Minutes:
The Leader of the Council
Informed the meeting that
The site inspection has taken place and the Solar panels should be in place on the Council Offices by Christmas.
The Leaders from both Hart and Rushmoor had attended a meeting to discuss progress the opportunity to enter into joint service provision. The meeting was informed that unfortunately the plans are progressing more slowly than was hoped for.
The Portfolio Holder for Finance
Confirmed to the meeting that the new S151 officer Mr Graeme Clark, was now in role and was working with the finance team to produce the 2023/24 budget.
The Portfolio Holder for Digital and Communications
Updated the meeting on the redevelopment of the website. In preparation for the beta launch in February. The content of the website and the forms within it have been updated to meet plain English and Accessibility standards. Following the Beta launch members will have the opportunity to comment on the website before it goes live in March 2023.
The meeting was informed that the website project was currently on schedule and on budget.
Cabinet Member for Community Services
Made the following statement:-
Last week we had our annual Rough Sleepers Count – this is an estimate based on reports across the district from a network of agencies, coordinated through our Housing Team. The results have to be verified officially at national level, but we anticipate reporting a zero this year (last year it was 1)
This month we have launched more features to our Housing Register portal, giving improved accessibility to residents who are looking to access local homes. The team have launched a property availability alert – letting applicants know when they have a likely match for the time of home they are seeking. The team are now testing “Alexa” , and plan to launch this in the next month – giving even simpler access to viewing homes and placing bids.
The Community service team have been collecting for Hart Foodbank and the food will be dropped off at the Foodbank on Monday, ready to be prepared into Christmas Hampers.
Finally, Louise Lyons our Private Sector Housing Manager is leaving the council after 28 years service. Louise has led the team who help our most vulnerable and older residents - getting disabled facilities grants in place, to enable adaptations so people can stay in their homes. Wish Louise all the best as she takes some time out with her family.
The Portfolio Holder for Place
Made the following statement:-
As Members are aware, we, along with Hampshire County Council, have commissioned Sustrans to produce a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for the District.
An LCWIP is a strategic plan which identifies a walking and cycling network with recommendations made for infrastructure improvements and priorities for future investment. To inform the development of Hart’s LCWIP, we will be hosting an online engagement workshop for members and other stakeholders who are directly involved with or have an interest in active travel projects. The purpose of this workshop is to establish the key cycling corridors and walking zones as well as understanding what the barriers are to active travel in the District.
We will hold the on line workshop Tuesday 13th December 17:00 – 18:45. If you wish to attend, please could you confirm your attendance before Thursday 8th December by emailing planningpolicy@hart.gov.uk
If Members are unable to attend on this Tuesday, we will be holding a drop-in workshop here Wednesday 14th December 15:30 – 17:30
The Portfolio Holder for the Environment
Made the following statement:-
Firstly, I am pleased to announce that Hart District Council is once again supporting the national Small Business Saturday campaign. An initiative to encourage people to us local small businesses and retailers and keep our high streets alive. To this end, on Saturday 3rd December all council car parks across Hart will be free to use between 8am and midnight
Secondly, I am pleased to say that Hart have authorised its Waste contractor Serco to install local fuel stores in its depots to allow for diesel additives to be used on all its waste collection vehicles, a major contributor to HDC carbon emissions. This will allow fuelling that will reduce emissions by 55% from 59 to 27 tonnes of carbon per annum next year. Further reductions from the use of HVO fuel are being considered when a sustainable source can be guaranteed. This shows this administration’s commitment to meeting our climate change targets.
The Portfolio Holder for Commercialisation and Corporate Services
Made the following statement:-
1. Members will probably be aware that since 4th November the swimming pools at the Hart Leisure Centre have been closed as the result of boiler failure. The latest information we have received from Everyone Active is the replacement parts have now been fitted and that the pools are being brought back up to temperature with a planned re-opening on Saturday 26th November.
2. Hart's cabinet has drafted a revised Corporate Plan for 2023-2027, which sets out our vision and priorities for the District under three key focus areas, Planet, People and Place. This is currently out for public consultation until Sunday 18th December, and I would encourage members and residents to have a look at this and respond using the brief questionnaire via Hart District Council's website. Alternatively, paper copies are available on request via email to communications@hart.gov.uk, by telephone to 07816 109683, or in person at the Hart Civic Offices in Fleet.