Agenda and draft minutes

An apology for non attendance was received from Councillor Raffaelli.

All Members are required to disclose at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter, any disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest in any item(s) being considered at this meeting

Councillors Burgess, Chegwyn, Huggins, Meenaghan and Philpott advised that they were Hampshire County Councillors, and that some of the motions presented tonight would also be considered by the County Council.

Councillor Huggins advised that she would abstain from the vote on the motion relating to Stubbington Study Centre as she was on the Cabinet for the decision and did not want to predetermine.

Councillor Ballard advised that she had a personal interest in the draft budget as she had previously worked for a homeless charity.

The Mayor advised that he wished the meeting to remain in good spirit and that Members should behave appropriately.

To sign as a true and correct record the minutes of the meeting held on the 11December 2024

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 11 December 2024 be signed as a true and correct record.

(NOTE: Standing Order No. 3.4 requires that notice of a Deputation should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2025 and likewise Standing Order No. 3.5 requires that notice of a Public Question should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2025)

One Deputation and one public question had been received. The deputation was heard at the point at which the motion on Climate and Nature was discussed.

Public Question – Thomas Emery

Given the current parking charges and regulations in the town centre, many residents and visitors find it increasingly difficult to shop as well as meet friends for lunch which in turn has had a massive impact on the local business’s that currently occupy the town centre, if you are as invested in bringing this town centre back to life, will you either reduce the car parking fees or provide free car parking for all shoppers of the high street for a maximum of two hours.

Answer: There is already free parking in the Town Centre and Morrisons had two hours free parking and wasn’t full so could be utilised. The administration had reintroduced free parking, after it had been scrapped and parking income was key to supporting the Council.

Car parking charges in Gosport were lower than in surrounding Boroughs and no Boroughs had free parking. The offer in Gosport was generous and that it would always be kept under review like County Council parking and other Boroughs.

NOTE: Members are reminded that Standing Order No. 3.3 requires that Notice of Question pursuant to that Standing Order must be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2025 )

There were none.

To consider the following PART I minutes of the Housing Board -15 January 2025

Consideration was given to the Part I minutes of the Housing Board on 15 January 2025.

The report was presented as well balanced and was presenting an increase of CPI plus 1% which equated to approximately £2.60 per week, with two thirds of customers covered by housing benefit.

The Council was advised that the report and the proposal were forward thinking and that there was commitment to renewing provision of housing stock and increasing stock of short term accommodation to reduce the amount of B and Bs and accommodation outside the Borough that was used.

The work of the team behind the report was commended, as savings had been achieved and it was recognised that the work of recently retired Julie Smith should not go unnoticed.

RESOLVED: That

i)              Council Dwelling rents increase by CPI + 1% (2.7%) as set out in the Social Housing rent guidance

ii)             The revised HRA Business Plan Financial Model extract (Appendix A) and associated 2024/25 revised budget and 2025/26 Budget (Appendix B) is agreed

iii)           Service charges increase on average by 3%

iv)           The rent for all garages increases in line with inflation as agreed in the garage renewal strategy.

That the following notices of motion be considered

MOTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CLIMATE and NATURE (CAN) BILL

Proposed by Councillor Maynard

Seconded by Councillor Finn

Introduction

TheClimate andNature (CAN)Bill isa legallybinding missionstatement whichwill ensure policyand actionon theclimate andnature crisisis science-ledand people-oriented.

The UK led the world with the Climate Change Act of 2008, and did so again with its commitment to Net Zero by 2050. In both cases, other countries followed our lead. The CAN Bill would set a gold standard for other developed nations. By passing it, UK politicians would help inspire positive action across theworld.

Motion

Gosport Borough Council (GBC) unreservedly lends its support to the passing and implementation of the CAN Bill. In so doing, GBC acknowledges the extreme urgency of the action needed to mitigate the affects of climate change and the extreme negative impact on the natural habitat that is happening right now, increasing at an exponential rate; thereby, seriously damaging the life chances of the coming generations.

Motion on Local Government Reorganisation - 'Hands Off Gosport'

 Proposed by: Councillor Peter Chegwyn

Seconded by: Councillor Rob Hylands

Gosport Borough Council is opposed to the Government's plans for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation.  Councillors believe that decisions on Gosport's future are best made by elected Gosport councillors of whichever party who are accountable to local Gosport residents, not by councillors from other parts of Hampshire who are less likely to have Gosport's best interests at heart.

Gosport Borough Council also believes that the Government's Devolution proposals are flawed insofar as they concentrate powers in the hands of Metro-style Mayors and new regional councils with populations of 500,000 or more.  Gosport Council believes true devolution would devolve powers down to District, Town & Parish Councils who are closer to the people they serve and thereby more democratic & accountable.  Council notes there is little evidence to suggest 'bigger is better' or likely to produce the financial savings which the Government claims.  Gosport Council rejects plans for a 'Greater Portsmouth' Unitary Authority merging the existing Portsmouth Unitary Authority with the existing Gosport, Fareham & Havant Borough & District Councils.

