough’s Development Plan when adopted.  A consultation on the draft plan will take place in Spring 2017.

The Executive Leader stated that although a great deal has been achieved by the Council already, further savings need to be made:

The Government has announced that we will be receiving further funding cuts in 2017-2018 of almost £1m due to funding reductions that were detailed last year, but also as a result of changes to the New Homes Bonus calculations that were announced in the 2016 autumn statement;

As part of the 2015 autumn statement councils were offered the chance to accept a four year financial settlement from the government to provide some certainty of what could be expected financially from the government.  During 2016 Fareham accepted this offer along with 97% of councils who saw this as giving them some financial certainty going forward.

With further funding cuts to come in the life of the current parliament including the fact that with effect from 2018-2019 Fareham will no longer receive any Revenue Support Grant, there remains a challenge to realise these savings coupled with the fact that customer expectations continue to rise.

The biggest challenge the Council faces is the continuing reduction in financial support from central government. Since the Council first set its Council Tax at £140.22 back in 2009, overall spending power has reduced from £12m to just over £8.5m and, as a result, a greater proportion of the overall funding needed to provide services to residents is now being met through Council Tax revenue.

As government support for Fareham ends, the Council will be solely reliant on income from Council Tax and business rates in order to pay for services. With annual gross spending in the region of £47m and only 12% of spending raised through Council Tax, 88% of spending needs to be raised elsewhere.

An efficiency report was presented to the Executive in October detailing how the Council will find efficiencies of almost £1m to help close the budget gap.   The report highlighted the four areas where the efficiency plans would be delivered on the back of the Medium Term Finance Strategy.  The majority of these savings have been built into the budget with a small amount to be taken from the 2018-19 budget.  Other savings will be needed to ensure that the budget is balanced right through to 2020.

As part of the efficiency review, the Council has continued to invest in commercial properties in order to offset income reductions due to historically low interest rates.  To date the Council has invested around £26m in property of which around three quarters (in value) is within the Borough.  The Council has also rented out surplus office space to external organisations. In addition to providing vital income of £230,000 annually, this arrangement enables better partnership working with these organisations.

Turning to the Council’s capital programme, the Executive Leader advised that the General Fund capital programme for the next 5 years is £64m. This programme is focussed on delivering schemes which accord with Council Priorities and is funded partly from resources that the Council has accumulated and also from external sources.  By 2020 it is estimated that there will be a surplus of £2.1 million, however, this relies on every scheme being completed on time and within budget.  Surplus resources are required to cover these situations and also for new schemes that may come on line during the next 5 years. Currently the capital resources are topped up by the use of the New Homes Bonus but this is unlikely to continue beyond 2016-2017 as the Finance Strategy allows the first call on the money to meet any likely shortfall in funding.

The Revenue Budget for Council housing expenditure in 2017-18 is estimated to be £12.6m with over 90% of income coming from rents.  Following the adopted rent convergence model introduced by Government to align Council rents with those of registered landlords, the average weekly rent in Fareham will be £90.31 in 2017-18. As part of the Housing Revenue Account 2017-18 there will be a £1.9m transfer to the Housing Capital Programme which has a programme of nearly £23m over 5 years.

In presenting the budget to Members the Executive Leader outlined the key budget setting principles determined in October last year, following consideration of the Medium Term Finance Strategy, and used as a basis for preparing the General Fund Revenue budget for 2017-18.

Despite receiving one of the lowest levels of Government support in Hampshire, and taking account of the impact of the unprecedented economic climate, the Executive Leader stated he was pleased to present a budget, supported by residents, of £8,616,700 for 2017-2018. 

With £2,251,700 coming from other funding, the Executive Leader explained that the sum of £6,365,152 must be raised from Council taxpayers. The Council Tax base for 2017-18 is 42,371.6 band D properties (an increase of 365 from 2016-17).  By dividing the amount to be raised by the Council Tax base, the Council Tax for band D properties is calculated to be £150.22. With the proportion of Council Tax rising £5 this year, there remains a small element of the overall increase of £65.06 for 2017-18.

