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Hampshire County Council
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Meeting

Cabinet - Hampshire

Agenda
Published
Minutes
Published
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 11th November 2025
11:30 AM
End:
Tuesday, 11th November 2025
3:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Date:
11 Nov 2025
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor Jan Warwick

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 - Finance

Present, as expected

Committee Member
Councillor Liz Fairhurst

Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

Present, as expected

Committee Member
Councillor Lulu Bowerman

Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport

Apologies

Councillor Roz Chadd photo
Committee Member
Councillor Roz Chadd

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Steve Forster photo
Committee Member
Councillor Steve Forster

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Kirsty North photo
Committee Member
Councillor Kirsty North

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Nick Adams-King photo
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Councillor Nick Adams-King

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Committee Member
Councillor Zoe Huggins

Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 - Transformation and People

Present, as expected

Councillor Stephen Reid photo
Committee Member
Councillor Stephen Reid

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Agenda
1 Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lulu Bowerman, who was attending a Remembrance event in Emsworth.
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.
3 Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Minutes The minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 October 2025 were not yet available and would be approved at the next meeting.
4 Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes No deputations were received at this meeting. The Chairman noted that while there were no deputations, non-executive Members had requested to speak on the Outdoor and Study Centres item and would be invited to contribute at the appropriate time.
5 Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes The Chairman thanked Members and officers who attended the staff Remembrance service at The Castle earlier in the morning. The Chairman made the following announcements:

· The County Council’s budget consultation had commenced, with responses invited by 7 December 2025 regarding balancing the budget through to April 2027

· An update on the expansion of SEND provision, with approval for a £2.1 million refurbishment at Shepherds Down Special School and consultations to expand inclusive provision in several mainstream schools

· Congratulations to the Children’s Out-of-Hours Team who were recognised as ‘Team of the Year’ at the national Social Worker of the Year awards

· The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens had been awarded ‘Gold’ in the South & South East in Bloom Awards for the eleventh consecutive year

· The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Hampshire County Council’s adult social care provision had commenced with the site visit starting that day
6 Your Hampshire, today and for tomorrow: Hampshire County Council Strategic Plan 2025-2028 (Key)
To receive a report from the Director of People and Organisation seeking the agreement of Cabinet to recommend to Full Council Hampshire County Council’s new Strategic Plan 2025 – 2028 for adoption as part of the County Council’s Policy Framework.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding the proposed Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, which set out the County Council’s direction through four key commitments. Due to the context of local government reorganisation, the new Strategic Plan covered a shorter time period than the previous plan. The revised Plan focused on four commitments which prioritise where work and effort would be directed, alongside the Hampshire Pledge and a clear focus on innovation and transformation to help ensure the County Council could continue to deliver vital services.

It was noted that the Hampshire 2050, Corporate Services and Resources Select Committee had scrutinised the proposed Strategic Plan and provided comments for Cabinet consideration, included in a letter appended to the documents for this item.

The Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 Transformation and People proposed a number of additions to the wording of the four commitments in the Strategic Plan in response to the Select Committee feedback, seconded by the Leader, as follows:

On page 5 of the strategy additions made to the following commitments (additions in italics):

2 Giving your communities the best chance to thrive

• Look after our natural environment, embedding our commitment to climate change action and climate resilience within our work.

• Help Hampshire make the most of emerging skills and innovation to address some of our biggest challenges.

3 Keeping you, your families, and friends safe.

• Build climate resilience and work towards reducing emissions to support the safety and wellbeing of our residents.

4 Providing innovative services, you need and value

• Ensure continuous improvement and transformation creates digital inclusivity, easy to use services, that benefit our residents and reflect best value and sustainability, both today and for tomorrow

Cabinet agreed the additions to the wording, and the recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
7 Outdoor and Study Centres Business Plan (Key)
To receive a report from the Director of Universal Services setting out a Medium-Term Business Plan for Hampshire County Council’s Outdoor and Study Centres.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Universal Services regarding the proposed medium?term business plan for the six Outdoor and Study Centres, which outlined strong performance, increased usage, and essential maintenance requirements totalling just under £2 million over three years. The plan aimed to ensure the centres remain safe, operational, and sustainable through to 2028.

