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New Forest Borough Council
Councillors: 48
Wards: 28
Committees: 14
Meetings (2026): 67
Meetings (2025): 80

Meeting

Council - New Forest

Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Monday, 13th July 2026
6:30 PM
End:
Monday, 13th July 2026
10:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Date:
13 Jul 2026
Location:
Council Chamber - Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA
Meeting Attendees
Cllr John Sleep photo
Committee Member
Cllr John Sleep

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Dave Penny photo
Chairman
Chairman of Council
Cllr Dave Penny

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr John Adams photo
Committee Member
Cllr John Adams

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Alan Alvey photo
Committee Member
Cllr Alan Alvey

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Geoffrey Blunden photo
Committee Member
Cllr Geoffrey Blunden

Conservative

Apologies

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Cllr Hilary Brand photo
Committee Member
Cllr Hilary Brand

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr David Millar photo
Committee Member
Cllr David Millar

Liberal Democrat

Apologies

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Cllr Ian Murray photo
Committee Member
Cllr Ian Murray

Conservative

Apologies

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Cllr Stephanie Osborne photo
Committee Member
Cllr Stephanie Osborne

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Alan O'Sullivan photo
Committee Member
Cllr Alan O'Sullivan

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Adam Parker photo
Committee Member
Cllr Adam Parker

Green

Present, as expected

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Cllr Neville Penman photo
Committee Member
Cllr Neville Penman

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Dan Poole photo
Committee Member
Cllr Dan Poole

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Alvin Reid photo
Committee Member
Cllr Alvin Reid

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Joe Reilly photo
Committee Member
Cllr Joe Reilly

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Janet Richards photo
Committee Member
Cllr Janet Richards

Green

Present, as expected

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Cllr Steve Rippon-Swaine photo
Committee Member
Cllr Steve Rippon-Swaine

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Michael Thierry photo
Committee Member
Cllr Michael Thierry

Non-aligned

Present, as expected

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Cllr Derek Tipp photo
Committee Member
Cllr Derek Tipp

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Neil Tungate photo
Committee Member
Cllr Neil Tungate

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Alex Wade photo
Committee Member
Cllr Alex Wade

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Malcolm Wade photo
Committee Member
Cllr Malcolm Wade

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Christine Ward photo
Committee Member
Cllr Christine Ward

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Richard Young photo
Committee Member
Cllr Richard Young

Reform UK

Present, as expected

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Officer
Chief Executive
Kate Ryan

In attendance

Officer
Democratic ICT Officer
Daniel Reynafarje

In attendance

Officer
Principal Democratic Services Officer
Karen Wardle

In attendance

Officer
Assistant Director - Strategy and Engagement
Matt Wisdom

In attendance

Cllr Mark Clark photo
Committee Member
Cllr Mark Clark

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Steve Clarke photo
Committee Member
Cllr Steve Clarke

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Kate Crisell photo
Committee Member
Cllr Kate Crisell

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Sean Cullen photo
Committee Member
Cllr Sean Cullen

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Jack Davies photo
Committee Member
Cllr Jack Davies

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Steve Davies photo
Committee Member
Cllr Steve Davies

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Philip Dowd photo
Committee Member
Cllr Philip Dowd

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Barry Dunning photo
Committee Member
Cllr Barry Dunning

Reform UK

Present, as expected

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Cllr Jacqui England photo
Committee Member
Cllr Jacqui England

Independent

Present, as expected

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Cllr Allan Glass photo
Committee Member
Cllr Allan Glass

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr David Harrison photo
Committee Member
Cllr David Harrison

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr David Hawkins photo
Committee Member
Cllr David Hawkins

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr John Haywood photo
Committee Member
Cllr John Haywood

Labour and Co-operative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Jeremy Heron photo
Committee Member
Cllr Jeremy Heron

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Nigel Linford photo
Committee Member
Cllr Nigel Linford

Independent

Present, as expected

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Cllr Patrick Mballa photo
Committee Member
Cllr Patrick Mballa

Liberal Democrat

Apologies

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Cllr Colm McCarthy photo
Committee Member
Cllr Colm McCarthy

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Peter Armstrong photo
Committee Member
Cllr Peter Armstrong

