Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 10th October 2025
10:00 AM
Friday, 10th October 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 10th October 2025
2:00 PM
Friday, 10th October 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
10 Oct 2025
10 Oct 2025
Location:
Chute Room - HCC
Chute Room - HCC
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Council Staff
Susy Perry
Expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Russell Oppenheimer and Keith House. Councillor Arun Mummalaneni attended as the Conservative deputy.
In the absence of the Chairman, Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Stephen Parker chaired this meeting on his behalf.
In the absence of the Chairman, Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Stephen Parker chaired this meeting on his behalf.
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 Personal 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.
No declarations were made.
No declarations were made.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 June 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 20/06/2025 Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee 02 Oct 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman made no announcements.
6
Pay and Legislation Update
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation giving an update on the national pay awards, proposed legislation changes and other matters.
Attachments:
- Document 6 EHCC Pay and Legislation paper - October 2025 - FINAL 02 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation covering four key areas: national pay awards, attendance at dismissal hearings, updates on senior leadership appointments and recent consultations and legislative developments (Item 6 in the Minute Book).
The Committee discussed the Member Protocol for observing misconduct dismissal appeals. It was noted that attendance by Members had become inconsistent and feedback received was limited. It was being recommended to discontinue the protocol as the original purpose of member attendance had been fulfilled. During the discussion it was agreed to report back to the Committee on this matter in 12 months’ time.
The Committee noted the plans in relation to the appointment of the Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Finance Officer, specifically the verbal update that no ratification was required by Full Council unless the person filling the Chief Finance Officer role changed.
RESOLVED:
1. That EHCC note that the NJC pay award of 3.2% which applies from 1 April 2025 was agreed in July and paid in September salaries.
2. That EHCC note that a pay award of 4% for teachers which applies from 1 September 2025 was paid on time in September salaries.
3. That EHCC note that Officers have made a full and final offer of a 3.2% pay award to Senior and Area Coroners, which will be applied if formally accepted, and that a 3.2% increase will be automatically applied to Assistant Coroners pay rates, backdated to 1 April 2025.
4. That EHCC agree that Members are no longer invited to observe employee misconduct dismissal appeal meetings, currently set out in the Member Protocol, An update on this matter would be reported to this Committee in 12 months’ time.
5. That EHCC reaffirm the delegations made to Chief Executive in 2021 to appoint up to two Deputy Chief Executives from amongst the Corporate Management Team and determine appropriate remuneration accordingly, and note the intended changes to the Deputy Chief Executive arrangements.
6. That EHCC agrees the arrangements set out in this report, noting too the verbal update recorded above, to confirm the appointment of a Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Finance Officer following periods of interim appointment.
7. That EHCC delegates authority to the Director of People and Organisation, in conjunction with the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, to make changes to the recruitment processes for Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers, whilst maintaining alignment to relevant standing orders.
8. That EHCC note that officers have responded to a limited consultation on the remit of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body and note the update on the Employment Rights Bill.
The Committee discussed the Member Protocol for observing misconduct dismissal appeals. It was noted that attendance by Members had become inconsistent and feedback received was limited. It was being recommended to discontinue the protocol as the original purpose of member attendance had been fulfilled. During the discussion it was agreed to report back to the Committee on this matter in 12 months’ time.
The Committee noted the plans in relation to the appointment of the Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Finance Officer, specifically the verbal update that no ratification was required by Full Council unless the person filling the Chief Finance Officer role changed.
RESOLVED:
1. That EHCC note that the NJC pay award of 3.2% which applies from 1 April 2025 was agreed in July and paid in September salaries.
2. That EHCC note that a pay award of 4% for teachers which applies from 1 September 2025 was paid on time in September salaries.
3. That EHCC note that Officers have made a full and final offer of a 3.2% pay award to Senior and Area Coroners, which will be applied if formally accepted, and that a 3.2% increase will be automatically applied to Assistant Coroners pay rates, backdated to 1 April 2025.
4. That EHCC agree that Members are no longer invited to observe employee misconduct dismissal appeal meetings, currently set out in the Member Protocol, An update on this matter would be reported to this Committee in 12 months’ time.
5. That EHCC reaffirm the delegations made to Chief Executive in 2021 to appoint up to two Deputy Chief Executives from amongst the Corporate Management Team and determine appropriate remuneration accordingly, and note the intended changes to the Deputy Chief Executive arrangements.
6. That EHCC agrees the arrangements set out in this report, noting too the verbal update recorded above, to confirm the appointment of a Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Finance Officer following periods of interim appointment.
7. That EHCC delegates authority to the Director of People and Organisation, in conjunction with the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, to make changes to the recruitment processes for Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers, whilst maintaining alignment to relevant standing orders.
8. That EHCC note that officers have responded to a limited consultation on the remit of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body and note the update on the Employment Rights Bill.
7
Hampshire County Council Pay Statement – Financial Year - 2026/27
To consider a report of the Chief Executive regarding the Hampshire County Council Pay Statement for 2026/27.