Gosport Borough Council is also opposed to the attempt by Hampshire County Council to postpone or cancel this May's County Council elections.  Gosport councillors believe that both County & Borough councillors should be accountable to local residents through the ballot box and that any attempt by politicians to cancel or postpone elections for political reasons sets a very dangerous precedent.

Motion on Stubbington Study Centre

Proposed by Councillor Bradley

Seconded by Councillor Cox

Gosport Borough Council regrets the proposal by Hampshire County Council to close the Stubbington Study Centre.  This much-loved facility has benefitted thousands of Gosport youngsters over many years.  Gosport Council calls on Hampshire County Council to think again and keep the Stubbington Study Centre open.  Council instructs the Chief Executive to respond to the official consultation on behalf of the Council and make it clear that  ...  view the full agenda text for item 69.

Three notices of motion had been received.

MOTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CLIMATE and NATURE (CAN) BILL

Proposed by Councillor Maynard

Seconded by Councillor Finn

Malcolm Spencer was invited to address the Board

Good evening.

Thank you for allowing me, as a representative of Gosport Friends of the Earth, to present to you the case for supporting the Climate and Nature Bill.  I know that the agenda for tonight is full, so I will make this presentation very very brief.

The Climate and Nature Bill, as the saying goes,  “does what it says on the tin”.  Informed by the science, it commits the government to reducing carbon emissions, at home and abroad, , to reducing the loss of plant and wildlife and to involving the public.

The climate and nature and the public are linked because if the climate changes then plants and wildlife cannot adapt quickly enough. As nature is our ally in combatting and adapting to climate change, a loss of plants and wildlife leads to a more rapid climate change. And to make the necessary changes the public needs to be on-side.

This is urgent. The average worldwide temperature in 2024 was already above the 1.5 degC, that was the target set  in Paris in 2015.  Also it was announced that the CO2 levels in the atmosphere were higher than they have been for over 3 million years. As for nature, scientists tell us that 28% of plants AND animals (yes more than a quarter) are threatened with COMPLETE extinction.

BUT, we know what needs to be done to slow climate change and how to bring species back from the brink. This bill encourages the necessary measures.

So why is the Bill important for Gosport?

• A warmer climate means fiercer storms that make flooding more likely.
• And it also means a rise in sea level. The current forecast is that sea levels will rise between  10 and 60 cm by 2050  - that's only 25 years away. That makes sea defences very expensive or may even make Gosport indefensible.
• And for nature, surveys have shown that in Hampshire some 46 plants are already considered extinct;
• and we know that involving people with nature is good for their physical and mental health.

Why is supporting the Bill beneficial to Gosport?

• A government, committed by the bill, will need to take action and find the money to support those actions. A prepared Gosport will be able to take advantage of that money to keep people safe from floods, to build energy efficient homes and adapt to a sustainable and healthier future.  I am sure you all want that for Gosport.
• The public is already aware of Climate Change and expects government, local and national, to take action. Supporting this Bill is one way of showing you are taking action.
• And improving nature locally improves how people feel and when people feel happy, they are more likely to support their local council.

We should take action NOW  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

Community and Environment Board – 8 January 2025

Policy and Organisation Board – 2 January 2025, 21 January 2025, and 5 February 2025 (to follow)

RESOLVED: That the Part II Minutes of the Boards be received.

The Part II Minutes of the Community and Environment Board on the 8 January 2025 were presented to the Council.

The report was welcome, including the acknowledgement of addressing the Alver river issues. It was hoped that this would improve the flooding issues upstream.

A Member advised that the update was welcome, particularly after the devastating flooding in Alverstoke.

It was acknowledged that the section 19 report had still not been published but that it would only cover the inquiry into the response to the Alverstoke Flooding and not the cause.

It was recognised that there were separate issues relating to Stoke Lake, these included the on pause flood defence scheme and the sluice gate. This was in addition to the separate issue of the algae on the lake.

It was acknowledge that the shortfall in funding for the flood defences now sat at £3.25 million, significantly more than the original £800000 and whilst Gosport Borough Council and the Coastal Partners were committed to the project the Environment Agency had been written to requesting support for the deficit. It was also acknowledged that this would be one of many requests received for flood prevention work from across the country.

It was also recognised that the recent flooding event was evidence that the correct decision had been made when deciding not to build on Stokesmead as properties there would also have been flooded.

The Part II Minutes of the Policy and Organisation Board on the 2 January 2025, 21 January 2025, and 5 February 2025.

Subsequent to the meeting on the 21 January 2025 the Letter of Representation had been received and was welcome.

