Test Valley Borough Council
Councillors:
43
Wards:
21
Committees:
17
Meetings (2026):
29
Meetings (2025):
92
Meeting
Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Test Valley
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 26th November 2025
5:30 PM
Wednesday, 26th November 2025
5:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 26th November 2025
9:30 PM
Wednesday, 26th November 2025
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
26 Nov 2025
26 Nov 2025
Location:
Conference Room 1, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3AJ
Conference Room 1, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3AJ
Meeting Attendees
Officer
Director of Strategy and Innovation
James Moody
Present, as expected
Officer
Head of Community Development
David Growcott
Present, as expected
Officer
Director of Community and Leisure
David Tasker
Expected
Agenda
1
Apologies
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Adams King, Cattell, Hasselmann, Leech and Hughes.
2
Public Participation
Minutes
There was no public participation.
3
Declarations of Interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
4
Urgent Items
Minutes
There were no urgent items.
5
Minutes of the previous meeting
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27 August 2025.
Attachments:
- Document $$Minutes 18 Nov 2025
Minutes
Councillor Daas proposed and Councillor Budzynski seconded the motion that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 August 2025 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2025 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2025 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
6
Call in Items
Minutes
There were no call in items.
7
Urgent decisions taken since last meeting
Minutes
There were no urgent decisions.
8
Presentation on Local Policing
Presentation on local policing by Sharath Ranjan, Chief Inspector and District Commander for Test Valley at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (60 minutes)
Minutes
The District Commander for Test Valley, Chief Inspector Sharath Ranjan attended the meeting with Inspector for Andover and Romsey, Inspector John Stribley. Chief Inspector Ranjan explained policing priorities across Test Valley and stressed the importance in the pursuit of criminals and the delivery of exceptional service, always with a victim-first approach. Quick responses and regular updates remain central to building public trust, and collaboration, with partner agencies was highlighted as essential for tackling wider community issues.
In terms of structure, the policing model will remain unchanged, with district teams continuing to respond to incidents. Staffing levels were confirmed at 45 constables, and a strategic decision has been made to establish a stronger police presence in Romsey and Andover, ensuring coverage across key areas.
Crime trends were reviewed, showing an overall reduction of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Burglaries, public order offences, and rug-related crimes have all decreased significantly. However, antisocial behaviour has risen, particularly in Andover and rural communities, and this was identified as a growing concern requiring target interventions,
Shoplifting was discussed in detail, with a notable 66% increase in solved cases over the last six months crime remains a challenge, especially incidents targeting isolated properties and farm machinery. Proactive drug enforcement continues to disrupt networks and lead to arrests, underlining the importance of sustained pressure in this area.
Community engagement was emphasised as a cornerstone of effective policing. While public reporting is vital for resource allocation, current levels of intelligence sharing from community partnerships remain low, and efforts are underway to strengthen these ties.
Antisocial behaviour was further addressed through an environmental audit at the Chantry Centre. Operation Crush, aimed at seizing and destroying illegal e-scooters, is underway in town centre, supported by awareness campaigns in schools and on social media.
Shop crime reporting is being streamlined through the UK Pack system which aims to ease the burden on shopkeepers. Special constables are now monitoring CCTV in Andover and Romsey, and ongoing work to encourage shopkeepers to report crime.
Members discussed:
· Cars with SORN notices parking on the highway
· Community policing
· Re offending rate
· Working with partners to create opportunities
· County Lines
· Future of the Police and Crime Commissioners role
The Chairman thanked, Chief Inspector Ranjan and Inspector Stribley for taking the time to attend the meeting and for answering all their questions.
In terms of structure, the policing model will remain unchanged, with district teams continuing to respond to incidents. Staffing levels were confirmed at 45 constables, and a strategic decision has been made to establish a stronger police presence in Romsey and Andover, ensuring coverage across key areas.
Crime trends were reviewed, showing an overall reduction of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Burglaries, public order offences, and rug-related crimes have all decreased significantly. However, antisocial behaviour has risen, particularly in Andover and rural communities, and this was identified as a growing concern requiring target interventions,
Shoplifting was discussed in detail, with a notable 66% increase in solved cases over the last six months crime remains a challenge, especially incidents targeting isolated properties and farm machinery. Proactive drug enforcement continues to disrupt networks and lead to arrests, underlining the importance of sustained pressure in this area.
Community engagement was emphasised as a cornerstone of effective policing. While public reporting is vital for resource allocation, current levels of intelligence sharing from community partnerships remain low, and efforts are underway to strengthen these ties.
Antisocial behaviour was further addressed through an environmental audit at the Chantry Centre. Operation Crush, aimed at seizing and destroying illegal e-scooters, is underway in town centre, supported by awareness campaigns in schools and on social media.
