Agenda and decisions

A copy of the record of the previous decisions taken at Cabinet on 29 October 2024 is attached.

Purpose

To bring to the attention of the Cabinet, an update on partnership work around the City Vision, including feedback from the Team Portsmouth City Vision conference in July 2024.

Noted the report which is for information and not subject to call-in.

Purpose

To seek approval for an extension and variation of the existing 2022 Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to dog fouling and dog controls, with the existing Order expiring on 7^th January 2025.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet considers the outcomes of the public consultation and the responses of the statutory consultee organisations regarding:

1.    The proposed movement of the beach exclusion zone boundary level with the café business adjacent to St George's Road and Eastney Esplanade junction and;

2.    The introduction of a time limited restriction to exercising dogs on the beach during the bathing season (1 May - 30 September) to replace the previous 24 hour exclusion during this period.

Agreed that

1.    The beach exclusion zone boundary is moved so that it is level with the café business adjacent to St George's Road and Eastney Esplanade junction.

2.    The 24-hour exclusion period during the bathing season (1 May to 30 September) at the Hotwalls and between Southsea Castle and the café business adjacent to St George's Road and Eastney Esplanade junction remain in place.

Purpose

To provide the Cabinet with a progress report regarding the use of pesticides.

Noted the report which is for information and not subject to call-in.

Purpose

To seek approval for a formal approach to the City of Valletta following a recommendation from the Twinning Advisory Group out of their meeting in September 2024 where they considered a number of proposals for new city links.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet authorise officers to approach the City of Valletta in Malta to explore further their initial interest in entering into a Sister City relationship with the City of Portsmouth.

Agreed that

1.    Officers be authorised to approach the City of Valletta in Malta to explore further their initial interest in entering into a Sister City relationship with the City of Portsmouth.

2.    In view of limited officer resource no decisions are taken on any twinning decisions for at least six months while the proposed arrangement with Valletta is formalised.

Purpose

To update members on the current Revenue Budget position of the Council as at the end of the second quarter for 2024/25, in accordance with the proposals set out in the “Portsmouth City Council - Budget & Council Tax 2024/25 & Medium Term Budget Forecast 2025/26 to 2027/28” report approved by the City Council on 13 February 2024.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet

1.    Note the General Fund Forecast Outturn for 2024/25 (as at 30 September 2024):

The overspend is analysed as follows:

2.    Note that in accordance with approved policy as described in Section 6 any actual overspend at year end will in the first instance be deducted from any Portfolio Reserve balance and once depleted then be deducted from the 2025/26 Cash Limit.

3.    Agree that Directors, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member, consider options that seek to minimise any forecast overspending presently being reported and prepare strategies outlining how any consequent reduction to the 2025/26 Portfolio cash limit will be managed to avoid further overspending during 2025/26.

1.    Noted the General Fund Forecast Outturn for 2024/25 (as at 30 September 2024).

2.    Noted that in accordance with approved policy as described in Section 6 any actual overspend at year end will in the first instance be deducted from any Portfolio Reserve balance and once depleted then be deducted from the 2025/26 Cash Limit.

3.    Agreed that Directors, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member, consider options that seek to minimise any forecast overspending presently being reported and prepare strategies outlining how any consequent reduction to the 2025/26 Portfolio cash limit will be managed to avoid further overspending during 2025/26.