Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies given for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 04 November 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 4 November 2024 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Executive Leader announced that, following the Government’s plan to cut the winter fuel payment, he has asked officers to stand ready to help the most vulnerable in our communities that will be directly affected by this cut.  Of course our first priority will continue to be supporting our residents to make the best use of all welfare options available to them, and we will continue to promote the uptake of pension credits. However, where it is clear that those experiencing severe hardship have no other option this winter, we have an exceptional hardship policy that can be utlised to relieve pressure on their council tax bills and enable them to use that money to heat their homes.  The Council will be allocating specific funding for this scheme, using revenue reserves, as part of finalising this year’s revised budget.  Details will be published in the coming days.

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.

There were no petitions submitted at this meeting.

To receive any deputations, of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive any references from the committees or panels held.

Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel – 18 November 2024

Minute 6 – Annual Review of Corporate Strategy 2023-2029

The Panel considered a report by the Assistant Director (Democracy) on the Annual Review of the Corporate Strategy 2023-2029.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor G Furnivall addressed the Panel on this item. She requested that the proposed wording change to page 17 of the Strategy, state “…allow for equitable opportunity and access…” rather than equal access as this is a stronger statement which more accurately describes the required change. Members of the Panel were in support of this proposal.

Councillor Whittle requested that the information regarding the population estimate, which is proposed to be removed from page 7 of the strategy remain as he feels that this is valuable information for residents. The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager addressed the Panel and confirmed that this information could be incorporated elsewhere in the strategy.

Councillor Hamilton requested that where the strategy refers to Westbury Manor Museum on page 9, this be changed to Westbury Manor. Members were keen to acknowledge that this will form part of the Town Centre Regeneration but that the building will no longer be used as a museum.

The Assistant Director (Democracy) addressed the Panel on this item to confirm that following the last meeting of the Panel where the motion on support for LGBTQ+ people was debated, a lot of work has been undertaken to progress these proposals. It is proposed that a new project be added to the Corporate Strategy:

Ensure Fareham Borough Council services are accessible to all members of our community and staff by recognising and celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion and by providing systems and structures that allow for equitable opportunity and access.

Further information on this will be incorporated into the Executive report on the Corporate Strategy which will be presented at the meeting of the Executive on 3 December 2024.

RESOLVED that the Panel: -

(i)              notes the content of the report; and

(ii)             recommends that the Executive considers the proposed changes to the Corporate Strategy as outlined above when they consider this item at their meeting on 3 December 2024.

This was considered at item 10(1) on the agenda.

In receiving the recommendations, it was noted that the wording in the second paragraph should be revised as Councillor Furnivall proposed a wording change to page 17 of the strategy to state “allow for equity of opportunity and access”.

A report by the Director of Housing.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  notes the outcome of the consultation and the changes to the Policy and accompanying documents;

(b)  agrees that the Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy be adopted; and

(c)  agrees to delegate powers to make minor amendments needed, such as in response to future updates to Government guidance or minor corrections, to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.

A report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the approach and implementation of the Bird Aware Partnership’s Revised Strategy with effect from 1 January 2025.

A report by the Assistant Director (Democracy).

The comments of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel were taken into account in considering this item.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  agrees the proposed revisions to the Corporate Strategy, as set out in Appendix B to the report;

(b)  recommends the Annual review of the Corporate Strategy 2023-2029 to Council for approval, subject to any further amendments; and

(c)  notes the Council’s performance for the 2023/2024 financial year.