The Police and Crime Commissioner will be increasing his share of Council Tax by £5. The increase for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service will be £1.24.  The biggest increase will be by the County Council as it will be raising its Council Tax by the maximum allowed of 5%. This includes a 3% increase in respect of social care and 2% for the rest of its services.  The 5% increase represents an increase of £53.82 for a band D property.  The overall position for Fareham taxpayers will be:

Fareham Borough Council:                                   £150.22

Hampshire County Council:                      £1,133.10

Police and Crime Commissioner:                         £165.46

Hampshire Fire and Rescue:                    £63.84

This gives a total amount for a Band D property of £1,512.62 and represents an increase of 4.5% from 2016-17.

The Executive Leader stated that he had outlined a balanced budget which delivers all services at a cost equivalent to a level seen a decade ago despite further funding reductions.  In line with Central Government policy, Council Tax has been increased for only the second time since 2009 and, even with a £5 increase, Fareham will still have one of the lowest District Council Tax band D charges in the Country.

The Executive Leader summarised his presentation by asking Members to approve the recommendations set out under Item 15 on the Agenda which makes Fareham’s Council Tax one of the lowest “district” rates in England.

During the debate, Councillor R H Price, JP asked that his thanks be placed on record to Officers who work hard to provide services to the residents of the Borough.

The Executive Leader closed the debate by asking that his thanks be placed on record to Officers who ensure that Fareham is one of the best Councils in the country and for the support given to all Members along with their “can do” attitude.

Following a debate on the item and on the recommendations being put to the meeting, it was declared CARRIED with 29 voting in favour and 1 against.

(Councillors K Barton, B Bayford, Mrs S M Bayford, Miss S M Bell, F Birkett, Mrs M Brady, Mrs P M Bryant, J Butts, T M Cartwright, Mrs L Clubley, S Cunningham, P J Davies, Mrs T Ellis, K D Evans, G Fazackarley, M J Ford, JP, Miss T Harper, Mrs C Heneghan, L Keeble, A Mandry, Mrs K Mandry, S D Martin, Ms S Pankhurst, R H Price, JP, D L Steadman, Mrs K K Trott, N J Walker, C J Wood and S D T Woodward voting in favour and Councillor J M Englefield voting against).

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Executive be accepted and accordingly the Council approves:

(a)  the capital programme and financing of £63,686,000;

(b)  an overall revised revenue budget for 2016/17 of £8,903,300;

(c)  a revenue budget for 2017/18 of £8,616,700; and

(d)  a Council Tax for Fareham Borough Council for 2017/18 of £150.22 per band D property, which represents a £5.00 increase when compared to the current year and is within referendum limits.

Having made the necessary calculations in relation to its own budget, the Council must proceed to set the Council Tax for 2017/18 taking account of the amounts in precepts issued to the Council by Hampshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Hampshire Fire Authority.  These precepts will not be issued before the publication of this agenda and will therefore be reported at the meeting, with provisional figures being given for those that are not yet approved.  This is due to the timing of the Council Tax setting meeting scheduled for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority.  

In order to enable Council Tax bills to be issued within the statutory timescale, it is recommended that the Council agrees to delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Resources to amend the Council Tax 2017/18, in the event that any of the precepting authorities change their precept calculation from that expected and reported at the Council meeting.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, there will be a recorded vote on the budget decision.

(Note: a schedule will be circulated at the meeting for approval, showing the formal calculations the Council must make, incorporating any figures recommended by the Executive. Members will also be advised of the wording of the formal resolution they must adopt to set the Council Tax for 2017/18, taking account of the requisite calculations and the precepts of Hampshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Hampshire Fire Authority).

The Council considered information tabled at the meeting: a schedule showing the formal calculations for setting the Council Tax and a graphical breakdown of council tax rates, as attached to these Minutes.

On the recommendations being put to the meeting, it was declared CARRIED with 29 voting in favour and 1 voting against.

(Councillors K Barton, B Bayford, Mrs S M Bayford, Miss S M Bell, F Birkett, Mrs M Brady, Mrs P M Bryant, J Butts, T M Cartwright, Mrs L Clubley, S Cunningham, P J Davies, Mrs T Ellis, K D Evans, G Fazackarley, M J Ford, JP, Miss T Harper, Mrs C Heneghan, L Keeble, A Mandry, Mrs K Mandry, S D Martin, Ms S Pankhurst, R H Price, JP, D L Steadman, Mrs K Trott, N J Walker, C J Wood and S D T Woodward voting in favour and Councillor J M Englefield voting against).