Shop crime reporting is being streamlined through the UK Pack system which aims to ease the burden on shopkeepers. Special constables are now monitoring CCTV in Andover and Romsey, and ongoing work to encourage shopkeepers to report crime.
Members discussed:
· Cars with SORN notices parking on the highway
· Community policing
· Re offending rate
· Working with partners to create opportunities
· County Lines
· Future of the Police and Crime Commissioners role
The Chairman thanked, Chief Inspector Ranjan and Inspector Stribley for taking the time to attend the meeting and for answering all their questions.
9
Programme of Work for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
To enable Members to keep the Committee’s future work programme under review (10 minutes)
Attachments:
- Document Work Programme - Report November 2025 18 Nov 2025
- Document Work Programme - Annex 1 November 18 Nov 2025
- Document Work Programme - Annex 2 (AutoRecovered) 18 Nov 2025
- Document Work Programme - Annex 3 November 18 Nov 2025
- Document Work Programme - Annex 4 18 Nov 2025
- Document Annex 5 CAP 18 Nov 18 Nov 2025
Minutes
The Chairman took members through the Work Programme. A number of round tables with scheduled dates was identified and invitations would be circulated once dates have been agreed. A round table on processes and procedures for Strategic Revenue Grants to Voluntary Organisations was held on 24 November 2025 and a round table on barriers to cycling and review of parking standards will come forward for discussion in January.
Panels
A Digital Inclusion panel will be held on 27 November with guest speakers from the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Local Government Association. No further members wished to join the panel at this time and the Panel will choose a Lead Member.
The last Affordable Housing Demand and Supply panel was held on 7 November 2025 and the final report and recommendations was considered later in the meeting.
The Budget panel met on 6 November and the focus was on the approach and uncertainties that remain in respect of government-controlled funding for the next financial year and an update on the current year’s budget position and recommended fees and charges levels for 2026.
Recommendations to Cabinet
Recommendations from the Affordable Housing Panel – Service User Experience was considered by Cabinet on 1 October 2025 with a recommendation that relevant officers review the recommendations and advise the Portfolio Holder on the feasibility and timing of implementation.
Work Programme
Members reviewed the Work Programme and agreed to amend it as follows:
· Add Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder to give an update on the direction of travel following Local Government Reorganisation – 6 months from agreement with Cabinet (date to be confirmed)
· Add Digital Transformation Action Plan Update – 27 May 2026
· Add Recycling and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder to give an update on food waste collection – 15 April 2026
Resolved:
1. That the current Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme (updated for
November 2025), as shown in Annex 1 to the report, be approved.
2. That the update on Panels shown in Annex 2 to the report be noted.
Panels
A Digital Inclusion panel will be held on 27 November with guest speakers from the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Local Government Association. No further members wished to join the panel at this time and the Panel will choose a Lead Member.
The last Affordable Housing Demand and Supply panel was held on 7 November 2025 and the final report and recommendations was considered later in the meeting.
The Budget panel met on 6 November and the focus was on the approach and uncertainties that remain in respect of government-controlled funding for the next financial year and an update on the current year’s budget position and recommended fees and charges levels for 2026.
Recommendations to Cabinet
Recommendations from the Affordable Housing Panel – Service User Experience was considered by Cabinet on 1 October 2025 with a recommendation that relevant officers review the recommendations and advise the Portfolio Holder on the feasibility and timing of implementation.
Work Programme
Members reviewed the Work Programme and agreed to amend it as follows:
· Add Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder to give an update on the direction of travel following Local Government Reorganisation – 6 months from agreement with Cabinet (date to be confirmed)
· Add Digital Transformation Action Plan Update – 27 May 2026
· Add Recycling and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder to give an update on food waste collection – 15 April 2026
Resolved:
1. That the current Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme (updated for
November 2025), as shown in Annex 1 to the report, be approved.
2. That the update on Panels shown in Annex 2 to the report be noted.
10
Affordable Housing Panel Final Report
To consider the recommendations of the Affordable Housing, Demand and Supply Panel (30 minutes)
Attachments:
- Document Affordable Housing Report 18 Nov 2025
- Document Affordable Housing - Annex 1 18 Nov 2025
- Document Affordable Housing - Annex 2 18 Nov 2025
- Document Affordable Housing - Annex 3 18 Nov 2025
- Document Affordable Housing - Annex 4 18 Nov 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Lead Member of the Affordable Housing Panel – Demand and Supply.to consider the recommendations of the panel.
The panel was established as one of two panels to examine affordable housing in Test Valley. To review the demand and supply of affordable housing with a view to determining if the council should make any changes to policy and as input into the revised Housing Strategy.
