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Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 10.00 am
September 18, 2025 View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
The Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel of New Forest Council met on Thursday 18 September 2025 to discuss local government reorganisation, the council's transformation programme, and the Solent Freeport. The panel was also scheduled to discuss a follow up report on a corporate peer challenge, an update from the Financial Strategy Task and Finish Group, and key performance data from quarter 1 of the Corporate Plan.
Local Government Reorganisation
The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the final submission to the government regarding local government reorganisation proposals. A link to the 'Case for Change' and appendices, developed by New Forest District Council (NFDC) and 11 other local authorities in Hampshire and the Solent, was provided for review. The proposal is titled 'Close enough to be local, big enough to be strong' - New Forest District Council
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Local government reorganisation1 is a change to the structure of local government in an area. This can involve merging councils, creating new councils, or changing the powers and responsibilities of existing councils.
Transformation Programme Update
The panel was scheduled to receive a presentation on the progress of the council's transformation programme.
Corporate Peer Challenge Follow Up Report
The panel was scheduled to receive the Corporate Peer Challenge Follow Up Report.
Corporate peer challenges2 are a form of external review where a team of experts assesses a council's performance and makes recommendations for improvement.
Financial Strategy Task and Finish Group Update
The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the actions recommended in the report of the Financial Strategy Task and Finish Group received in November 2024.
Corporate Plan Key Performance Data - Quarter 1
The panel was scheduled to receive the Corporate Plan Key Performance Data for Quarter 1.
Corporate plans3 set out a council's priorities and objectives for a set period of time. They usually include key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress against these objectives.
Solent Freeport Annual Update
The panel was scheduled to receive a presentation on the current position with the Solent Freeport. Freeports4 are special economic zones where businesses can benefit from tax breaks and simplified customs procedures.
Portfolio Holder's Update
The agenda included an opportunity for the Portfolio Holders to provide an update to the Panel on developments within their portfolio.
Future Meeting Dates
The panel was scheduled to agree on the following dates for meetings in 2026/27:
2026
- 25 June
- 17 September
- 19 November
2027
- 21 January
- 18 March
Work Programme
The panel was scheduled to agree the Work Programme to guide the Panel's activities over the coming months.
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Local government reorganisation can be driven by a number of factors, such as a desire to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or improve services. It can also be driven by a change in government policy or a need to address inequalities between different areas. ↩
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Corporate peer challenges are typically commissioned by the council itself, and the review team is made up of experienced councillors and officers from other councils. The process usually involves a site visit, interviews with councillors, officers, and stakeholders, and a review of documents and data. ↩
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Corporate plans are typically developed in consultation with the public, and they are often used to inform the council's budget and other key decisions. ↩
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The Solent Freeport is one of the first freeports to be established in the UK following Brexit. It aims to create new jobs, attract investment, and boost international trade in the Solent region. ↩
Attendees
Topics
No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.
Meeting Documents
Agenda
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