The Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel in Eastleigh was scheduled to meet on 18 September 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including a new call recording policy, a revised tree risk management strategy, a new street cleansing policy, and the council's corporate performance. The panel was also expected to review its work programme for the coming months.

Here's a breakdown of the key items that were on the agenda:

Corporate Performance

The panel was scheduled to review the council's corporate performance for the first quarter of 2025/26. A report from the Corporate Leadership Board (CLB) was prepared for discussion.

The report included:

• An overview of the council's performance against its corporate performance indicators (CPIs).
• Updates on key corporate themes, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• A financial summary, including information on service expenditure, interest payable and receivable, and central government grants.
• Details of the Community Investment Programme (CIP).
• An update on treasury management.
• Prudential Indicators¹ for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

The report noted that the council was on track to meet its Corporate Plan actions, with key priorities being preparation for LGR and the release of the first homes at One Horton Heath.

The report also mentioned that the council was forecasting an underspend of £1.078 million against budget, mainly due to interest savings and additional non-domestic rates grant received. However, these receipts were being used to fund service budget pressures in areas such as neighbourhoods, housing benefits and commercial property.

The panel was asked to consider and comment on the performance and financial position of the council, and to make recommendations to the cabinet as appropriate.

Call Recording Policy

The panel was scheduled to discuss a new call recording policy for Eastleigh Borough Council. The policy would enable the recording of calls into the Customer Support Team. The council's internal legal team and the Data Protection Officer had reviewed the policy and were satisfied that it met all information governance requirements. The Trade Unions and the Corporate Leadership Board had also reviewed the policy, and their suggestions and comments had been implemented.

The report stated that the lawful reason for recording calls is 'Legitimate Interest', in order to protect the rights and interests of the council and callers, provide evidence of transactions, and prevent fraud or abuse.

The panel was asked to review the new policy and provide approval for use.

Revised Tree Risk Management Strategy

The panel was scheduled to discuss a revised Tree Risk Management Strategy (TRMS). The TRMS specifies how the council will discharge its legal duty of care in respect of trees under its management. The council has operated such a strategy for many years, but it is necessary to subject this to ongoing review in light of legislation, case law and best practice.

The main difference in the revised policy was a reduction in inspection frequency for areas of high or medium target areas, from 1.5 years to 2.5 years, and from 3 years to 4-5 years respectively.

The panel was asked to consider and comment on the revised TRMS.

Street Cleansing Policy

The panel was scheduled to discuss a new street cleansing policy. The council does not currently have a policy for street cleansing activities, which cover a wide range of statutory and non-statutory functions.

The new policy brings together all services provided by street cleansing in one document, including relevant service standards and signposting to council and national policies. It also makes it easier to report problems online.

The policy covers:

• Relevant legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
• Statutory responsibilities, such as litter picking and removal of fly-tipped waste.
• Non-statutory responsibilities, such as litter bins, graffiti removal and leaf clearance.

The panel was asked to consider and comment on the proposed new policy.

Other Business

The agenda also included:

• Apologies for absence
• Declarations of interest
• To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2025.
• Public participation
• Chair's report
• Update from Task and Finish Groups
• Cabinet Forward Plan
• Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel's Work Programme