Attachments:
- Document 7 Oct 2025 - EHCC - Pay Statement 26-27 Report_Final 02 Oct 2025
- Document 7i EHCC Oct 2025 - Appendix A - Pay Statement 2026-27_FINAL (v2) 02 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out the County Council’s Pay Statement for 2026/27 (Item 7 in the Minute Book).
During consideration of this item, Member requested that future Pay Statements clearly show tracked changes to highlight changes made from the previous year.
RESOLVED:
1. That the EHCC Committee recommends to the County Council approval of the Pay Statement as detailed in this report and at Appendix A, setting out the County Council’s policies in respect of pay accountability for the financial year 2026/27 in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act,
2. That the EHCC Committee delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of the EHCC Committee, to make any changes to the draft Pay Statement consequential upon any changes to legislative requirements or other statutory guidance or changes to remuneration of staff or policies, the creation of new roles, and changes to existing roles or responsibilities, determined prior to consideration of the Pay Statement by Full Council.
During consideration of this item, Member requested that future Pay Statements clearly show tracked changes to highlight changes made from the previous year.
RESOLVED:
1. That the EHCC Committee recommends to the County Council approval of the Pay Statement as detailed in this report and at Appendix A, setting out the County Council’s policies in respect of pay accountability for the financial year 2026/27 in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act,
2. That the EHCC Committee delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of the EHCC Committee, to make any changes to the draft Pay Statement consequential upon any changes to legislative requirements or other statutory guidance or changes to remuneration of staff or policies, the creation of new roles, and changes to existing roles or responsibilities, determined prior to consideration of the Pay Statement by Full Council.
8
Review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme
To consider a report of the Chief Executive regarding a new Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 onwards.
Attachments:
- Document 8 Oct 2025 - EHCC - Members Allowances Scheme 2026 onwards (Final v2) 02 Oct 2025
- Document 8i EHCC Members Allowances - Appendix A - Current Members' Allowances Scheme 02 Oct 2025
- Document 8ii EHCC - Members Allowances Scheme 2026 onwards - Appendix B - Report of IRP Sep 2025 02 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the
Recommendations received from the Independent Renumeration Panel (IRP) regarding a new Members’ Allowances Scheme for the years 2026/27 onwards (Item 8 in the Minute Book).
Given the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation, the IRP recommended continuing with the current scheme rather than undertaking a full review. Members supported this approach and discussed the broader context of member accountability and representation.
RESOLVED:
1. The EHCC Committee thanks the IRP for their work in considering this matter, and their recommendations as referred to in this report.
2. The EHCC Committee recommends to the County Council that approval be given to a new Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2026/27, 2027/28, and if appropriate, 2028/29 and 2029/30, which takes into account the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel set out in this report, and the views of the EHCC Committee.
Recommendations received from the Independent Renumeration Panel (IRP) regarding a new Members’ Allowances Scheme for the years 2026/27 onwards (Item 8 in the Minute Book).
Given the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation, the IRP recommended continuing with the current scheme rather than undertaking a full review. Members supported this approach and discussed the broader context of member accountability and representation.
RESOLVED:
1. The EHCC Committee thanks the IRP for their work in considering this matter, and their recommendations as referred to in this report.
2. The EHCC Committee recommends to the County Council that approval be given to a new Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2026/27, 2027/28, and if appropriate, 2028/29 and 2029/30, which takes into account the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel set out in this report, and the views of the EHCC Committee.
9
EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
RECOMMENDATION:
That the press and public be excluded from the meeting as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information); and information relating to consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultation or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority and employees of the authority should not be disclosed for the reasons set out in the report.
That the press and public be excluded from the meeting as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information); and information relating to consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultation or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority and employees of the authority should not be disclosed for the reasons set out in the report.
Minutes
RESOLVED:
The press and public were excluded from the meeting as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present, there would be
disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information); and information relating to consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultation or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority and employees of the authority should not be disclosed for the reasons set out in the report.
The press and public were excluded from the meeting as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present, there would be
disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information); and information relating to consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultation or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority and employees of the authority should not be disclosed for the reasons set out in the report.
10
Service Specific Delegations
To consider an exempt report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding Service Specific Delegations.
Attachments:
- Document 10 EHCC EXEMPT paper - Service Specific Delegations - October 2025 02 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered an exempt report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding service specific delegations (Item 10 in the Minute Book).
The Director highlighted the main points of the report and Members were made aware of the implications. During the discussion, Officers confirmed that further updates would be brought to the Committee once more information was available.
RESOLVED:
That EHCC delegates authority to make all future decisions on continuation, or otherwise, of subsidised and free meals which are currently provided to
limited groups of staff in specific roles, to the Director of People and
Organisation.
The Director highlighted the main points of the report and Members were made aware of the implications. During the discussion, Officers confirmed that further updates would be brought to the Committee once more information was available.
RESOLVED:
That EHCC delegates authority to make all future decisions on continuation, or otherwise, of subsidised and free meals which are currently provided to
limited groups of staff in specific roles, to the Director of People and
Organisation.
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