Agenda, decisions and minutes

To record the names of apologies given.

There were no apologies received.

To give consideration to the approval of alternative arrangements for appointments to bodies set up by Cabinet or external bodies, or the making or terminating of such appointments.

There were no changes to the membership of Cabinet bodies to be made.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note: Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Councillors Porter and Tod declared personal (but not prejudicial) interests in respect of various agenda items due to their role as County Councillors.

Councillor Tod declared a personal (but not prejudicial) interest in respect of various discussions regarding the facilities within the council’s public conveniences due to his role as an employee of a related charity.

– to note the names of members of the public wishing to speak on general matters affecting the District or on agenda items (in the case of the latter, representations will normally be received at the time of the agenda item, after the Cabinet Member’s introduction and any questions from Cabinet Members).

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services three clear working days before the meeting (contact: democracy@winchester.gov.uk or 01962 848 264). 

Ian Tait and Julian Perkins spoke during the public participation session as summarised briefly below.

Ian Tait

He raised concerns about the general poor condition of the public conveniences in Winchester town and highlighted that this matter had been drawn to his attention by a number of market traders and visitors over the Christmas period.  He emphasised the importance of well-maintained facilities and suggested that some of the additional income generated by the success of the street markets be used for their improvements.  He also queried when the drinking water fountain in St Maurices Covert would be switched back on?

Julian Perkins

As a user of a mobility scooter, he highlighted the lack of suitable public conveniences following the closure of the Middle Brook Street disabled access facility.  He had recently visited the disabled access public conveniences at both St Maurices Covert and Abbey Gardens and had found them to be lacking in terms of cleanliness or availability of running water to wash hands.  He urged the council to improve the provision of disabled public conveniences.

On behalf of the Council, Councillor Tod apologised to Mr Perkins for his experience and confirmed that various actions were being taken to address the situation as a priority.  He thanked both speakers for raising the issues at the meeting.

RESOLVED

          That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 December 2022 be agreed as a correct record.

Councillor Becker wished the members of the community a happy Chinese New Year and also those celebrating Burns night.

Councillor Porter stated that the council would be making a formal response to the county council’s mineral and waste Draft Regulation 18 Plan which would reflect the notice of motion proposed by Councillor Wallace at Council on 18 January 2023.

Councillor Thompson highlighted the deadline of 3 February 2023 for applying for a street closure order for King Charles III’s coronation.

Following on from matters raised during public participation, Councillor Gordon-Smith highlighted the ongoing work to ensure improvements to the provision of public conveniences in Winchester town and across the district.

That the Asset Management Strategy 2022 to 2027 be approved.

Councillor Tod responded to the comments made including explaining that the detail of spending on various capital projects would be included in the Capital Strategy which would be considered by The Scrutiny Committee, Cabinet and Council in February.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Asset Management Strategy 2022 to 2027 be approved.

1.     That, subject to Full Council approval of the Budget and Capital Investment Strategy in February 2023, expenditure of £580,000 for the car park major works programme 2023/24 be approved, as outlined in appendix A of CAB3384.

2.     That a 2-year fixed term post for a Project Officer be approved to support delivery of this programme of work funded from the parking reserve fund.

3.     That it be noted that the indicative programme for 2024/25 is yet to be fully defined subject to condition surveys and further evaluation work being completed.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Head of Programme in consultation with the Corporate Head of Asset Management and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, authority to procure and to make minor adjustments to the programme in order to meet maintenance and operational needs of the car park service throughout the year, as required.

Councillor Learney introduced the report highlighting the importance of ensuring ease of access to the city, towns and local centres across the district, whilst managing demand, reducing congestion and tackling emissions. 

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Wallace and Bolton addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Wallace

He highlighted that traffic was the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the district and the county council’s draft local transport plan stated that a 10% reduction in car use between 2019 and 2030 was required.  This would require a coordinated response across all aspects of transport.  The programme’s expenditure on car parking was 96% compared to 4% on cycling.  He therefore queried how a greater focus on alternative transport solutions could be achieved?

