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, 2nd March 2026
10:00 AM
Monday, 2nd March 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Monday, 2nd March 2026
2:00 PM
Monday, 2nd March 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
02 Mar 2026
02 Mar 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Chairman of the Council
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Independent Group Deputy
Vice Chairman of the Council
Independent Group Deputy
Committee Member
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Jackie Branson, Gavin James and Rhydian Vaughan.
The meeting was chaired by the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Mike Ford, in the absence of the Chairman.
The Chairman welcomed Councillor Martin Tod, as the substitute for the Liberal Democrat Group and Councillor Malcolm Wallace, as the substitute for the Independent Group.
The meeting was chaired by the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Mike Ford, in the absence of the Chairman.
The Chairman welcomed Councillor Martin Tod, as the substitute for the Liberal Democrat Group and Councillor Malcolm Wallace, as the substitute for the Independent Group.
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, 19/01/2026 Universal Services Select Committee 20 Feb 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 January 2026 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
Hampshire Local Authority Bus Grant (BSIP) Investment Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30
To pre-scrutinise proposals relating to the County Council’s allocation of Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the financial years 2026/27-2029/30, due to be considered at the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services Decision Day meeting at 2.00pm on 2 March 2026.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Local Authority Bus Grant (BSIP) Investment Programme for 2026-27 to 2029 20 Feb 2026
- Document Hampshire Local Authority Bus Grant (BSIP) investment programme for 2026-27 to 2029-30 20 Feb 2026
- Document Item 6 - Presentation 20 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a comprehensive presentation from officers on the proposed four-year Local Authority Bus Grant Investment Programme (BSIP). Officers outlined the wider Department for Transport context, noting the benefits of a four-year settlement. Members were briefed on key areas of investment including improvements to bus stop infrastructure, expansion of real-time passenger information, enhancements to bus stations and interchange points, selective vehicle detection at traffic signals, investment in zero-emission bus infrastructure, and support for community-led transport schemes. It was hoped that these schemes would enhance residents access to community facilities, such as health care, education and shopping facilities, as well as to workplaces.
Members sought reassurance regarding engagement with different demographic groups in determining areas for spend. Officers outlined the Enhanced Partnership governance structure, including the external stakeholder forum comprising of user and community transport groups and operators as well as regular engagement with Town and Parish Councils.
Members asked questions on the integration between bus and rail timetabling, accessibility measures such as audio announcements, and concessionary travel issues. Officers explained the constraints around rail timetables, confirmed that a new audio announcement trial was underway, and clarified that concessionary fares fell outside the remit of the BSIP.
Members asked about the roll?out of electric buses, with officers outlining existing investment, including significant investment from bus operators, and challenges with depot power capacities. A challenge fund would support further depot charging upgrades. It was more widely recognised that bus operators had and continued to invest heavily within Hampshire, as they could clearly identify commercial opportunities in growing local bus routes and services.
There was discussion about the target to double passenger journeys by 2034/35. Officers noted the intentionally stretching nature of the target, with strongest growth in urban corridors and emerging improvements in rural areas.
Members asked about governance changes relating to the emerging combined authority. Officers confirmed that existing BSIP programmes would continue unchanged in the near term.
RESOLVED
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations
being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Highways and Passenger Transport.
Cllr Tod left the meeting at this point
Members sought reassurance regarding engagement with different demographic groups in determining areas for spend. Officers outlined the Enhanced Partnership governance structure, including the external stakeholder forum comprising of user and community transport groups and operators as well as regular engagement with Town and Parish Councils.
Members asked questions on the integration between bus and rail timetabling, accessibility measures such as audio announcements, and concessionary travel issues. Officers explained the constraints around rail timetables, confirmed that a new audio announcement trial was underway, and clarified that concessionary fares fell outside the remit of the BSIP.
Members asked about the roll?out of electric buses, with officers outlining existing investment, including significant investment from bus operators, and challenges with depot power capacities. A challenge fund would support further depot charging upgrades. It was more widely recognised that bus operators had and continued to invest heavily within Hampshire, as they could clearly identify commercial opportunities in growing local bus routes and services.
