Minutes:
(i) Public transport:
Councillor Read raised the potential axing of the Hambledon bus service (D1/D2), funded by the Section 106 agreement for Newlands, noting the limited current service. The need to protect local bus services was highlighted. Councillor Crichton added concerns about the lack of bus route provision, with the opening of the second primary school in September and the opening of the link road, Grainger have been asked of intentions to run a bus route in this area as there were concerns about the lack of public transport in this area, resulting in higher numbers of vehicular movements. The future of public transport within the development was a growing issue, particularly concerning access to the future health centre.
In response, Councillor Porter informed the forum of over £13 million coming to Hampshire County Council for bus service improvements, suggesting councillors contact their county councillor to see if Waterlooville/West of Waterlooville could benefit. Councillor Harrison welcomed this news, noting previous disappointing attitudes towards bus provision despite the large population. The need to continue campaigning for better bus services was agreed.
(ii) Local Government Reorganisation:
Councillor Crichton reported on an emergency meeting of southern parishes to discuss local government reorganisation, agreeing that if district boundaries were not retained, Newlands should logically become part of Waterlooville. The Parish Council agreed with this, subject to resident consultation, and would be willing to become part of Waterlooville Town Council.
The Chairperson provided an update on local government reorganisation, noting that parishes should have their say, but the process was fast and time limited and consultation would need to be explored. The Chairperson referred to the timeline for the local government reorganisation submission by the end of the following week. The submission would not include lines on maps at this stage but would highlight the need for funding regardless of the unitary structure due to significant deficits. It was noted that the districts were urging four unitaries rather than three. The crucial role of parishes in making their views known was emphasised, and Winchester would consider improving the position of parishes in the event of unitarisation. Collaboration with Havant on parishing was suggested. The interim submission was due around 20th March, with the need for collective agreement to avoid government imposition.
Councillor Crichton hoped the submission would highlight the outdated nature of both the local government structure (the last reorganisation being 50 years ago) and the district boundaries, arguing for their reconsideration. The concept of "splitting" or "chipping" small parts of authorities for regularisation, such as moving Newlands into Waterlooville, was mentioned as potentially simpler than major district splits. The argument of doing this on a parish basis was noted.
Councillor Read reiterated the government's initial stance of there being no boundary changes. While acknowledging the geographical location of Newlands within Waterlooville, the initial statement on no boundary changes was recalled. The 500,000 population threshold had softened, and boundary changes, while requiring a strong case, were not entirely precluded.
Councillor Harris informed the forum that the Boundary Commission was on standby, acknowledging that some requests for boundary changes would likely be made, although robust reasons would be needed, which could slow the process. This softened stance at government level was noted.
(iii) Date of the next meeting:
The next virtual meeting of the forum was scheduled to take place on 19 June 2025.
RESOLVED:
That the update be received and noted.