The panel explored:
· Demand
· Supply
· Potential to improve supply
· Policies of neighbouring authorities
· The potential impact of LGR
The panel undertook a thorough review of the Council’s approach to delivering affordable homes and addressing housing needs. Through an evidence-led process, the panel identified both strengths and challenges within the current system.
The recommendations set out in the report aim to consolidate best practice, enhance transparency, and strengthen preventative measures, while preparing for the opportunities and uncertainties presented by Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.
The Lead Member thanked the Head of Housing and Environmental Health and her team for their very open and collaborative involvement in the panel.
Resolved:
1. That the committee considers the outcomes and recommendations of the Affordable Housing, Demand and Supply Panel.
8. That recommendations 2-7 of the panel, as set out in the report, be endorsed and recommended to Cabinet.
9. That the Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder attend the committee on 8 July 2026 to update members on the direction / approach being taken to affordable housing with considerations of any implications resulting from LGR.
Recommended to Cabinet:
2. Recognise the successes of Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to provide through its planning policies for a supply of affordable housing in line with the Local Plan and use this as best practice to carry forward into local government reorganisation.
The panel acknowledges the effectiveness of current planning policies which have resulted in TVBC being one of the most successful authorities in the immediate area in providing new affordable homes. It is important that this success is recognised and carried forward into the new authority, with a continued commitment to maintaining a steady and sustainable supply of affordable housing that helps meet demand via the Housing Register.
3. Reinforce Housing Allocation Policy Transparency and Support. The panel endorses the recommendation from the Affordable Housing Service User Experience Panel regarding Test Valley’s Housing Allocation Policy. While legislation sets out fundamental criteria for the housing register, it is essential that the allocation policy is robust and transparent to avoid creating unrealistic expectations for applicants who are unlikely to ever receive an offer of accommodation.
4. Continue and expand early intervention to prevent homelessness The panel recommends the continuation of the non-statutory proactive and preventative approach, including involving partner agencies, to identifying risks of homelessness, enabling early intervention and prevention. A programme to raise awareness of the housing service among residents and partners should be undertaken and support given to officers to work in a preventative manner. Consideration should be given to using novel methods such as artificial intelligence to support the identification of those at risk of becoming homeless. As we move through LGR, the new unitary authority will have responsibility for all services including adult and childrens social services which will offer a broader range of data from which to identify potential homelessness at an aggregate level and, potentially, by individual cases.
5. Secure registered providers for affordable housing delivery
The council should take all reasonable steps to ensure that a Registered Provider (RP) is secured for each development site to purchase and deliver affordable housing units. This includes engaging with developers and RPs, and encouraging developers to engage with RPs at the earliest stages, where appropriate, to negotiate the alignment of housing delivery with the design and delivery requirements of the RP, as well as the housing needs data. The Council must monitor the situation regarding the awareness, capacity and desire of the RPs to take on board the quantity of affordable housing that will result from the proposals to increase housing development in Test Valley by 78% per year, and to plan and react accordingly.
6. Maintain support for neighbourhood planning and rural housing initiatives
The panel encourages the development of Neighbourhood Development Plans and related local initiatives to support rural exception sites and community-led housing developments. While the initiatives will not have a significant impact on the Housing Register, they will contribute both to village vitality and meeting local housing needs both of the young and those wishing to down-size while remaining in their community.
7. Explore opportunities for affordable housing leading into and Post-LGR. It is almost certain that, whatever Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions are made, Test Valley will be part of a new unitary that is likely to include housing stock from councils who are currently registered providers . It is hoped the new authority will be committed to developing and managing social housing. All of the neighbouring authorities are RPs but have different policies about directly building new affordable homes, purchasing developer led s106 properties or purchasing existing stock. Early exploration of options should start as soon as the likely partners are announced (selected options for consultation are expected this year).
The panel was established as one of two panels to examine affordable housing in Test Valley. To review the demand and supply of affordable housing with a view to determining if the council should make any changes to policy and as input into the revised Housing Strategy.
The panel explored:
· Demand
· Supply
· Potential to improve supply
· Policies of neighbouring authorities
· The potential impact of LGR
The panel undertook a thorough review of the Council’s approach to delivering affordable homes and addressing housing needs. Through an evidence-led process, the panel identified both strengths and challenges within the current system.
The recommendations set out in the report aim to consolidate best practice, enhance transparency, and strengthen preventative measures, while preparing for the opportunities and uncertainties presented by Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.
The Lead Member thanked the Head of Housing and Environmental Health and her team for their very open and collaborative involvement in the panel.