Report to follow

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Treasurer detailing the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget 2025/26

The Leader of the Council introduced the budget as good for Gosport, the settlement statement had continued to decrease but the budget had been delivered without any cuts to services and with £2 million in place to provide extra provision.

The average band D property in Gosport would have their Council tax increased by 14p a week for services that continued to improve the Borough with the Borough Council’s increase of 2.99 % one of the lowest in the country.

Hampshire County Council had requested to have their precept increased by 15% but this had been rejected by the Government and would now be set at 4.99% unless they wished to hold a referendum at huge cost to the tax payer. The County Council had significant debt whereas Gosport Borough Council were financially sound.

Members praised the work of the financial team and requested that thanks to them be recorded.

The Council was advised that the administration had been left with £1.7million deficit and with inflation reaching up to 10% and charges only being levied previously at 2% there was a need to address this. It had therefore been necessary to utilise some of the reserves but doing so had allowed for development and progress for the Town.

Cuts were being made at the County Council to things like school transport, libraries, Stubbington Study Centre whereas Gosport was delivering services such as improved sports facilities.

The Council had undertaken significant savings and needed to undertake additional savings in the future to address the national payout deficit. The Council had been hit with significant costs, such as the pay award and a reduction in recycling income.

There had been significant progress within housing to secure additional properties and dispose of assets such as Blakes Maternity Hospital. These were beneficial to supporting the need for emergency housing.

The Council would continue to support important work such as CAB and would continue with grants accessible to community groups. There was also funding being used to support outdoor access and in turn this would support mental health.

There was additional support for sports facilities at the leisure centre including a padel ball court, as well as improvement to the football pitches and tennis courts at Privett Park. These were scheduled for improvement and the importance of providing facilities was reiterated.

Work was being done to improve lighting at Bridgemary Skate park, improvements to the splash park at a cost reduction to what was predicted. Money had been spent on improving buildings, investing arts and culture, supporting businesses and bringing life into the town. Improvements had been made to the Market.

It was reiterated that the financial settlement from the Government had reduced significantly.

The Council was advised that work had been done to secure rental of the Car Park at Fort Road at a rate of £60,000 pa to the IRC development for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

For Council to agree an appointment to the role of Data Protection Officer

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive.

RESOLVED: That James Wild be appointed the Data Protection Officer.

This report sets out the proposal to appoint a Returning Officer for the administration of elections and an Electoral Registration Officer for the registration of electors, following the retirement of the present postholder on 31 January 2025 and to delegate authority to appoint Deputy Electoral Registration Officers to the Electoral Registration Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Executive detailing the proposal for the appointment for Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

The Council were advised that there had been a change in the proposed officer and the proposal was to appoint Debbie Gore as both Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

That the Full Council

a)    Appoints Debbie Gore as Returning Officer for elections and as the Electoral Registration Officer

b)    Provides appropriate insurance to enable the roles of Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer to be undertaken. In the event of such insurance carrying an 'excess' clause by which an initial portion of risk is not insured, the Council, through its internal insurance fund or otherwise, will indemnify the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer up to the value of such excess

c)    Appoint Jessie Regan as Deputy Electoral Registration Officer with full powers and delegates authority to the Electoral Registration Officer to appoint further Deputy Electoral Registration Officers if required, subject to such appointees holding satisfactory qualifications and experience as required, and

d)    expresses its thanks to Graeme Jesty for undertaking the duties of Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer and wishes him a long and happy retirement.

The purpose of this report is to update Members on the Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme for 2024/25 with regards to claimant caseload and expenditure, and to propose the working-age scheme for the next financial year 2025/26, for which no changes are intended.

Consideration was given to the report of the Benefits Manager detailing the update to the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

RESOLVED:

That Council approves the LCTS scheme for 2025/26, which

¾     Maintains the current scheme for those of working-age, and

¾     Notes the continuation of the statutory scheme for pension-age customers.

The pension-age scheme will, as in previous years, be updated to reflect the annual uprating of allowances and premiums together with any statutory base legislation changes required.  These are summarised at paragraph 2.6.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 2.4 the Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer has written to Group Leaders and Members of the Council inviting them to submit Member nominations for the selection of Mayor-Elect and Deputy Mayor Elect for the next Municipal Year. One nominations has been received by the Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Councillor K Bradley for Mayor elect and no nominations for Deputy Mayor Elect.

One nomination was received for Mayor Elect for the Municipal Year 2025/26, Councillor K Bradley

RESOLVED: Councillor K Bradley is Mayor Elect for the Municipal Year 2025/26.

One nomination was received for Deputy Mayor Elect for the Municipal Year 2025/26, Councillor Earle.

RESOLVED: Councillor Earle was is Deputy Mayor Elect for the Municipal Year 2025/26.

There were none.