Independent

Present, as expected

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Cllr Matthew Hartmann photo
Committee Member
Cllr Matthew Hartmann

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Jill Cleary photo
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Cllr Jill Cleary

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Cllr Barry Rickman photo
Vice-Chairman
Vice-Chairman of Council
Cllr Barry Rickman

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Officer
Strategic Director of Corporate Resources (Section 151 Officer)
Alan Bethune

In attendance

Officer
Interim Strategic Director of Place, Operations and Sustainability
Tracey Coleman

In attendance

Officer
Strategic Director Housing and Communities
Sophie Sajic

In attendance

Cllr Caroline Rackham photo
Committee Member
Cllr Caroline Rackham

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Cllr Jan Sutherland photo
Committee Member
Cllr Jan Sutherland

Conservative

Apologies

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Cllr Phil Woods photo
Committee Member
Cllr Phil Woods

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Officer
Business Support Officer
Sue Jennings

In attendance

Officer
Donna Langfield

In attendance

Agenda
0 Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Blunden, Mballa, Miller, Murray and Sutherland.
Minutes
1 Minutes
To confirm the minutes of the Annual meeting held on 18 May 2026 as a correct record.
Attachments:
Minutes RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Annual meeting held on 18 May 2026, be confirmed.
2 Declarations of Interests
To note any declarations of interests made by members in connection with an agenda item. The nature of the interests must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.
Minutes There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests by Members.
3 Chairman's Announcements
Minutes The Chairman reported that since he had taken office in May, he had represented the Council at various events across the district and the wider Hampshire area. This included civic events, award ceremonies and memorial services.

The Chairman reported he had had the absolute pleasure of attending an all staff event, “Wow, that’s what I call NFDC”, on 17 June and had presented the Chairman’s Award at the LEAF (Learning, Empathy, Ambition and Fairness) awards ceremony to a very deserving member of staff. He expressed his congratulations to all the nominees, winners and also the team involved in organising an amazing event in order to celebrate staff.

Another highlight was raising the Armed Forces Day Flag at Appletree Court, along with representatives from the 17 Port & Maritime Regiment. The Chairman was also honored to represent the district at the National Armed Forces Day event, hosted by Rushmoor Borough Council, on Saturday 27 June.
4 Leader's Announcements
Minutes The Leader reported she had attended the Local Government Association Conference in Bournemouth last week. The main topic was LGR and Devolution, which included what other councils were doing in response to this major change across local government in England. The Leader reported that at every opportunity she had at the conference, she had highlighted that she was not happy with the Government decision to split the district into two new unitary authorities.

The Leader reported that she was one of six Conservative representatives for the Local Councils Network. She had been working with LCN to promote awareness of the complexities of district disaggregation, to lobby government for better understanding, and to build networks to enable the sector to better address shared issues.

The Leader thanked staff who had continued to support residents, businesses and communities in the district in the heatwave.

The Leader encouraged community groups, charities, schools and other organisations to apply for funding, with up to £100,000 available to support infrastructure projects from 2027. The funding was available through the Community Infrastructure Levy and applications could be submitted until 7 August.

Finally, in addition to the Chairman’s remarks, the Leader reported she that had been very proud to attend the recent staff event and awards ceremony. She had spent a joyful few hours reading through nearly 100 fantastic nominations that had been put forward for an award. The Leader recognised the incredible staff at NFDC, and that it was a privilege to acknowledge so many services and outstanding individuals who provided support to residents and making the district a wonderful place to live, work and thrive.
5 Report of Cabinet - 3 June 2026
Minutes PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

Item 1 – Local Government Reorganisation – response to decision, petition, legal counsel advice and the Council’s strategic approach 2026-2028

There were no speakers.

Item 2 – Community Grant Programme 2027/28

There were no speakers.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

Item 3 - Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Programme Mobilisation

The Leader moved the adoption of the recommendations in the addendum to the report of Cabinet. This included an amendment to one of the resolutions of Cabinet and an additional recommendation to Council.

Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

Cllr M Wade moved an amendment to recommendation 1, proposing Cllr Mark Clark as the Joint Committee representative for the South-West future unitary authority, rather than Cllr Jill Cleary. Cllr Harrison seconded the amendment.