The Chairman invited non executive Members to speak on this topic following requests. Councillor House expressed concern that the proposed direction of travel would lead to the closure of the Calshot activities centre which included rare assets in the velodrome and dry ski slope.

Councillor Hayre expressed gratitude that the Stubbington Centre had been saved from closure by a previous Cabinet decision and supported the proposal to invest in the maintenance needs of the centres and consider a sustainable future.

It was noted that the proposed Business Plan had been considered by the Universal Services Select Committee the previous day and a letter had been provided to Cabinet and added to the papers for the meeting reflecting the Committee’s support for the recommendations to Cabinet.

Cabinet Members expressed support for the centres’ educational and community value and welcomed bringing together the outdoor and study centres. Concerns regarding Calshot’s coastal risks were addressed, and assurances were given that the direction of travel was to sustain and adapt services rather than closure.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
8 Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hampshire (Key)
To receive a report from the Director of Hampshire 2050 updating Cabinet on the work that has been undertaken to prepare the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hampshire, setting out the response to the public consultation on the draft Strategy and seeking approval to publish the final Strategy.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Hampshire 2050 regarding the proposed Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hampshire, prepared under the Environment Act 2021 following extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation. The strategy set out measures to reverse nature’s decline and would be published following notification to the Secretary of State, if approved.

The impact of increased housing targets on nature recovery was discussed, and it was agreed that the strategy would serve as a vital planning tool to guide biodiversity net gain and protect Hampshire’s natural environment.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
9 Quarter 2 Financial Update 2025/26 (key)
To receive a report from the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on the financial position for 2025/26.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet received a report from the Director of Corporate Operations providing the Quarter 2 financial monitoring, which showed a forecast underspend of £32.4 million, improved from £21 million at Quarter 1. Directorate variances included an overspend in Adults and an underspend in Children’s, with savings delivery largely on track and the Devolved Schools Grant position noted as a continuing challenge.

Members welcomed the positive trajectory and the reduction in the anticipated draw from reserves, attributing the outcome to effective savings delivery and robust financial management. The ongoing pressures in demand?led services, particularly adult social care and SEND provision, were acknowledged, and staff were thanked for their efforts in achieving these results.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
10 Medium Term Financial Strategy Update (Key)
To receive a report from the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update to Cabinet on the Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts for the next 2 financial years, taking account of the in-year position and projection of funding, demand (growth) and cost pressures.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on the Medium Term Financial Position. The update highlighted an indicative budget gap of £143 million in 2026/27, rising to £230 million in 2027/28.

It was noted that the outcome of the national Fair Funding Review and a white paper on Special Educational Needs were awaited, however the available intelligence suggested these would not improve the Hampshire County Council financial position.

It was highlighted that schemes funded from the capital payments reserve had been reviewed. It was proposed that a number of these schemes be removed or reduced to enable this revenue funding to be diverted to the Budget Bridging Reserve instead.

It was noted that the Chief Finance Officer was confident the Council could set a balanced budget for 2026/27 using reserves if necessary, however it was predicted that there would not be sufficient reserves remaining to balance the budget in 2027/28.

Cabinet Members discussed that the County Council had made significant savings year on year since 2008 (totalling £734million to date), however remaining spend was tied to statutory responsibilities, therefore without additional funds the position was unsustainable.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
11 Public Health Strategy - Annual Update (non-key)
To receive a report from the Director of Public Health updating Cabinet on the delivery of Hampshire County Council’s Public Health Strategy 2023-2026 covering the period from October 2024 to July 2025.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet received a report from the Director of Public Health providing an annual update on the Public Health Strategy, which reported progress against three key themes; healthy places, healthy lives, and healthy people. The update highlighted partnership working, systems approaches to obesity, smoking cessation, and vaccination uptake.

