Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Claisse, Smith and Whitbread.

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader.

With the consent of the Mayor, the Monitoring Officer reminded Members of the sensitivity of the information contained in the confidential report, of the need to maintain discretion over the matters contained therein and that the item remained confidential and should not be discussed with anyone.

He invited Members to return any confidential papers to the Clerk for safe disposal.

Report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval from Members for delegated authority to be given to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to conduct negotiations with the Government, and with the other Hampshire and Isle of Wight Councils and partners, and to agree a devolution deal for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, attached.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted seeking approval from Members for delegated authority to be given to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to conduct negotiations with the Government, and with the other Hampshire and Isle of Wight Councils and partners, and to agree a devolution deal for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Amendment moved by Councillor Pope and seconded by Councillor Morrell:

Add additional recommendation (iv)

“To report, in writing, back at each Full Council, the progress of negotiations”

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT WAS DECLARED LOST

RESOLVED

(i)  that it be noted that the Leader has, by virtue of the Council’s Constitution, delegated authority to progress the next stage towards securing a devolution deal for HIOW, including ongoing negotiations with the Government in light of the Government’s anticipated proposal of a devolution deal for HIOW;

(ii)  that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to give effect to the contents of the report including (but not limited to) undertaking detailed negotiations with relevant government departments in respect of the proposed devolution deal for HIOW; and

(iii)  that the Leader ensure that all members are kept informed of the progress of the negotiations as they move forward.

Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services seeking approval to make changes to the Constitution, attached.

The Chair of the Governance Committee updated Members on the recommendations made at the Governance Committee meeting held on 14^th December. It was noted that the Committee had considered the revisions to the Constitution as set out in the report and had requested further evidence and information. The Chair of the Governance Committee therefore informed Members that the item would be deferred pending further consideration of the matter at the Governance Committee meeting on the 8^th February 2016 and the item included on the agenda of the February Council meeting for decision.

To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the confidential report number 6.

This report is exempt from publication by virtue of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules as contained in the Constitution particularly as it contains:-

·  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) (paragraph 3)

·  Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings (paragraph 5)

·  Information which is subject to any obligation of confidentiality (paragraph 7A)

If the content of this report were to be treated as a public document it would reveal information that is both commercially sensitive and detrimental to the business affairs of the Council.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the confidential report referred to in minute number 70 below.

The report is exempt from publication by virtue of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules as contained in the Constitution particularly as it contains:-

·  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) (paragraph 3)

·  Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings (paragraph 5)

·  Information which is subject to any obligation of confidentiality (paragraph 7A)

Having applied the public interest test it is not appropriate to disclose the information as if the content of this report were to be treated as a public document it would reveal information that is both commercially sensitive and detrimental to the business affairs of the Council and therefore this commercial sensitivity outweighs the public interest in the exempt information.

Confidential report of the Leader of the Council, attached.

The confidential report of the Leader of the Council was submitted.

A decision was made that is required to remain confidential pursuant to the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules Paragraphs 3,5 and 7A. A confidential minute will be published separately.