Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Cabinet - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 7th July 2026
10:30 AM
Tuesday, 7th July 2026
10:30 AM
End:
Tuesday, 7th July 2026
2:30 PM
Tuesday, 7th July 2026
2:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
07 Jul 2026
07 Jul 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Chairman
Leader of the Council
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Cllr Gwen Robinson and Cllr George Madgwick (Select Committee Chairs, standing observers).
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.
Councillors Adams-King, North and Burton declared interests in Item 7, Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board - LEP Legacy Reserves, owing to their positions as members of district and borough councils that may receive funding through the proposed grant allocations. The Members left the meeting during consideration of that item and Councillor Chadd chaired the meeting for that item.
Councillors Adams-King, North and Burton declared interests in Item 7, Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board - LEP Legacy Reserves, owing to their positions as members of district and borough councils that may receive funding through the proposed grant allocations. The Members left the meeting during consideration of that item and Councillor Chadd chaired the meeting for that item.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 29 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2026 were agreed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
No deputations were received at the meeting.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any Chairman’s announcements.
Minutes
The Chairman reported on progress regarding the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority and noted that appointments to the new authority and Local Government Reorganisation joint committees would be considered later in the meeting.
The Chairman also referred to the ongoing judicial review process relating to Local Government Reorganisation and advised that work in preparation for reorganisation continued.
Cabinet noted the recent marking of Armed Forces Week across Hampshire and recognised the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families. The Chairman also highlighted the launch of further Best Start Family Hubs, the submission of Hampshire's SEND Reform Plan and development of a new, dedicated gateway into Hampshire’s Connect to Work programme for people with social care needs.
Finally, the Chairman thanked County Council staff for their continued dedication and recognised the achievements celebrated through the Making a Difference Awards.
The Chairman varied the agenda order to take item 7 next.
The Chairman also referred to the ongoing judicial review process relating to Local Government Reorganisation and advised that work in preparation for reorganisation continued.
Cabinet noted the recent marking of Armed Forces Week across Hampshire and recognised the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families. The Chairman also highlighted the launch of further Best Start Family Hubs, the submission of Hampshire's SEND Reform Plan and development of a new, dedicated gateway into Hampshire’s Connect to Work programme for people with social care needs.
Finally, the Chairman thanked County Council staff for their continued dedication and recognised the achievements celebrated through the Making a Difference Awards.
The Chairman varied the agenda order to take item 7 next.
6
Adoption of Updated Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan
To consider a report of the Director of Universal Services providing an overview of the update to the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and seeking Cabinet recommendation to County Council that it be adopted.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan Update cover report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Hampshire Minerals Waste Plan Update - Appendix A-2026-07-07-Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
- Document Hampshire Minerals Waste Plan Update - Appendix B-2026-07-07-Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
- Document Hampshire Minerals Waste Plan Update - Appendix C-2026-07-07-Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
- Document Hampshire Minerals Waste Plan Update - Appendix D-2026-07-07-Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
- Document Hampshire Minerals Waste Plan Update - Appendix E Part 1-2026-07-07-Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
- Document Hampshire Minerals Waste Plan Update - Appendix E Part 2-2026-07-07-Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record - Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan Update 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Universal Services seeking endorsement of the updated Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and recommendation to County Council that the Plan be adopted. Members were advised that the Plan had been subject to extensive consultation and examination over a number of years and that the independent Planning Inspector had concluded that the Plan was sound, subject to modifications.
Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet, paying tribute to the work undertaken by officers and emphasising the importance of having an up-to-date minerals and waste planning framework. Particular attention was drawn to the management of vehicle movements and the need for robust enforcement and monitoring arrangements.
In response to questions, officers advised that failure to adopt the Plan would require withdrawal of the current work and commencement of a new plan-making process under the revised planning system. Members noted the risks associated with operating without an up-to-date plan, including increased exposure to speculative development proposals.
Cabinet welcomed the updated framework, noting its importance in providing certainty for future minerals and waste development, supporting economic growth, and strengthening environmental protections.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet, paying tribute to the work undertaken by officers and emphasising the importance of having an up-to-date minerals and waste planning framework. Particular attention was drawn to the management of vehicle movements and the need for robust enforcement and monitoring arrangements.
In response to questions, officers advised that failure to adopt the Plan would require withdrawal of the current work and commencement of a new plan-making process under the revised planning system. Members noted the risks associated with operating without an up-to-date plan, including increased exposure to speculative development proposals.
