Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
County Council - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 2nd October 2025
10:15 AM
Thursday, 2nd October 2025
10:15 AM
End:
Thursday, 2nd October 2025
2:15 PM
Thursday, 2nd October 2025
2:15 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
02 Oct 2025
02 Oct 2025
Location:
Council Chamber - HCC
Council Chamber - HCC
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Vice-Chairman
Chairman of the Council
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Committee Member
Vice Chairman of the Council
Agenda
0
The Meeting closed at 12.05pm
Minutes
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Bowerman, Craig, Dowden, Drew, Fairhurst, Heron, Jackman, Joy, Kemp-Gee, Kendal, Meenaghan, P North, Oppenheimer, Pankhurst, Parker-Jones, Quantrill, Stallard and Thierry.
2
Declarations of Interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore, Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
3
Minutes
To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 24 Sep 2025
Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 July were agreed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations in accordance with Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive such announcements as the Chairman may wish to make to the Council.
Minutes
The Chairman made the following announcements:
Earlier in the month, two milestones were celebrated at Staunton Country Park; the launch of our new Tramper – an off-road scooter to help provide more accessible opportunities to explore the Country Park – and the official opening of the William Stone Gallery with new additions revealing more about the history of the park.
The Hampshire Forest Partnership collaborated with local groups in Petersfield to develop a sub-project aligned with its broader mission to increase tree planting across the region. This initiative focused specifically on enhancing the urban environment by providing trees for residents’ front gardens. The project was delivered in partnership with Petersfield Town Council, Petersfield Climate Action Network, The Tree Council, and community volunteers. The initiative was very successful, resulting in the planting of nearly 100 trees.
On the following Monday, the Executive Members for Children’s Services and Education would attend a frame signing ceremony to mark the early stages of construction of the Luminous Oak Academy located within the Boorley Gardens development of new homes in Eastleigh. The school is expected to open in the Autumn term of 2026 and will become a 125-place facility for children aged 8–16 years with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
He had represented the County Council at the New Forest District Council Civic Day hosted by the Minstead Trust and strongly recommended a visit the trust's Furzey Gardens; attended the Jane Austen Exhibition at the ARC; and the 25th Anniversary of the Fordingbridge Museum.
He had also attended the Lord-Lieutenant’s presentation of British Empire Medals at Serle's House, one recipient being Councillor Zoe Huggins to whom he expressed congratulations.
Finally, he had recently visited Hampshire Archives at the Hampshire Record Office, which now had a copy of his immediate families' history, Sons of the Earth.
Earlier in the month, two milestones were celebrated at Staunton Country Park; the launch of our new Tramper – an off-road scooter to help provide more accessible opportunities to explore the Country Park – and the official opening of the William Stone Gallery with new additions revealing more about the history of the park.
The Hampshire Forest Partnership collaborated with local groups in Petersfield to develop a sub-project aligned with its broader mission to increase tree planting across the region. This initiative focused specifically on enhancing the urban environment by providing trees for residents’ front gardens. The project was delivered in partnership with Petersfield Town Council, Petersfield Climate Action Network, The Tree Council, and community volunteers. The initiative was very successful, resulting in the planting of nearly 100 trees.
On the following Monday, the Executive Members for Children’s Services and Education would attend a frame signing ceremony to mark the early stages of construction of the Luminous Oak Academy located within the Boorley Gardens development of new homes in Eastleigh. The school is expected to open in the Autumn term of 2026 and will become a 125-place facility for children aged 8–16 years with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
He had represented the County Council at the New Forest District Council Civic Day hosted by the Minstead Trust and strongly recommended a visit the trust's Furzey Gardens; attended the Jane Austen Exhibition at the ARC; and the 25th Anniversary of the Fordingbridge Museum.
He had also attended the Lord-Lieutenant’s presentation of British Empire Medals at Serle's House, one recipient being Councillor Zoe Huggins to whom he expressed congratulations.
Finally, he had recently visited Hampshire Archives at the Hampshire Record Office, which now had a copy of his immediate families' history, Sons of the Earth.
6
Leader's Report
To receive such reports as the Leader of the Council may wish to bring before the Council.
