Minutes:
The Mayor reminded the meeting that on 10 May 2022, former Mayor Councillor Achwal had attended the funeral of John Green. Mr Green was elected as a ward councillor for Swanmore in 1973 and was Mayor of Winchester 1979 – 1980.
Council stood in silent tribute to his memory.
The Mayor then announced that he had recently written to congratulate the following recipients of awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list:
Timothy John Foy – for Public Service – Lately Director of The Home Office and Governor of Anguilla; A Commander of The Order of The British Empire (CBE)
Gillian Debra Walton – for Services to Midwifery; A Commander of the Order of The British Empire (CBE)
David Ainsworth Harrison – for Services to the Community in Hampshire; A Member of the Order of The British Empire (MBE)
Additionally, the Watercress Heritage Railway Trust in Alresford was awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Mayor then announced his forthcoming charity events.
Finally, the Mayor advised that he was pleased to announce that the council was to grant the Freedom of Entry to the City of Winchester to the Defence School of Logistics & Administration, based at Worthy Down. The Mayor also reported that the Adjutant General’s Corps were to exercise their existing freedom rights in celebration of their 30th anniversary with a parade later in the year.
The Leader announced that he had recently met with the Leader of Hampshire County Council regarding a working draft of a County Deal prospectus. He explained that County Deals were introduced as part of the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ White Paper. The prospectus was due to be reported to the county council’s cabinet in July, and full county council in September. He indicated that the Chief Executive would circulate all documents to Members accompanied by a YouTube video that set out the technical background. The Leader proposed that an All Member briefing be held where comments from the council could be collated and forwarded to the county council.
The Leader then announced that he had attended the Annual General Meeting the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH). The meeting had considered the emerging Statement of Common Ground for the PfSH area. It had also considered the issues of nutrient neutrality (both nitrates and phosphates) and he reported that PfSH had received funds from the Department of Housing, Levelling Up and Communities that was to be used to support the work of all affected authorities on this issue.
The Leader then referred to the council’s work to support the Ukrainian Hub. There were currently 343 people staying in the district under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and Winchester City Council was in the top 10 percent of local authority areas for hosting Ukrainian refugees.
Finally, the Leader referred to his previous undertaking to meet with Leaders of neighboring authorities and also with other local stakeholders to discuss areas of common interest. He reported that he would be pleased to raise any issues that councilors may have at future similar meetings.
The Chief Executive announced apologies for the meeting.