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Paper 2 - 27 March 1998 Meeting

ASSOCIATION OF HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Minutes of the Association meeting held at Hampshire County Council on Friday 30 January 1998 at 10.00 am.

Also in attendance Mr N Goulder, Policy Officer, Mr B Clayden (LGA), and Mr D Makepeace (Kent Association of Local Authorities).

1.98 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J Hurst (Hart), Councillor D Miles (Gosport) and Councillor M Barton (Isle of Wight).

2.98 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 28 NOVEMBER 1997

The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a correct record. The Hon Secretary reported that with regard to minute 42.97, the Dorset Association had approved the principle of reciprocal observer status. Bournemouth and Poole Councils were now members of that Association.

RESOLVED:-

That the principle of reciprocal observer status with the Dorset Association be agreed.

3.98 A PRESENTATION ON COMMUNITY SAFETY

Peter Robertson (Hampshire), began the presentation on recent Government consultations and proposed legislation with regard to the Crime and Disorder Bill. He provided members with a copy of his presentation slides, which included a summary of the results of the Community Safety mapping exercise described in minute 45.97 from the meeting on 28 November 1997. Mr Robertson explained that in order to successfully implement a strategy for the reduction of crime and disorder local authorities would need to co-ordinate their efforts at a Police Authority level yet maintain local flexibility.

A trademark of the strategy was the crucial element of public consultation. In order to prioritise the strategy it was necessary to identify the level of crime awareness and 'fear of crime' in each authority's area. Mr Robertson explained that Hampshire already took a 'team' approach towards crime which was also a key element in the process. His presentation also covered more specific plans to deal with youth justice and community safety.

Ian Mackintosh, (New Forest), added to the presentation, stressing the importance of being action-orientated, but still establishing a structure to ensure delivery. Membership and commitment to the strategy were crucial, although the recommendations put forward in the presentation were mostly suggestions - the strategy had some flexibility and allowed for local arrangements to be made by each authority in its own area.

Brian Partridge (Portsmouth), provided a background to Portsmouth's strategy on crime prevention. The core values and priorities of the strategy had been established through a public survey, or 'crime audit'. The City Council had established a Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee which prepared a strategy, approved schemes, and implemented changes through projects such as 'Safer Cities'. Community involvement played a key role in all levels of the strategy.

During the discussion which followed it was noted that representatives from trade unions and youth groups should also be represented in the process.

RESOLVED:-

(1) That the strategy outlined in the presentation be taken forward;

(2) That all partners meet for the first standing conference; and

(3) That Peter Robertson, Ian Mackintosh and Brian Partridge be thanked for their presentation.

4.98 PREPARATION OF REGIONAL GUIDANCE FOR THE SOUTH EAST

Robin Smith (Havant), gave a brief presentation on the progress of SERPLAN in relation to the pre-consultation draft of the Regional Strategy for the South East for the years 2001 - 2016.

On 8 April 1998 the SERPLAN conference would consider the public consultation draft of the strategy. Key issues included accommodating employment growth, taking fiscal measures to release 'brown' land, and building on economic strengths. Mr Smith emphasised the need for the Association to prepare a response dealing with strategic rather than local issues. The report outlined the timetable for the Regional Strategy, and a draft timetable for the Association to prepare its input to be incorporated into the strategy. The next special officer meeting had been scheduled for 12 February 1998.

The Chair stressed the need for SERPLAN members and the Association to act quickly, as there would only be one chance to influence the Regional Strategy before it was finalised. The key to the success of the initiative was cohesion between representatives of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on SERPLAN.

RESOLVED:-

(1) That a Co-ordination Group be established of SERPLAN Member representatives, supported by lead representatives from the Chief Executive's Group and the Planning Officers' Group, for the purpose of promoting the best possible response from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area;

(2) That all Council Leaders of Association Authorities accept the invitation to attend the expanded Member Policy Group session on the Draft Strategy being organised by SERPLAN in London for a day during the first week of March 1998.

(3) That the next Association meeting on 27 March receive a report on the key implications for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight through the Hampshire Co-ordination Group in preparation for the launch of public consultation on the Draft Regional Strategy at SERPLAN Conference on 8 April 1998.

5.98 THE RDA BILL AND APPOINTMENT OF ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF THE RDA FOR THE SOUTH EAST REGION

The Policy Officer introduced his paper which advised that the Government was currently advertising for nominations to the South East Regional Development Agency (RDA). The Association's aim would be to achieve adequate representation of this area on the RDA Board.

RESOLVED:-

(1) That the Association's statement concerning the RDA Bill be noted;

(2) That the role taken by the South East Regional Forum in co-ordinating nominations to the board of the RDA for the South East Region be welcomed; and

(3) That the Association's RDA Panel consider whether to support any particular nominations to the RDA board.