Cabinet welcomed the updated framework, noting its importance in providing certainty for future minerals and waste development, supporting economic growth, and strengthening environmental protections.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
7
Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board - LEP Legacy Reserves
To consider a report of the Director of Universal Services regarding recommendations by the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board (HPPB) that Hampshire County Council should approve capital grant funding from the LEP legacy reserves (LLR) for the projects set out in the report.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board LEP legacy reserves 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record – LEP legacy reserves 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Councillor Chadd took the Chair for consideration of this item.
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Universal Services regarding recommendations from the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board for the allocation of capital funding from the LEP Legacy Reserves. The Director of Universal Services outlined the process undertaken following the transfer of Local Enterprise Partnership functions to Hampshire County Council. Members heard that a competitive process had been undertaken with applications significantly exceeding the available funding and that fourteen projects had been recommended for support by the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board (HPPB).
Non-Executive Member Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet and expressed support for the recommendations, highlighting the extensive work undertaken by officers and stakeholders throughout the assessment process. He also declared a personal interest in the process as a District Council Leader and Member on the HPPB.
During discussion, Members welcomed the geographical spread of the proposed projects and their potential to support economic growth, skills development, innovation, accessibility and improved outcomes for Hampshire residents.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously by the Cabinet Members present. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Universal Services regarding recommendations from the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board for the allocation of capital funding from the LEP Legacy Reserves. The Director of Universal Services outlined the process undertaken following the transfer of Local Enterprise Partnership functions to Hampshire County Council. Members heard that a competitive process had been undertaken with applications significantly exceeding the available funding and that fourteen projects had been recommended for support by the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board (HPPB).
Non-Executive Member Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet and expressed support for the recommendations, highlighting the extensive work undertaken by officers and stakeholders throughout the assessment process. He also declared a personal interest in the process as a District Council Leader and Member on the HPPB.
During discussion, Members welcomed the geographical spread of the proposed projects and their potential to support economic growth, skills development, innovation, accessibility and improved outcomes for Hampshire residents.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously by the Cabinet Members present. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
8
End of Year Annual Financial Report 2025/26
To consider a report from the Director of Corporate Operations providing a summary of the 2025/26 financial outturn for the County Council. The report also covers capital expenditure and funding for 2025/26 and revisions to the 2026/27 capital programme.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-26 Hampshire County Council End of year financial report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 1 - 202526 Outturn 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 2 - Treasury Management Outturn Position 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record 2025-26 Year End Finance 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Operations presenting the County Council's financial outturn for 2025/26. Members were advised that there was a reduction in the required draw from the budget bridging reserve to balance the 2025/26 budget; the budgeted draw was £64.9m, the actual draw required at year end was £20.7m, a significant reduction of £44.2m. This reflected strong budget management and delivery of savings throughout the year.
However, it was emphasised that the Council continued to face significant long-term financial challenges. For the 2027/28 financial year it was currently expected that the level of available reserves would be insufficient to cover the forecast budget deficit.
Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet and commented on the continuing financial pressures facing the authority, urging further focus on long-term financial sustainability and engagement with Government regarding future support.
Cabinet recognised the significant work undertaken by officers across the organisation to improve the financial position and deliver savings. Discussion also considered the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, the anticipated High Needs Stability Grant, the benefits of ongoing transformation activity and partnership working with NHS organisations.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
However, it was emphasised that the Council continued to face significant long-term financial challenges. For the 2027/28 financial year it was currently expected that the level of available reserves would be insufficient to cover the forecast budget deficit.
Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet and commented on the continuing financial pressures facing the authority, urging further focus on long-term financial sustainability and engagement with Government regarding future support.
Cabinet recognised the significant work undertaken by officers across the organisation to improve the financial position and deliver savings. Discussion also considered the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, the anticipated High Needs Stability Grant, the benefits of ongoing transformation activity and partnership working with NHS organisations.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
9
Annual Corporate Performance Assurance Report 2026
To consider a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing Cabinet with strategic oversight of the County Council’s performance in delivering the four priority commitments made to the people of Hampshire in the County Council’s Strategic Plan 2025 to 2028.
Attachments:
- Document Annual Corporate Performance Assurance Report 2026 cover report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 1 Corporate Performance Report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record - Annual Corporate Performance Assurance Report 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation providing assurance regarding performance against the commitments set out in the County Council's Strategic Plan during 2025/26. It was noted that the report had been considered by the Corporate Services and Resources Select Committee and had subsequently been updated to reflect feedback received.
Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet and recognised the achievements of officers whilst suggesting that future reports might place greater emphasis on challenge, ambition and continuous improvement.