Councillor Bolton

He drew attention to many parking places across the district which were situated at places offering walking and cycling access to nature, but were sometimes at risk of fly-tipping or other crimes.  He acknowledged that these car parks might not be the responsibility of the council, but queried what improvements could be made to improve these areas for the wider community.  He also requested an update on progress of delivery of the car park at The Dean, New Alresford.

Councillor Learney and the Head of Programme responded to the comments made.

One member requested that consideration be given to the size of car parking spaces to facilitate access for all users.  The Service Lead – Environmental Services confirmed that the council did comply with national standards.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.            That, subject to Full Council approval of the Budget and Capital Investment Strategy in February 2023, expenditure of £580,000 for the car park major works programme 2023/24 be approved, as outlined in appendix A of CAB3384.

2.            That a 2-year fixed term post for a Project Officer be approved to support delivery of this programme of work funded from the parking reserve fund.

3.            That it be noted that the indicative programme for 2024/25 is yet to be fully defined subject to condition surveys and further evaluation work being completed.

4.            That authority be delegated to the Head of Programme in consultation with the Corporate Head of Asset Management and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, authority to procure and to make minor adjustments to the programme in order to meet maintenance and operational needs of the car park service throughout the year, as required.

1        That the Winchester City Council Offsetting Policy be approved, with regard to a hierarchy approach of:

1.1       Carbon emission reduction

1.2       Carbon credits creation

1.3       Carbon removal

1.4       Buying carbon credits from accredited UK schemes.

2        That the inclusion of the Offsetting Policy into the Annual Carbon Neutrality Action Plan 2023 be approved.

Councillor Learney introduced the report and emphasised the importance of having a policy in place but that carbon offsetting would always be a last option for the council in meeting its net zero carbon emissions target. 

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Wallace and Bolton addressed Cabinet as summarised below.

Councillor Wallace

He acknowledged that the council had made significant reductions in its carbon emissions and had plans in place to reduce further.  However, he had concerns about the use of carbon offsetting because of uncertainties regarding the long-term effectiveness of the schemes used.  In addition, he believed the promise of carbon offsetting schemes could delay or deter actual action in some circumstances.  He requested that the council not agree to the use of carbon offsetting, but instead focus on more district-wide interventions.

Councillor Bolton

He welcomed the confirmation that carbon offsetting would only be used as a last resort.  However, he expressed concern about any monies being spent on projects outside of the district and believed that instead the council should commit to a special fund for residential improvements to cut carbon emissions.  He also questioned whether adequate account had been taken to the possibility of the cost of carbon offsetting credits per tonne rising significantly.

Councillor Learney and the Corporate Head of Economy and Community responded to the comments made, including confirming that the policy stipulated that carbon offsetting spending should be on schemes within the district.

The intention to include the Carbon Offsetting Policy within the Carbon Neutrality Action Plan was highlighted and a slight amendment to recommendation 2 of the report agreed to clarify this.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1             That the Winchester City Council Offsetting Policy be approved, with regard to a hierarchy approach of:

1.1 Carbon emission reduction

1.2 Carbon credits creation

1.3 Carbon removal

1.4 Buying carbon credits from accredited UK schemes.

2             That the inclusion of the Offsetting Policy into the Annual Carbon Neutrality Action Plan 2023 be approved.

1.    That the Homes for Ukraine Move-on Accommodation & Community Integration – proposed spending plan 2023 to 2025 be approved, as set out in Table 4 of report CAB3383.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Service Lead Communities and Wellbeing and Service Lead for Strategic Housing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community and Housing to amend the 2023-2025 spending plan as needs and requirements of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme change.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Homes for Ukraine Move-on Accommodation & Community Integration – proposed spending plan 2023 to 2025 be approved, as set out in Table 4 of report CAB3383.

2.         That authority be delegated to the Service Lead Communities and Wellbeing and Service Lead for Strategic Housing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community and Housing to amend the 2023-2025 spending plan as needs and requirements of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme change.

RESOLVED:

That the list of future items as set out in the Forward Plan for February 2023 be noted.