RESOLVED that the Council:

(1)       notes that on 24 February 2017 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2017/18 for the whole Council area as 42,371.6 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the "Act")];

(2)       notes the calculation that the Council Tax requirement for the Council's own purposes for 2017/18 is £6,365,152;

(3)       notes that the following amounts be calculated by the Council for the year 2017/18 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

            (a) £47,662,400     being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.

            (b) £41,297,248     being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

            (c) £6,365,152        being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).

            (d)   £150.22            being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year.

            (e)   £0.00                being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.

            (f)    £150.22            being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by Item T (1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish precept relates.

(4)       notes that the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner along with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council's area as indicated in the table below.

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(5)       notesthat the Council, in accordance with Sections 30 and 38 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the aggregate amounts shown in the tables below as the amounts of Council Tax for 2017/18 for each part of its area and for each of the categories of dwellings.

(6)       notes that in accordance with the set of principles set by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for the year, it is determined that the relevant basic amount of council tax for 2017/18 is not excessive.

The minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 06 February 2017, presented to Council at its meeting on 24 February 2017 at item 10(2), contained recommendations on the Housing Revenue Account Spending Plans including the Capital Programme for the years 2016/17 to 2020/21.  If members accept the Executive’s recommendations, formal approval will be sought of the following matters:-

(a)  rents be approved for Council Dwellings as set out in paragraph 11 with effect from 3 April 2017;

(b)  rents for Council garages be increased by 6.2% with effect from 3 April 2017;

(c)  discretionary fees and charges be increased with effect from 3 April 2017;

(d)  the revised budget for 2016/17 be approved;

(e)  the base budget for 2017/18 be approved;

(f)   the capital programme and financing for 2016/17 to 2020/21 be approved; and

(g)  annual budgets and assumptions are set with the aim of ensuring sufficient surpluses are held to repay debt on the date of maturity of each loan.

(A copy of the report to the Executive is included in this Agenda pack).

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, there will be a recorded vote on the budget decision.

On the recommendations being put to the meeting, it was declared CARRIED with 29 voting for and 1 abstention.

(Councillors K Barton, B Bayford, Mrs S M Bayford, Miss S M Bell, F Birkett, Mrs M Brady, Mrs P M Bryant, J Butts, T M Cartwright, Mrs L Clubley, S Cunningham, P J Davies, Mrs T Ellis, K D Evans, G Fazackarley, M Ford, Miss T Harper, Mrs C Heneghan, L Keeble, A Mandry, Mrs K Mandry, S Martin, Ms S Pankhurst, R Price, D L Steadman, Mrs K Trott, N J Walker, C Wood and S D T Woodward voting in favour and Councillor J Englefield abstaining).

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Executive at its meeting on the 6 February 2017, contained in Minute 10(2): Housing Revenue Account Spending Plans, including the Capital Programme for 2016/17 be accepted and, accordingly the Council approves that:

(a)  rents be approved for Council Dwellings as set out in paragraph 11 with effect from 3 April 2017;

(b)  rents for Council garages be increased by 6.2% with effect from 3 April 2017;

(c)  discretionary fees and charges be increased with effect from 3 April 2017;

(d)  the revised budget for 2017/18 be approved;

(e)  the base budget for 2017/18 be approved;

(f)   the capital programme and financing for 2016/17 to 2020/21 be approved; and

(g)  annual budgets and assumptions are set with the aim of ensuring sufficient surpluses are held to repay debt on the date of maturity of each loan.

The minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on the 06 February 2017, presented to the Council at its meeting on 24 February 2017 at item 10(2), contained recommendations for the Council to approve the Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2017/18.

(Note: A copy of the report to the Executive along with the Treasury Management Strategy is included in this agenda pack).

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Executive at its meeting of the 6 February 2017, contained in Minute 10(2): Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2017/18 be approved.

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 25 February 2017.

There were no changes to the appointments to Committees made at this meeting.