Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Cabinet - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 18th February 2026
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 18th February 2026
2:00 PM
End:
Wednesday, 18th February 2026
6:00 PM
Wednesday, 18th February 2026
6:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Moved
Moved
Date:
18 Feb 2026
18 Feb 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor Lulu Bowerman
Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Liz Fairhurst
Executive Member for Corporate Services – People, and Member and Cabinet Development
Apologies
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Committee Member
Councillor Jan Warwick
Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Services - Finance
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Liz Fairhurst, and Jackie Branson (Chairman of the Universal Services Select Committee).
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 reminded of a general dispensation granted by the Conduct Advisory Panel relating to the Revenue Budget and Precept item. This dispensation enabled Members with a beneficial interest in land within the administrative area of the County Council to participate and vote in County Council business relating to the setting of Council Tax or Precepts. It was therefore taken as read that all Cabinet Members had declared an interest in item 8 on the agenda.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 10 Feb 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 15 January were confirmed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
No deputations were received.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman announced changes to Executive portfolios noting that responsibility for land and asset decisions, and property services, now sat within the Leader’s portfolio. Councillor Zoe Huggins had become the Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, with Councillor Fairhurst assuming the Corporate Services portfolio including Member and Cabinet development.
Thanks were recorded to Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services, Stuart Ashley, on the occasion of his forthcoming retirement after forty years’ service.
The Chairman provided an update on devolution arrangements, including an interim approach ahead of Mayoral election in 2028, the decision for local elections to proceed on 7 May, and the commendable response to the recent fire at University Hospital Southampton, with Adult Social Care staff supporting the safe relocation of vulnerable people. The Chairman also highlighted the Hampshire Changemaker Awards and the strength of the county’s voluntary sector partnerships.
Thanks were recorded to Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services, Stuart Ashley, on the occasion of his forthcoming retirement after forty years’ service.
The Chairman provided an update on devolution arrangements, including an interim approach ahead of Mayoral election in 2028, the decision for local elections to proceed on 7 May, and the commendable response to the recent fire at University Hospital Southampton, with Adult Social Care staff supporting the safe relocation of vulnerable people. The Chairman also highlighted the Hampshire Changemaker Awards and the strength of the county’s voluntary sector partnerships.
6
Quarter 3 (end of November) financial update 2025/26
To consider a report of the Director of Coporate Operations providing an update on the County Council’s financial position for 2025/26 as at end of November 2025.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-26 Quarter 3 (End of November 2025) financial position update report 10 Feb 2026
- Document appendix 2025-26 Quarter 3 (End of November 2025) - Cabinet Treasury Management mid-year report 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations providing an update on the County Council’s financial position for 2025/26 as at end of November 2025.
A forecast underspend of £37.8m against the 2025/26 revenue budget was noted. However, it was emphasised that the budget remained balanced in?year by a planned draw from reserves, reduced from £64.9m to £27.2m. Directorate positions were noted, including pressures in Adults’ Services and improvements in Children’s Services, particularly due to slowing demand and activity in Home to School Transport. Delivery of £95m in?year SP25 savings was reported, with SP25 remaining on track to over?deliver by £2.1m by 2027/28. The position on the capital programme, with a forecast £278m, and treasury management was noted. The significant DSG deficit position, forecast at £354m, was highlighted for consideration alongside the budget report.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
A forecast underspend of £37.8m against the 2025/26 revenue budget was noted. However, it was emphasised that the budget remained balanced in?year by a planned draw from reserves, reduced from £64.9m to £27.2m. Directorate positions were noted, including pressures in Adults’ Services and improvements in Children’s Services, particularly due to slowing demand and activity in Home to School Transport. Delivery of £95m in?year SP25 savings was reported, with SP25 remaining on track to over?deliver by £2.1m by 2027/28. The position on the capital programme, with a forecast £278m, and treasury management was noted. The significant DSG deficit position, forecast at £354m, was highlighted for consideration alongside the budget report.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
7
Section 25 Report from the Chief Financial Officer
To consider a report of the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Corporate Operations providing the view of the Chief Financial Officer as to the robustness of the estimates included in the budget and the adequacy of the financial reserves.
Attachments:
- Document Section 25 Report from Chief Financial Officer 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Corporate Operations providing the view of the Chief Financial Officer as to the robustness of the estimates included in the budget and the adequacy of the financial reserves.
