Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Universal Services Select Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Monday, 19th January 2026
10:00 AM
Monday, 19th January 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Monday, 19th January 2026
2:00 PM
Monday, 19th January 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
19 Jan 2026
19 Jan 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Independent Group Deputy
Vice Chairman of the Council
Independent Group Deputy
Committee Member
Chairman of the Council
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Wayne Irish. Councillor Tim Groves attended the meeting as an appointed substitute member.
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.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 10/11/2025 Universal Services Select Committee 09 Jan 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and agreed.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
The Committee received no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
There were no formal announcements.
6
2026-27 Revenue Budget
To pre-scrutinise the proposals relating to the revised 2025/26 Budget and proposed 2026/27 Budget for Universal Services and the officer proposed SP26 savings, due to be considered at the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services and Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport Decision Day meeting at 2.00pm on 19 January 2026.
Attachments:
- Document 2026-27 Revenue Budget 09 Jan 2026
- Document 2026-27 US Revenue Budget and SP26 Savings 09 Jan 2026
- Document 2026-27 US Revenue Budget and SP26 Savings- Appendix 4 - Equalities Impact Assessments 09 Jan 2026
- Document US Select Committee Budget Presentation 09 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee received an extensive presentation from the Director of Universal Services and the Finance Business Partner, which covered both the Revenue Budget item and the following Capital Programme item. The presentation outlined the revised 2025/26 budget, the proposed 2026/27 revenue budget and the SP26 savings proposals. Members were briefed on the wider County Council financial context, including the predicted budget gap for future years and the implications of the draft Local Government Finance Settlement. It was noted that although some additional grant funding had been received, this was largely ring?fenced and did not alleviate the Council’s overall financial pressures.
The Finance Business Partner detailed the adjustments within the Directorate’s baseline budget, including revisions relating to corporate realignments, inflation, employer pension contributions and specific service pressures. Members were informed of significant challenges within waste management and the impact of increased costs associated with ash dieback.
The Director highlighted the breadth of the Directorate’s responsibilities, comprising 35 service areas with a net revenue budget of approximately £160 million and gross expenditure nearing £300 million. Nearly half of expenditure was supported by income and recharges, and although this model enabled innovation and resilience, it also exposed the Directorate to fluctuations in demand, particularly in income?generating services such as country parks and outdoor centres.
Members discussed a range of issues including the highways maintenance backlog, increased pothole formation following recent severe weather, and the pressures associated with delivering a significant capital programme. Officers explained the measures being taken to increase reactive repair capacity and outlined the challenges around waste infrastructure, school estate investment, and future devolution arrangements.
Members noted the County Council’s recent amber rating from the Department of Transport (DfT) for its road maintenance and pothole management. Given the current shortfall in funding, in excess of £500m, to bring the highways network to a level considered acceptable, it was considered that the rating was reasonable and that Hampshire was performing ahead of other areas.
The SP26 savings proposals were set out in detail. Officers explained that the savings were modest in scale and targeted to avoid impact on frontline services. Savings would be achieved through efficiencies across property services, environmental support, use of the public health grant, removal of contingency for concessionary fares and increased income generation through the Highways Laboratory and Hampshire Transport Management. It was also noted that the proposed Lane Rental Scheme would contribute to future highway maintenance funding.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Universal Services.
The Finance Business Partner detailed the adjustments within the Directorate’s baseline budget, including revisions relating to corporate realignments, inflation, employer pension contributions and specific service pressures. Members were informed of significant challenges within waste management and the impact of increased costs associated with ash dieback.
The Director highlighted the breadth of the Directorate’s responsibilities, comprising 35 service areas with a net revenue budget of approximately £160 million and gross expenditure nearing £300 million. Nearly half of expenditure was supported by income and recharges, and although this model enabled innovation and resilience, it also exposed the Directorate to fluctuations in demand, particularly in income?generating services such as country parks and outdoor centres.
Members discussed a range of issues including the highways maintenance backlog, increased pothole formation following recent severe weather, and the pressures associated with delivering a significant capital programme. Officers explained the measures being taken to increase reactive repair capacity and outlined the challenges around waste infrastructure, school estate investment, and future devolution arrangements.
Members noted the County Council’s recent amber rating from the Department of Transport (DfT) for its road maintenance and pothole management. Given the current shortfall in funding, in excess of £500m, to bring the highways network to a level considered acceptable, it was considered that the rating was reasonable and that Hampshire was performing ahead of other areas.
The SP26 savings proposals were set out in detail. Officers explained that the savings were modest in scale and targeted to avoid impact on frontline services. Savings would be achieved through efficiencies across property services, environmental support, use of the public health grant, removal of contingency for concessionary fares and increased income generation through the Highways Laboratory and Hampshire Transport Management. It was also noted that the proposed Lane Rental Scheme would contribute to future highway maintenance funding.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Universal Services.
7
Universal Services Proposed Capital Programme 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 and 2025/26 Q3 Update
To pre-scrutinise proposals due to be considered at the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services and Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport Decision Day meeting at 2.00pm on 19 January 2026.
Attachments:
- Document Universal Services Proposed Capital Programme 09 Jan 2026
- Document Universal Services Proposed Capital Programme 2026-27 2027-28 and 2028-29 and 2025-26 Q3 Update 09 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee considered the proposed capital programme, which totalled approximately £1.2 billion, across multiple years. Members were informed of the extensive portfolio of schemes covering highways, transport, school improvements, waste infrastructure and other operational assets. Officers highlighted the strong reliance on external funding to deliver the programme and the importance of managing associated revenue implications.
