Purpose

To receive and consider the recommendations of the report, in relation to the EHN Business Plan 2026/27.

Decision

It was RESOLVED that the Shareholders Sub Committee:

a)    Approved the EHN Business Plan 2026/27.

b)    Noted the unaudited 2025/26 outturn position at section 8.1

Reasons for the Decision:

To consider, in the Council's capacity as a shareholder in East Hampshire Norse Limited, the approval of the company's Business Plan for 2026/27 (Appendix A), as required by the Articles of Association clause 5 and the Shareholder Agreement 8.3, which specifies compliance with clause 13 of the Service Agreement between the Council and the company.

The risk to the Council is controlled through the limitations set in the shareholder agreement unless previously endorsed in the business plan. The endorsement of the business plan therefore allows the company to function within the pre approved limits of the business plan without the need to seek further shareholder approval on each occasion. Where an activity is limited by the shareholder agreement and falls outside of the business plan the company may not act without obtaining shareholder consent.