Minutes
The Leader began his report by congratulating all those receiving British Empire Medals, as well as Councillor Huggins. He also expressed congratulations to Nicky Court, the County Council’s Specialist Environmental Services Manager, and to the Out of Hours team in Children’s Services. Nicky had been shortlisted as a Finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2025 National Biodiversity Network Awards for Wildlife Recording. The winner would be announced at a special ceremony on 20 November in Bristol. The Out of Hours Team had been shortlisted in the Children’s Services Team of the Year category of the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2025. The winners would be announced on 17 October.
The Leader confirmed that Cabinet had submitted the local government reorganisation proposals following last week’s council meeting. He emphasised that the decision now rested with the government and reiterated that the submission represented the best option for ensuring financial resilience, maintaining high-quality services, and enabling residents to engage effectively with their councils. He assured staff of continued support during the forthcoming period of uncertainty and stressed that the process should be managed professionally, prioritising residents’ interests and service delivery.
He also reported that the Isle of Wight Council had voted to proceed with devolution despite recent concerns, including uncertainty surrounding ferry services.
Finally, he explained that Adoption Awareness Month started on 1 October and provided a personal account of his family’s experience of letterbox day which was the annual letter writing to birth families. He expressed thanks to all adopters and foster carers in Hampshire.
The Leader confirmed that Cabinet had submitted the local government reorganisation proposals following last week’s council meeting. He emphasised that the decision now rested with the government and reiterated that the submission represented the best option for ensuring financial resilience, maintaining high-quality services, and enabling residents to engage effectively with their councils. He assured staff of continued support during the forthcoming period of uncertainty and stressed that the process should be managed professionally, prioritising residents’ interests and service delivery.
He also reported that the Isle of Wight Council had voted to proceed with devolution despite recent concerns, including uncertainty surrounding ferry services.
Finally, he explained that Adoption Awareness Month started on 1 October and provided a personal account of his family’s experience of letterbox day which was the annual letter writing to birth families. He expressed thanks to all adopters and foster carers in Hampshire.
7
Questions under Standing Order 16.1.1
To deal with questions pursuant to Standing Order 16.1.1. Where a member has submitted more than one question, their second and subsequent questions will not be answered until all members’ first questions have been dealt with.
Attachments:
- Document Item 7 - Questions 24 Sep 2025
Minutes
Executive Members responded to questions submitted, as published, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.1.
8
Appointments
To consider a report of the Chief Executive to make any Member appointments or alterations as required to the membership of committees and standing panels of the County Council, to statutory joint committees, to other proportional bodies the County Council is represented on, or to any other bodies which are not subject to proportionality rules.
Attachments:
- Document Item 8 - Appointments 24 Sep 2025
Minutes
Prior to this item being considered the Chairman confirmed that the report was published after the main agenda and was therefore considered as an urgent item due to the need for the Council to approve its proportionality table and make the required appointments.
The Council considered and agreed the report of the Chief Executive as presented by the Leader of the Council.
RESOLVED:
That the County Council:
a) Approves the appointments set out in Section 1 of the report.
The Council considered and agreed the report of the Chief Executive as presented by the Leader of the Council.
RESOLVED:
That the County Council:
a) Approves the appointments set out in Section 1 of the report.
9
Adoption of the Regional Transport Strategy
To consider a report of the Cabinet recommending endorsement for adoption of the South East Regional Transport Strategy.
Attachments:
- Document Part I - Regional Transport Strategy 24 Sep 2025
- Document Cabinet Report 24 Sep 2025
Minutes
Councillor Tod declared a personal interest in this item, as a candidate for Mayor.
The Council considered a report of the Cabinet seeking endorsement for adoption of the South East Regional Transport Strategy.
The Leader introduced the revised regional transport strategy and strategic investment plan prepared by Transport for the South East. The Leader noted that the organisation had played an important role in planning transport and connectivity across the region, although government funding for it would end in the coming years. The Executive Member for Universal Services had led County Council’s involvement, ensuring its priorities were reflected in the strategy, which covered improvements to rail links, cross-channel ferries, major highways, and bus routes, including connections with Surrey and West Berkshire.
The Leader explained that Hampshire had responded to the consultation in March, offering broad support with some suggested improvements, most of which had been incorporated into the final draft. There were no financial implications for the County Council.