Those who spoke in support for nomination for Cllr M Clark to be the South-West future unitary authority Joint Committee representative, expressed the view that the representative should be someone who lived in the Waterside area and had been elected by local residents. It was further highlighted that he was engaged in the local community and as an experienced member they felt he would be best placed to represent the views of residents in this authority, given they would be impacted by the decisions made. Members explained that it was not party political, it was about ensuring that local views were represented through someone who lived in the Waterside area, being able represent the views of the local residents and ensure that the best was achieved for them at a vulnerable time.

Cllr M Clark requested members to support his nomination, citing that he wished to protect the interests of the population of those who would be living in the new South-West Unitary Authority area. He spoke of his experience as a district councillor, as a long time serving parish councillor for Hythe and Dibden and of him being a councillor at a County Council which had undergone LGR. Therefore, he felt he had the experience to undertake the role, that he was aware of residents’ views and would be able to speak on behalf of them in order to protect their interests in any decisions taken.

Those who spoke in support of Cllr Cleary being the Joint Committee representative for the South-West future unitary authority, felt that she was well placed to represent the interests of the communities impacted by the decision, and that she had good experience and local knowledge of the area, particularly through all the LGR work she had overseen. Whilst it was acknowledged as a local councillor she represented an area in what would be the Mid-Hampshire Unitary Authority, she was well placed as Leader of the Council to represent the Waterside area.

Cllr Cleary, in her summing up, highlighted that although she was a ward councillor in New Milton, she was the Leader of the Council and had been involved in LGR for the past 18 months. She highlighted that she was chairman of the Waterside Steering group, and had been working with other leaders across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. She felt she was best placed to be a representative on both of the Joint Committees for the two new Unitary Authorities. If she was appointed, she would be able to speak as one consistent voice for the New Forest District on the joint committees, ensuring they had equal representation and that a balanced view was presented.

A secret ballot was carried out in relation to the nominations for the Joint Committee representative for the South-West future unitary authority and Cllr Cleary received the majority of votes.

Members voted on the substantive motion.

RESOLVED:

1. That Council approved the appointment of Cllr Jill Cleary as the Joint Committee representative for the Mid-Hampshire future unitary authority and the appointment of Cllr Jill Cleary as the Joint Committee representative for the South-West future unitary authority, including any joint committee arrangements ahead of the Structural Changes Order coming into effect and the Leader of the Council be delegated authority to make any appointments of deputy or substitute members; and

2. That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be delegated authority to agree the Terms of Reference for both these voluntary and Structural Change Order established Joint Committees, including any later amendments that may be required.

Item 4 - New Forest Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030

Cllr Tipp introduced the item and moved the recommendations. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

A number of members spoke in respect of the Economic Development Strategy.

One member noted that reference was made within the strategy of sustainable transport. However, it was felt that no solution or answers were provided regarding how this could be addressed, suggesting that the strategy should be proactive in approach, speaking to those responsible for the provision of public transport in order to seek improvements in public transport provision. This would benefit staff, residents and visitors in the district.

One other member expressed disappointment about the lack of mention of the cultural sector within the strategy. It had been cited as a factor in the key growth sector, but no reference had been made in the SWOT analysis, for example.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that the statistics of those qualifying for free school meals was increasing year on year, recognising there were pockets of deprivation within the district. It was felt more could be done, working with partners to try and address this matter in the remaining time of the council. Economic growth also was highlighted, particularly for villages where it was felt growth was necessary, in order to reduce poverty.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy responded and felt that the strategy was comprehensive and aimed to help people with employment and training, which would in turn help to reduce poverty.

RESOLVED:

That Council approved the New Forest Economic Development Strategy 2026–2030.
6 Report of Cabinet - 1 July 2026
Minutes PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

Item 1 - Corporate Plan: Key Performance Data for Quarter 4 2025-2026, and Target Refresh for 2026-2027

One member made a comment that in light of LGR whether the Corporate Plan priorities should be revisited to ensure they reflected the LGR process, transitioning to two new Unitary Authorities. The Leader reported that she had given consideration to this.

