The Executive meeting contained three key decisions covering housing, planning and development and policy and resources. It also received the minutes of the previous Executive meeting.

The Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy - Adoption

The Executive were asked to consider the adoption of a new Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy. The policy outlined the respective responsibilities of both the Council and tenants for repairs.

The report to the Executive outlined how both the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and what has become known as 'Awaab’s Law', part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, have strengthened rules regarding the condition of social housing. The report also explains how the Regulator of Social Housing ¹ has introduced its own set of consumer standards, particularly the Safety and Quality standard, which aims to improve both the quality and timeliness of repairs.

The report to the Executive explained the consultation process undertaken and suggested that the policy be adopted.

Bird Aware Solent Partnership - Revised Strategy

The Executive were asked to approve the revised Bird Aware Solent Partnership Strategy. The strategy, previously known as the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy, is a partnership between several local authorities, Natural England ², the RSPB, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the Chichester Harbour Conservancy. It is designed to allow councils to mitigate the impact of new housing development on the Solent Special Protection Area ³.

The report to the Executive explained that research undertaken when the original strategy was developed suggested that new housebuilding within 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres) of the Solent would lead to an increase in recreational activity along the coast. This, in turn, could have a detrimental effect on bird populations. The strategy is designed to mitigate that impact by focussing on,

managing the way visitors interact with the coastal environment, rather than trying to prevent access to it per se, to avoid harmful impacts on nature conservation interests. It continues to focus on informing and educating all users of the coast to influence how they behave when visiting The Solent.

The report explained how the strategy is designed to allow developers to avoid having to provide their own bespoke solutions to mitigate the impact of their development on the bird populations and why failure to adopt the strategy could lead to emerging local plans failing to pass inspection by the Planning Inspectorate ⁴.

Annual Review of Corporate Strategy 2023-2029

The Executive were asked to approve the annual review of the Corporate Strategy 2023-2029. The Strategy sets out six priorities for the Council, and the review provided an overview of progress made on each of these:

1. Provide Housing Choices
2. Respond to Climate Change and Protect the Environment
3. Strong, Safe and Healthy Communities
4. Promote Economic Development
5. Leisure Opportunities for Wellbeing and Fun
6. A Responsive, Inclusive and Innovative Council

The report also outlined new projects added to the strategy during the year, as well as some projects that have been completed. This included the adoption of both the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document ⁵ in June 2024, and the Self and Custom Build Housing Supplementary Planning Document ⁶ in October 2023.

The report explained that the completion of the multi-million pound Fareham Live arts and entertainment venue in Fareham town centre is scheduled to take place in 2024 and that Trafalgar Theatres have been appointed as the venue operators.

The report also outlined the Council's new set of values:

1. Better Outcomes
2. Responsibility
3. Integrity
4. Innovation
5. Collaboration
6. Kindness

Finally, the report explained how the previously used Local Service Agreements would be replaced by a new approach to corporate performance measures.