The Chief Financial Officer presented the report, confirming that estimates were robust. It was noted that at a 4.99% council tax increase, reserves were assessed as ‘adequate with risk’ for 2026/27 but ‘not adequate’ for 2027/28; at 14.99%, reserves were ‘adequate’ for 2026/27 and ‘adequate with risk’ for 2027/28. During discussion, comments of the External auditors recognising strong financial management and an unqualified value?for?money conclusion were emphasised.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
The Chief Financial Officer presented the report, confirming that estimates were robust. It was noted that at a 4.99% council tax increase, reserves were assessed as ‘adequate with risk’ for 2026/27 but ‘not adequate’ for 2027/28; at 14.99%, reserves were ‘adequate’ for 2026/27 and ‘adequate with risk’ for 2027/28. During discussion, comments of the External auditors recognising strong financial management and an unqualified value?for?money conclusion were emphasised.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
8
Revenue Budget & Precept 2026/27 and Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2028/29
To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Operations regarding the proposed revenue budget and precept for 2026/27 and the proposed capital programme for 2026/27.
Attachments:
- Document Budget Report - Cabinet - 2026-2027 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 1 Council Tax Flexibility Letter 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 2 - Letter MHCLG to HCC 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 3 Revised Budget 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 4 - Proposed Directorate Service Budgets 2026-2027 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 5 - General Fund Revenue Budget 202627 4.99 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 6 - SP25 Savings Programme proposed re-baseline 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 7 - Savings Proposals - SP26 Efficiency 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 8 - Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 9 - Reserves Strategy 2026-27 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 10 - Summary of directorate capital programmes 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 11 2026-27 Capital Programme Scheme List 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 12 - Capital and Investment Strategy 2026-2027 - February 2026 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 13 Treasury Management Strategy 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 14 - Individual Directorate SP26 EIAs 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 15 - Cumulative SP26 Directorate Equality Impact Assessment 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 16 - Council Tax Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) 14.99 10 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 17 - General Fund Revenue Budget 202627 14.99 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations regarding the proposed revenue budget and precept for 2026/27 and the proposed capital programme for 2026/27. The Director outlined a recurrent structural deficit driven by comparatively low government funding, with the Council becoming the lowest funded county per head following the Fair Funding Review, a relatively low council tax precept, and significant demand pressures. For 2026/27, the recurrent gap was reported as £101.9m, which could be closed in?year through reserves but would weaken the reserves position. Two council tax options were presented: (A) 14.99% triggering a referendum and reducing the 2026/27 gap to c.£30m, or (B) 4.99% leaving the 2026/27 recurrent gap at £101.9m and a forecast 2027/28 gap of £179.7m with reserves not adequate on current assumptions.
Cabinet discussed government announcements rejecting a request for council tax flexibility and noted the final settlement impacts including the Fair Funding Review reduction. The Secretary of State’s DSG proposal to underwrite 90% of the historic deficit was welcomed. However, given timing and uncertainty, no benefit was assumed in the 2026/27 budget, though a potential full?year improvement of £15–£20m was noted for 2027/28 if realised. Cabinet also noted the proposed Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy from 1 April 2026 to support transformation linked to future savings.
Following debate, Cabinet agreed to proceed with Option B, with a 4.99% council tax increase, and resolved the detailed budget and precept recommendations for submission to County Council. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Cabinet discussed government announcements rejecting a request for council tax flexibility and noted the final settlement impacts including the Fair Funding Review reduction. The Secretary of State’s DSG proposal to underwrite 90% of the historic deficit was welcomed. However, given timing and uncertainty, no benefit was assumed in the 2026/27 budget, though a potential full?year improvement of £15–£20m was noted for 2027/28 if realised. Cabinet also noted the proposed Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy from 1 April 2026 to support transformation linked to future savings.
Following debate, Cabinet agreed to proceed with Option B, with a 4.99% council tax increase, and resolved the detailed budget and precept recommendations for submission to County Council. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
9
HCC Care and Support Services (Older Adults) - Residential and Nursing Strategy Update
To consider a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care providing an update on the future of HCC Care residential and nursing homes and the associated Older Adults’ wider residential and nursing home strategy?following?the decision by Cabinet to halt the Care Home Improvement Programme?on 21 March 2025.???