There was discussion about the target to double passenger journeys by 2034/35. Officers noted the intentionally stretching nature of the target, with strongest growth in urban corridors and emerging improvements in rural areas.
Members asked about governance changes relating to the emerging combined authority. Officers confirmed that existing BSIP programmes would continue unchanged in the near term.
RESOLVED
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations
being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Highways and Passenger Transport.
Cllr Tod left the meeting at this point
7
Biodiversity Report 2026
To pre-scrutinise the proposals relating to Hampshire County Council’s first statutory Biodiversity Report, entitled ‘How Hampshire County Council is Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity’, due to be considered at the Cabinet meeting at 10.30am on 17 March 2026.
Attachments:
- Document Biodiversity Report 20 Feb 2026
- Document How Hampshire County Council is Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity – Biodiversity Report 2026 20 Feb 2026
- Document Appendix 1 - Hampshire Biodiversity Report 2026 Draft 20 Feb 2026
- Document Item 7 - Presentation 20 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation on Hampshire’s first statutory Biodiversity Duty Report, covering activity undertaken between January 2023 and January 2026. Officers described the structure of the report, including themes such as habitat protection, species recovery, land management, nature-based solutions, monitoring and partnership working.
Members congratulated officers on the excellent report and thanked them for providing a detailed presentation across what was a huge ranging report.
Councillor Kyrle left the meeting at this point.
Councillor Davies declared an interest as a member of the Wild Trout Trust and Angler Conservation Association.
Members raised questions regarding tree establishment rates and monitoring. Officers confirmed that replanting commitments formed part of schemes and that species selection and establishment methods continue to improve in light of climate pressures.
The impact of recent flooding and potential nature-based flood solutions were discussed. Officers noted that natural drainage, soil restoration, and wider catchment work all contributed to resilience, with continued partnership work ongoing with the Environment Agency.
The Committee also discussed ancient woodland mapping, hedgerow loss and species recovery work. Officers explained the definition of ancient woodland and recent mapping improvements, and acknowledged the breadth of wider species-related conservation activity.
Queries were raised about verge management, including cut-and-collect mowing. Officers confirmed that benefits had to be balanced against disposal and cost challenges.
Members also questioned how residents could better understand and engage with biodiversity work. Officers advised that a more accessible public summary would be published alongside the statutory report.
RESOLVED
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to Cabinet.
Members congratulated officers on the excellent report and thanked them for providing a detailed presentation across what was a huge ranging report.
Councillor Kyrle left the meeting at this point.
Councillor Davies declared an interest as a member of the Wild Trout Trust and Angler Conservation Association.
Members raised questions regarding tree establishment rates and monitoring. Officers confirmed that replanting commitments formed part of schemes and that species selection and establishment methods continue to improve in light of climate pressures.
The impact of recent flooding and potential nature-based flood solutions were discussed. Officers noted that natural drainage, soil restoration, and wider catchment work all contributed to resilience, with continued partnership work ongoing with the Environment Agency.
The Committee also discussed ancient woodland mapping, hedgerow loss and species recovery work. Officers explained the definition of ancient woodland and recent mapping improvements, and acknowledged the breadth of wider species-related conservation activity.
Queries were raised about verge management, including cut-and-collect mowing. Officers confirmed that benefits had to be balanced against disposal and cost challenges.
Members also questioned how residents could better understand and engage with biodiversity work. Officers advised that a more accessible public summary would be published alongside the statutory report.
RESOLVED
That the Universal Services Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to Cabinet.
8
Work Programme
To review the current work programme for the Universal Services Select Committee.
Attachments:
- Document USSC Work Programme 20 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Committee reviewed the forthcoming work programme. Members noted the induction session following the elections and the update on carbon management. Officers advised that maintenance contracts would be removed from the list of future items, as it no longer fell within the Committee's remit.
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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