Agenda and draft minutes

An apology of absence was received from Councillor S Dugan.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 10 January 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 10 January 2025 be confirmed and signed as correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration on the Fareham Town Centre Regeneration Strategy.

The Panel considered a report and received a presentation from the Regeneration Strategic Lead on the Fareham Town Centre Regeneration Strategy which will be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 13 February 2025 (a copy of the presentation is appended to these minutes).

A tabled item was presented to the Panel, providing an update to the recommendations to the Executive report (a copy of this tabled item has been appended to these minutes).

Members focused on a variety of topics following the presentation and these included: -

·       Transport Issues – Members raised concerns regarding the availability of public transport in the evenings, especially bus services and requested that officers work with the bus companies to try and improve on the availability of these services. A suggestion was also made for a dedicated bus route be provided for Fareham Live ‘show nights’ where there could be pick up points across the Borough to pick up and drop off members of the public who wish to use this service to visit the venue.

·       Aligning the Strategy with the Corporate Strategy – Panel Members recognised that the Town Centre Regeneration Strategy is aligned with the Council’s Corporate Strategy and incorporates the Council’s vision for the borough. Panel Members highlighted the link between the Regeneration Strategy and the Council’s continuing work to respond to climate change.

·       On-going Security Arrangements – Panel Members acknowledged that the one year trial and current security arrangements enabling the opening of the evening route through Fareham Shopping Centre to connect West Street and Fareham Live has wider economic benefits for the town and developing the nighttime economy. However, proposals for the evening route beyond the one year trial should look at all options available to reduce the direct cost to the Council and develop a more permanent solution for this which is more cost effective.

·       Parking Review – Panel Members expressed a desire for the parking review to be undertaken as a priority, given the importance of car parking to town centre businesses, visitors and residents and to the development of the Shopping Centre & Fareham Live Masterplan and other regeneration initiatives.

·       Public Consultation – The Panel Members acknowledged that there is a significant budget proposed for the first phase of the Shopping Centre & Fareham Live Masterplan. However it was recognised that this investment will put the Council in the best place to bid for future government or other external funding and to secure opportunities for third-party investment. It will also improve the prospects for realisation of the vision. Excellent communication and engagement with the wider public, residents and businesses is therefore essential during the development of the Masterplan. This helps to reassure residents that the financial investment for this project is being spent appropriately and is focused on deliverable proposals to improve and support the town centre.

RESOLVED that the Panel: -

(i)              notes the content of the report and presentation; and

(ii)             recommends that the Executive endorses all of the recommendations, including the additional tabled recommendation, at its meeting on 13 February 2025.

To consider a report by the Assistant Director (Finance and ICT) on the Updated Budgets and Council Tax 2025-26.

The Panel considered a report by the Assistant Director (Finance and ICT) on the revised budget and Council Tax for 2025-26.

RESOLVED that the Panel: -

(i)              notes the content of the report; and

(ii)             recommends that the Executive endorses the recommendations set out in the report at its meeting on 13 February 2025.