Cabinet welcomed the report and recognised the positive progress made across all four strategic commitments. Members highlighted the significant efforts of staff in delivering services in a challenging financial environment and noted the importance of external inspection regimes, benchmarking and scrutiny in supporting improvement.
The recommendation in the report was agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Councillor Martin Tod addressed Cabinet and recognised the achievements of officers whilst suggesting that future reports might place greater emphasis on challenge, ambition and continuous improvement.
Cabinet welcomed the report and recognised the positive progress made across all four strategic commitments. Members highlighted the significant efforts of staff in delivering services in a challenging financial environment and noted the importance of external inspection regimes, benchmarking and scrutiny in supporting improvement.
The recommendation in the report was agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
10
Local Government Reorganisation: nominations to Joint Committees
To consider a report of the Chief Executive regarding the next steps of Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent, including establishment of four joint committees (one for each mainland proposed unitary area), initially on a voluntary basis. The report seeks nominations to the Hampshire County Council seats for recommendation to County Council.
Attachments:
- Document LGR Joint Committee nominations Report 29 Jun 2026
- Document LGR Appendix D - Joint cttees proportionality 29 Jun 2026
- Document LGR Appendix E - Joint cttees nominations 29 Jun 2026
- Document LGR Appendix E - Joint cttees nominations names 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record LGR Joint Committees nominations 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the next steps for Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent, including the establishment of four Joint Committees on a voluntary basis to support transition arrangements ahead of the creation of the new unitary authorities.
It was noted that Hampshire County Council’s places on the Joint Committees were proposed to be allocated on the basis of proportionality of the county divisions making up the new unitary authority areas. Nominations had been received accordingly from each political group on the Council.
The recommendations in the report (and supplement containing the names of the proposed Members) were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
It was noted that Hampshire County Council’s places on the Joint Committees were proposed to be allocated on the basis of proportionality of the county divisions making up the new unitary authority areas. Nominations had been received accordingly from each political group on the Council.
The recommendations in the report (and supplement containing the names of the proposed Members) were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
11
Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority: Appointments and Nominations to Committees
To consider a report of the Chief Executive seeking approval for an approach to nominations to the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority sub-committees and agree a list of proposed nominees to be presented to County Council on the 16 July for agreement.
Attachments:
- Document MCCA Appointments report 29 Jun 2026
- Document MCCA appointments appendix 29 Jun 2026
- Document HSCCA appointments names 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record - HSCCA Committee Appointments 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive seeking approval of an approach to appointments and nominations to the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority's committees and sub-committees and recommending nominees for consideration by County Council.
Members considered the recommended nominations provided by the political groups, which allocated the Hampshire County Council seats on the committees on the basis of the County Council’s political proportionality across the total number of available seats.
The recommendations in the report (and supplement containing the names of nominated Members) were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Members considered the recommended nominations provided by the political groups, which allocated the Hampshire County Council seats on the committees on the basis of the County Council’s political proportionality across the total number of available seats.
The recommendations in the report (and supplement containing the names of nominated Members) were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
12
Constitution Review
To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Director of People and Organisation / Monitoring Officer seeking the Cabinet’s agreement to and recommendation to Full Council to make change to the Constitution to enable Members to be appointed to Committees between Council meetings and for Committees to elect their own Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Attachments:
- Document Constitution Review Report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record - constitution update 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Director of People & Organisation and the Monitoring Officer, seeking approval of a number of amendments to the Constitution and recommending these changes to County Council.
Members were advised that the proposed amendments would improve the operation of the Council's governance arrangements and provide greater flexibility in the appointment of Members to committees between meetings of the County Council. The report also proposed changes to enable committees to appoint their own Chairman and Vice-Chairman where appropriate.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
Members were advised that the proposed amendments would improve the operation of the Council's governance arrangements and provide greater flexibility in the appointment of Members to committees between meetings of the County Council. The report also proposed changes to enable committees to appoint their own Chairman and Vice-Chairman where appropriate.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
13
Responsibility for Executive Functions
To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer providing Cabinet with details of the revised Executive Arrangements, reflecting changes announced after the Election.
Attachments:
- Document Responsibility for Executive Functions 29 Jun 2026
- Document Decision Record - executive functions 13 Jul 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report of the Monitoring Officer setting out revisions to the Council's Executive Arrangements following the changes to Cabinet portfolios and responsibilities announced after the County Council elections.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed unanimously. A Decision Record is attached to these minutes.
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