Item 2 - Corporate Plan Annual Performance Report 2025-2026

There were no speakers.

Item 3 - Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/2026

There were no speakers.

Item 4 - Housing Annual Compliance Report

There were no speakers.

Item 5 - SAMP and Action Plan Progress Update

There were no speakers.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

Item 6 - Financial Monitoring Report (Provisional Budget Outturn 2025/2026)

A councillor acknowledged that within the recommendations for Cabinet, there had been positive variations, with areas of underspend as well as additional income. It was hoped that this would be used wisely.

Cllr Heron introduced the item and moved the recommendations. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

A councillor noted that £500,000 was recommended to create a Staff Retention Reserve and acknowledged that the requirements for this were unknown. It was questioned whether any comparison could be given with other similar authorities regarding how they were addressing the situation.

Cllr Heron responded and reported that the District Council was in a unique position with the scale of split between two Unitary Authorities, and that it was difficult to compare with other authorities, such as Test Valley or Hampshire County Council.

Cllr Heron advised that he hoped the reserve fund allocation would be sufficient to deal with the challenges of staff retention. Should there be any unspent funds, it was suggested that they would be redistributed to other areas of LGR.

RESOLVED:

That Council:

1. approved allocating the provisional outturn of £591,000 as follows:

a) £500,000 to create a new Staff Retention Reserve.

b) £91,000 to enhance the Corporate Priorities Reserve

2. approved that authority is delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader to drawdown funds from the Staff Retention Reserve to cover the cost of retention arrangements, in accordance with the adopted Market Supplement policy; and

3. approved increasing principal repayment of debt within the HRA by £880,000
7 Questions
To ask questions under Standing Order 22. Questions received will be published ahead of the meeting. (Members are reminded that questions must be submitted to Democratic Services by no later than 12.00 noon, Wednesday, 8 July 2026).
Attachments:
Minutes Questions were put and answered under Standing Order 22, as follows:-

· From Cllr Harrison to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, regarding the suspension of car parking charges in Totton.

· From Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, regarding waste collection in communal areas of Howard’s Mead, Pennington.

· From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, regarding the suspension of car parking charges in Totton.

· From Cllr McCarthy to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden regarding parking permits to support Lymington Town Band.

· From Cllr M Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron, regarding LGR transition costs.

· From Cllr Millar to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp, regarding speculative development and the local plan.

· From Cllr A Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, regarding requests for additional waste bins for phase 3 residents.

· From Cllr Brand to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, regarding the review of the Business Waste Service.

· From Cllr M Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron, regarding the disaggregation of assets between the two new Unitary Authorities.

· From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing, Cllr Poole regarding how NFDC can protect cultural organisations in the area.

· From Cllr M Clark to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron regarding housing tax harmonisation.

· From Cllr M Clark to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary regarding discussions with Town and Parish Councils and their role and funding arrangements in the new Unitary Authorities.

Note: A copy of the full questions and replies are attached to these minutes.
8 Allocation of seats and appointments to committees and panels
To agree the allocation of seats to the political groups on those Committees and Panels to which the political balance rules apply and to approve the appointment of Members to Committees and Panels.
Minutes The Leader moved the adoption of the recommendations in the report, to approve the allocation of seats on committees and panels to the political groups where the political balance rules apply, and to appoint councillors to those committees and panels.

Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the Council:-

1. considered the allocation of seats to committees and panels in accordance with the principles set out in the report, and in doing so, agreed to the allocation set out in the table in Appendix 1; and

2. appointed councillors to individual committees and panels, as identified in Appendix 2, for the remainder of the four year period ending May 2027.
9 Any Other Items Which the Chairman Decides Are Urgent
Previous Meetings
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12th Oct 2026

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14th Sep 2026

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13th Jul 2026

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18th May 2026

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26th Feb 2026

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15th Dec 2025

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3rd Nov 2025

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13th Oct 2025

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25th Sep 2025

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Future Meetings
Meeting

14th Dec 2026

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Meeting

25th Feb 2027

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12th Apr 2027

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Meeting

17th May 2027

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12th Jul 2027

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13th Sep 2027

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Meeting

11th Oct 2027

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