Members discussed several live projects, including the M27 Junction 10 scheme. Officers confirmed that traffic management and communications were being used to minimise disruption wherever possible.
The Executive Lead Member for Universal Services welcomed the positive feedback from Members on the successful delivery of the M27 Junction 10 box slide and made Members aware that they had visited a number of the SCOLA re-cladding projects and had been impressed by the quality of the work and the improvements the programme was delivering and the positive impact on the teachers and pupils.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services regarding the Capital Programme.
Members discussed several live projects, including the M27 Junction 10 scheme. Officers confirmed that traffic management and communications were being used to minimise disruption wherever possible.
The Executive Lead Member for Universal Services welcomed the positive feedback from Members on the successful delivery of the M27 Junction 10 box slide and made Members aware that they had visited a number of the SCOLA re-cladding projects and had been impressed by the quality of the work and the improvements the programme was delivering and the positive impact on the teachers and pupils.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services regarding the Capital Programme.
8
Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme
To pre-scrutinise proposals relating to submission of the County Council’s proposed Lane Rental scheme to the Department for Transport (DfT) for consideration and approval, due to be considered at the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services and Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport Decision Day meeting at 2.00pm on 19 January 2026.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme Report 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix A 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix B 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix C 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix D 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix E 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix F 09 Jan 2026
- Document Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme - Appendix G 09 Jan 2026
- Document Lane Rental Presentation 09 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a detailed presentation on the proposed Hampshire Lane Rental Scheme, following public and stakeholder consultation. Officers explained that the scheme would allow charges to be applied to works taking place on the most traffic?sensitive parts of the network during peak periods, in line with national policy and guidance. The intention of the scheme was to reduce congestion, improve the planning and coordination of works and enhance collaborative working between the County Council and utility providers.
Members were briefed on the criteria for identifying traffic?sensitive roads and were informed that robust traffic data, demonstrating how roads identified as traffic-sensitive met the criteria, was required for the Department for Transport to approve any scheme. The County Council had therefore proposed a network slightly below the permitted maximum to ensure compliance. Officers confirmed that the proposed scheme had been developed in close coordination with neighbouring authorities to avoid inconsistencies on cross?boundary routes.
The Committee was informed of the proposed charging structure, including a maximum daily charge of £2,500 for full closures and £1,500 for lane closures. Mandatory discounts would apply for collaborative works or major infrastructure projects. Emergency and urgent works would receive a two?day exemption, as required by legislation. In response to Members questions it was heard that the current permit scheme would stay in place, however noted that providers would not be charged both a permit fee and a lane rental fee
Officers explained the estimated financial impact of the scheme, based on historic activity on the network. After covering operational costs, the scheme could generate a surplus, half of which must be reinvested directly into highway maintenance, with the remainder available for congestion?reducing initiatives. Members were provided examples of similar schemes elsewhere, where innovative solutions had been developed to minimise road excavations.
Members explored issues including the potential increase in night?time working and the resulting impact on district environmental health services, the importance of quality control in reinstatements, the need for additional inspectors, and the risk of emergency works being incorrectly categorised. Officers confirmed that all works would continue to be inspected and that additional resource would be funded through the scheme. The need for clear public communication regarding which roads were included in the scheme was emphasised.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport.
Councillor Kyrle left the meeting at this point.
Members were briefed on the criteria for identifying traffic?sensitive roads and were informed that robust traffic data, demonstrating how roads identified as traffic-sensitive met the criteria, was required for the Department for Transport to approve any scheme. The County Council had therefore proposed a network slightly below the permitted maximum to ensure compliance. Officers confirmed that the proposed scheme had been developed in close coordination with neighbouring authorities to avoid inconsistencies on cross?boundary routes.
The Committee was informed of the proposed charging structure, including a maximum daily charge of £2,500 for full closures and £1,500 for lane closures. Mandatory discounts would apply for collaborative works or major infrastructure projects. Emergency and urgent works would receive a two?day exemption, as required by legislation. In response to Members questions it was heard that the current permit scheme would stay in place, however noted that providers would not be charged both a permit fee and a lane rental fee
Officers explained the estimated financial impact of the scheme, based on historic activity on the network. After covering operational costs, the scheme could generate a surplus, half of which must be reinvested directly into highway maintenance, with the remainder available for congestion?reducing initiatives. Members were provided examples of similar schemes elsewhere, where innovative solutions had been developed to minimise road excavations.
Members explored issues including the potential increase in night?time working and the resulting impact on district environmental health services, the importance of quality control in reinstatements, the need for additional inspectors, and the risk of emergency works being incorrectly categorised. Officers confirmed that all works would continue to be inspected and that additional resource would be funded through the scheme. The need for clear public communication regarding which roads were included in the scheme was emphasised.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport.
Councillor Kyrle left the meeting at this point.
9
Work Programme
To review the current work programme for the Universal Services Select Committee.
Attachments:
- Document USSC Work Programme 09 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee reviewed its forward work programme and noted items scheduled for forthcoming meetings, including a biodiversity report in March. The Director advised that the timetable for the waste contract update may need to be adjusted, depending on the progress of ongoing discussions with the provider and partner authorities.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee agrees the work programme as presented and authorises the Chairman, in consultation with the Director of Universal Services, to prioritise and allocate future items.
RESOLVED:
That the Universal Services Select Committee agrees the work programme as presented and authorises the Chairman, in consultation with the Director of Universal Services, to prioritise and allocate future items.
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