6.98 LGA REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS - RESPONSE TO LGA CONSULTATION

Consideration was given to a paper of the Policy Officer which detailed the LGA's proposals to develop its relationships with the regions, in order to ensure adequate contact with and involvement of member authorities. Ben Clayden was introduced as the regional contact for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area. The report included ten key issues which the Association commented on as follows:

(i) Should electoral college boundaries be based on the GOSE?

It was agreed that boundaries should be based on the six county confederation area (Hampshire and the Isle of Wight eastwards to Kent).

(ii) Consultation on corporate policy issues

It was suggested that the focus should be on the local associations.

(iii) Consultation on service committee issues

It was agreed to consult at six county confederation level.

(iv) Feedback from members of national LGA committees

Feedback should be presented at HIOW level, but fed out to other relevant Associations.

(v) Representations from Member Authorities on particular issues

This was endorsed, however it was recognised that there could be involvement of other authorities on specific issues, and that it is always open to individual members to make representations on their own.

(vi) Would regional groupings be willing to undertake national policy work on behalf of the LGA?

This was endorsed but more flexibility was needed to allow regional groupings to take forward appropriate national policy.

(vii) Improved Communications

None were suggested.

(vii) Regional Contacts

Endorsed.

(ix) Formal Approach

Endorsed.

(x) Reports to Policy and Strategy Committee

Endorsed.

RESOLVED:-

That a response be drafted on the basis of the Policy Officer's report and the discussion.

7.98 PRIORITIES FOR THE SIX COUNTY CONFEDERATION

The paper asked members to approve that the confederation of six county areas from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to Kent should prepare a review of priorities for the area, in time for the formal constitution of the RDA in April 1999. It was suggested that in order to find a common purpose of equal value to all six counties, it may be worthwhile to employ a secondee. David Makepeace (Maidstone) explained that although Kent had reservations about the confederation, he felt that the Kent Association of Local Authorities was prepared to consider the idea of exploring grounds of common interest.

RESOLVED:-

That the Chief Executives' Group explores, with the other local associations in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, the possibility of developing priorities for the confederation area.

8.98 THE ASSOCIATION'S BUDGET 1998/99

The Policy Officer introduced his paper which showed the Association's income from subscriptions in 1997/98. Associate members were urged to become full members from the start of the next financial year on 1 June 1998.

RESOLVED:-

That the Association's subscriptions for 1998/99 remain at the same level as those for the current year.

9.98 AREA COST ADJUSTMENT

Consideration was given to a paper of the Policy Officer regarding funding of the Area Cost Adjustment which would enable SERF to carry out research into the higher labour costs in the South East area.

RESOLVED:-

That the sum of £3,000 be raised from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Authorities to contribute to research into the funding of the Area Cost Adjustment in accordance with the formula set out in the paper.

10.98 IMPROVING LOCAL GOVERNANCE - HIGHWAYS

Consideration was given to a report of the Managing Director of New Forest District Council and the Chief Executive of Hampshire County Council regarding the progress of the Joint Working Party which had been established to work on local governance issues.

RESOLVED:-

That a meeting of the Improving Local Governance Steering Group be held before the next Association meeting.

11.98 COMMITTEE FOR RURAL HAMPSHIRE - COMMUNICATIONS

Councillor Mrs Haselden (Test Valley) and Councillor Mrs Scriven (Winchester) had been appointed as HIOW representatives on the Committee for Rural Hampshire. They would present a report on the Committee's work on a once yearly basis to the Association for consideration. It was noted that the Isle of Wight would like to become involved in the Committee. (A copy of a joint paper entitled 'Hampshire Farming Study' which reviews the viability of agriculture in Hampshire is attached to the minute book).

12.98 REPORT OF LGA LEISURE AND TOURISM COMMITTEE (JANUARY 1997 to 1998)

Councillor John Coles' paper provided an update on the Committee's work over the past year. It was noted that a National Lottery Task Group had been set up, and meetings with the English Sports Council had been held to discuss issues such as Sports Council Structures, the National Stadium, and the British Academy of Sport, among others.

RESOLVED:-

That Councillor Coles be thanked for reporting back.

13.98 PRINCIPAL HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT OFFICER GROUPS 1997

The Policy Officer's paper listed the officer groups which had received copies of the Association's Action Plan, and were involved in joint working with the Chief Executives' Group. Chris Tapp (Eastleigh) emphasised the Chief Executives' Group's desire to communicate more with the other officer groups to ensure cohesion across the Association's area.

RESOLVED:-

That the report be noted.

14.98 DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting would be held on Friday 27th March 1998 at Basingstoke and Deane District Council when a presentation on public health was planned.

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