During the debate, a number of members expressed disappointment that the Strategy was not ambitious enough for Hampshire, focussing mainly on road infrastructure rather than public and sustainable transport. Members welcomed the mission statements and acknowledged the Strategy covered an area much wider than Hampshire, and although imperfect was an opportunity to develop further. Some members gave examples in their divisions where transport arrangements could be improved, including provision for bus travel to support better inclusion and referenced the need for connectivity for new housing, education and healthcare.
The Leader thanked members for their contributions and acknowledged the range of valid points raised, particularly around connectivity and the challenge of unplanned housing developments. He noted that the debate highlighted the tension between local concerns and the need for a wider regional strategy, stressing that while the strategy could not address every local issue, it aimed to improve connectivity across the South East, including links to Gatwick and Heathrow to support economic growth. He also referred to ongoing work on Local Transport Plans and cycling and walking strategies, rejecting suggestions that areas had been overlooked.
The Leader concluded that the discussion demonstrated the importance of devolution, which would give the area greater influence and access to funding streams to address local priorities. He commended the regional strategy as a means of delivering long-term ambitions.
RESOLVED:
That the County Council:
a) Notes the outcomes of consultation on the draft Regional Transport Strategy.
b) Agrees and adopts the Regional Transport Strategy, as set out in Appendix A to the Cabinet report, and that Transport for the South East (TfSE) be advised accordingly.
The Council considered a report of the Cabinet seeking endorsement for adoption of the South East Regional Transport Strategy.
The Leader introduced the revised regional transport strategy and strategic investment plan prepared by Transport for the South East. The Leader noted that the organisation had played an important role in planning transport and connectivity across the region, although government funding for it would end in the coming years. The Executive Member for Universal Services had led County Council’s involvement, ensuring its priorities were reflected in the strategy, which covered improvements to rail links, cross-channel ferries, major highways, and bus routes, including connections with Surrey and West Berkshire.
The Leader explained that Hampshire had responded to the consultation in March, offering broad support with some suggested improvements, most of which had been incorporated into the final draft. There were no financial implications for the County Council.
During the debate, a number of members expressed disappointment that the Strategy was not ambitious enough for Hampshire, focussing mainly on road infrastructure rather than public and sustainable transport. Members welcomed the mission statements and acknowledged the Strategy covered an area much wider than Hampshire, and although imperfect was an opportunity to develop further. Some members gave examples in their divisions where transport arrangements could be improved, including provision for bus travel to support better inclusion and referenced the need for connectivity for new housing, education and healthcare.
The Leader thanked members for their contributions and acknowledged the range of valid points raised, particularly around connectivity and the challenge of unplanned housing developments. He noted that the debate highlighted the tension between local concerns and the need for a wider regional strategy, stressing that while the strategy could not address every local issue, it aimed to improve connectivity across the South East, including links to Gatwick and Heathrow to support economic growth. He also referred to ongoing work on Local Transport Plans and cycling and walking strategies, rejecting suggestions that areas had been overlooked.
The Leader concluded that the discussion demonstrated the importance of devolution, which would give the area greater influence and access to funding streams to address local priorities. He commended the regional strategy as a means of delivering long-term ambitions.
RESOLVED:
That the County Council:
a) Notes the outcomes of consultation on the draft Regional Transport Strategy.
b) Agrees and adopts the Regional Transport Strategy, as set out in Appendix A to the Cabinet report, and that Transport for the South East (TfSE) be advised accordingly.
10
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority
Minutes
10
HIWFRA Questions
To deal with any questions which have been submitted pursuant to Standing Order 16.3 concerning the discharge of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority’s functions.
Minutes
No questions had been received in accordance with Standing Order 16.3.
10
HIWFRA Report
To receive a report of the Authority.
Attachments:
- Document HIWFRA Part II Report 24 Sep 2025
Minutes
The Council received the report as presented by Councillor Rhydian Vaughan, in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority. He expressed thanks and best wishes to the outgoing Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, on his well-deserved retirement, and welcomed the new Chief Fire Officer. Responding to questions about the financial situation, Councillor Vaughan confirmed that the Authority had written to government regarding the funding situation and would update members when a response was received.
Previous Meetings
Future Meetings
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in