Resolved:
1. That the committee considers the outcomes and recommendations of the Affordable Housing, Demand and Supply Panel.
8. That recommendations 2-7 of the panel, as set out in the report, be endorsed and recommended to Cabinet.
9. That the Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder attend the committee on 8 July 2026 to update members on the direction / approach being taken to affordable housing with considerations of any implications resulting from LGR.
Recommended to Cabinet:
2. Recognise the successes of Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to provide through its planning policies for a supply of affordable housing in line with the Local Plan and use this as best practice to carry forward into local government reorganisation.
The panel acknowledges the effectiveness of current planning policies which have resulted in TVBC being one of the most successful authorities in the immediate area in providing new affordable homes. It is important that this success is recognised and carried forward into the new authority, with a continued commitment to maintaining a steady and sustainable supply of affordable housing that helps meet demand via the Housing Register.
3. Reinforce Housing Allocation Policy Transparency and Support. The panel endorses the recommendation from the Affordable Housing Service User Experience Panel regarding Test Valley’s Housing Allocation Policy. While legislation sets out fundamental criteria for the housing register, it is essential that the allocation policy is robust and transparent to avoid creating unrealistic expectations for applicants who are unlikely to ever receive an offer of accommodation.
4. Continue and expand early intervention to prevent homelessness The panel recommends the continuation of the non-statutory proactive and preventative approach, including involving partner agencies, to identifying risks of homelessness, enabling early intervention and prevention. A programme to raise awareness of the housing service among residents and partners should be undertaken and support given to officers to work in a preventative manner. Consideration should be given to using novel methods such as artificial intelligence to support the identification of those at risk of becoming homeless. As we move through LGR, the new unitary authority will have responsibility for all services including adult and childrens social services which will offer a broader range of data from which to identify potential homelessness at an aggregate level and, potentially, by individual cases.
5. Secure registered providers for affordable housing delivery
The council should take all reasonable steps to ensure that a Registered Provider (RP) is secured for each development site to purchase and deliver affordable housing units. This includes engaging with developers and RPs, and encouraging developers to engage with RPs at the earliest stages, where appropriate, to negotiate the alignment of housing delivery with the design and delivery requirements of the RP, as well as the housing needs data. The Council must monitor the situation regarding the awareness, capacity and desire of the RPs to take on board the quantity of affordable housing that will result from the proposals to increase housing development in Test Valley by 78% per year, and to plan and react accordingly.
6. Maintain support for neighbourhood planning and rural housing initiatives
The panel encourages the development of Neighbourhood Development Plans and related local initiatives to support rural exception sites and community-led housing developments. While the initiatives will not have a significant impact on the Housing Register, they will contribute both to village vitality and meeting local housing needs both of the young and those wishing to down-size while remaining in their community.
7. Explore opportunities for affordable housing leading into and Post-LGR. It is almost certain that, whatever Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions are made, Test Valley will be part of a new unitary that is likely to include housing stock from councils who are currently registered providers . It is hoped the new authority will be committed to developing and managing social housing. All of the neighbouring authorities are RPs but have different policies about directly building new affordable homes, purchasing developer led s106 properties or purchasing existing stock. Early exploration of options should start as soon as the likely partners are announced (selected options for consultation are expected this year).
11
Delivery of the Digital Transformation Action Plan
To provide the committee with a report on progress against the digital action plan, with updates and outcomes provided against each area. Next steps and additional items of work are highlighted, to include the Overview and Scrutiny Committee digital inclusion panel (20 minutes)
Attachments:
- Document Digital Action Plan Update 18 Nov 2025
- Document Digital Strategy Action Plan 18 Nov 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to the Head of Strategy and Innovation which reported on progress against the digital action as presented, with updates and outcomes provided against each area. The next steps and additional items of work were highlighted to include the Overview and Scrutiny Committee digital inclusion panel.
Significant progress has been against each of the six areas in the digital action plan, delivering against the priorities in the Council’s digital strategy. Areas of focus remain the use of technology to enable change and transformation and enhancing our service delivery by reviewing and challenging existing working practices. By putting our communities at the heart of service design and digitally enabling our workforce, we are taking a proactive approach to preparing officers and councillors for the move to a unitary authority.
Resolved:
That the digital action plan 6 monthly update be endorsed.
Significant progress has been against each of the six areas in the digital action plan, delivering against the priorities in the Council’s digital strategy. Areas of focus remain the use of technology to enable change and transformation and enhancing our service delivery by reviewing and challenging existing working practices. By putting our communities at the heart of service design and digitally enabling our workforce, we are taking a proactive approach to preparing officers and councillors for the move to a unitary authority.
Resolved:
That the digital action plan 6 monthly update be endorsed.
Previous Meetings
Future Meetings
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in