Members praised the collaborative nature of the strategy and the positive outcomes achieved, particularly in reducing smoking prevalence and promoting healthy environments. The importance of neighbourhood working and engaging with diverse communities was discussed, and the ongoing delivery approach was endorsed.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
12 Adults’ Health and Care Directorate 5 Year Strategy – Year Two Progress Update (non key)
To receive a report from the Director of Adults’ Health and Care providing Cabinet with an update on the progress made by Adults’ Health and Care to deliver its Vision and five-year Strategic Plan during 2024/25.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet received a report from the Director of Adults’ Health and Care providing an update on the progress made by Adults’ Health and Care to deliver its Vision and five-year Strategic Plan during 2024/25. The Year Two progress update noted continued focus on prevention, independent living, and accommodation and long?term care. Highlights included technology?enabled care, Meals on Wheels and welfare checks, expanded carer support, and strong market oversight.

The discussion recognised the challenges posed by demographic changes and increasing complexity of need, as well as the importance of innovation and partnership working. Members commended the directorate for its achievements, particularly in maintaining high standards of care and embracing technology to support independence.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
13 Annual Complaints Report and Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman determinations 2024/25 (non-key)
To receive a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing Cabinet with details of the Annual Complaints Report as required by the Local Government Complaints Code and Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman determinations 2024/25.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet received a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing details of the Annual Complaints Report as required by the Local Government Complaints Code, and including the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) determinations for 2024/25.

It was noted that in 2024/25 the complaints process had been changed to reduce the stages from three to two and this was the first year of reporting against this new approach. Numbers of complaints had gone up, however the number proceeding to stage two had gone down, indicating improvements in resolving complaints at stage 1. It was also noted that comparative data showed Hampshire had fewer LGSCO complaints upheld per head of population than comparator authorities.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
14 Annual Corporate Risk Management Report (non-key)
To receive a report from the Director of People and Organisation outlining the continued robust corporate risk framework and associated workstreams.

The report also seeks approval from Cabinet on the new Corporate Risk Management Strategy 2025-28 and the Insurance Strategy 2025-28.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet received a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing assurance regarding the continued robust corporate risk framework and associated workstreams. It was highlighted that a new insurance strategy was proposed, and that a further report would be taken to the Audit Committee in due course. The report also sought approval of the new Corporate Risk Management Strategy for 2025-28.

Members discussed the balance between effective risk management and administrative burden, agreeing that the strategies provided a robust framework for managing organisational risks. The importance of learning from incidents and aligning risk appetite with strategic direction was highlighted.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
15 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RECOMMENDATION:

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during the

following item of business, 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 during this item there would be

disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of

Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all

the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the

exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for

the reasons set out in the exempt report.

The intention to hold part of this Cabinet meeting in private was notified on the County Council’s website on 13 October 2025 in accordance with Part 3, Chapter 4 of the Constitution and no representations regarding this intention have been received.
Minutes RESOLVED:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item of business, 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 during this item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the exempt report.
16 Corporate Strategic Risk Register Annual Report (Confidential) (non-key)
To receive a confidential report from the Director of People and Organisation providing the annual report on the Corporate Strategic Risk Register.
Attachments:
Minutes Cabinet considered an exempt report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding the Corporate Strategic Risk Register.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
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22nd Sep 2026

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7th Jul 2026

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9th Jun 2026

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17th Mar 2026

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27th Feb 2026

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18th Feb 2026

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15th Jan 2026

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9th Dec 2025

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11th Nov 2025

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30th Oct 2025

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Future Meetings
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8th Dec 2026

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Meeting

16th Feb 2027

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16th Mar 2027

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6th Jul 2027

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28th Sep 2027

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