Attachments:
- Document HCC Care and Support Services (Older Adults) Residential and Nursing Strategy Update 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care providing an update on the future of HCC Care residential and nursing homes and the associated Older Adults’ wider residential and nursing home strategy following the decision by Cabinet to halt the Care Home Improvement Programme?on 21 March 2025.??
It was noted that 12 CQC?registered homes would be operated, providing 827 beds across residential, nursing, short?term and respite care, with 92% of homes rated Good, and occupancy increasing from 86% towards a 95% target, with recent occupancy over 90%. Since March 2025, improvements in market conditions following the introduction of the care home framework had stabilised prices and ensured sufficient supply. In this context, the business case for the earlier capital improvement programme (CHIP) was now unsound given higher capital costs and better value via the market. Targeted investment had reopened 88 beds following refurbishments at four homes, with a further £1.66m planned for safety, accessibility and environment improvements.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
It was noted that 12 CQC?registered homes would be operated, providing 827 beds across residential, nursing, short?term and respite care, with 92% of homes rated Good, and occupancy increasing from 86% towards a 95% target, with recent occupancy over 90%. Since March 2025, improvements in market conditions following the introduction of the care home framework had stabilised prices and ensured sufficient supply. In this context, the business case for the earlier capital improvement programme (CHIP) was now unsound given higher capital costs and better value via the market. Targeted investment had reopened 88 beds following refurbishments at four homes, with a further £1.66m planned for safety, accessibility and environment improvements.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
10
Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2025 - Let's Call Time on Alcohol Harm
To consider the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2025 – Let’s Call Time on Alcohol Harm.
Attachments:
- Document Director of Public Health Annual Report - Let's Call Time on Alcohol Harm cover report 10 Feb 2026
- Document Director of Public Health Report 2025 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2025 on Let’s Call Time on Alcohol Harm. The wide?ranging impacts of alcohol on health, families and communities were noted, together with progress achieved locally and the need to intensify prevention, early intervention and visibility of treatment services. Members discussed patterns of social and binge drinking, inequalities, and the role of licensing partners, noting ongoing work to support professionals to have earlier conversations and to reduce stigma as a barrier to accessing support.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
11
Community Safety Group Annual Report
To consider a report of the Director of Public Health providing an update on the County Council’s statutory responsibilities for community safety and to outline the activities undertaken to fulfil these duties.
Attachments:
- Document Community Safety Group Annual Report 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health providing an update on the County Council’s statutory responsibilities for community safety and to outline the activities undertaken to fulfil duties. It was noted that the County Council’s role complemented the statutory duties of district and borough community safety partnerships, and that collaboration varied across areas with work focused on identified need.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
12
Health and Wellbeing Board Membership
To consider a report of the Director of Public Health regarding a proposal to provide a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board for additional organisations.
Attachments:
- Document Health and Wellbeing Board Membership 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health regarding a proposal to provide a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board for additional organisations.
Cabinet endorsed proposals to strengthen the Health and Wellbeing Board’s membership to enhance system collaboration and evidence?led practice.
During the discussion it was noted that due to changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), the Frimley ICB would cease to exist at the end of March 2026, therefore it was proposed, and agreed, the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board be updated to also to reflect that change.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed, subject to the addition of a recommendation to cease membership of the Frimley ICB with effect from 1 April 2026. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Cabinet endorsed proposals to strengthen the Health and Wellbeing Board’s membership to enhance system collaboration and evidence?led practice.
During the discussion it was noted that due to changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), the Frimley ICB would cease to exist at the end of March 2026, therefore it was proposed, and agreed, the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board be updated to also to reflect that change.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed, subject to the addition of a recommendation to cease membership of the Frimley ICB with effect from 1 April 2026. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
13
Constitutional Changes
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation and Monitoring Officer regarding changes to the Executive Portfolios and proposed changes to the terms of reference of the County Council’s scrutiny committees.
Attachments:
- Document Constitutional Changes 10 Feb 2026
- Document Decision Record 24 Feb 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered and agreed a report of the Director of People and Organisation and Monitoring Officer regarding changes to the Executive Portfolios and proposed changes to the terms of reference of the County Council’s scrutiny committees.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
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