Issue - meetings

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive.

The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to questions.

The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1:-

1.  Hampshire Pension Fund

Question from Councillor Chaloner to Councillor Hannides

Does the Cabinet Member for Finance believe that the Hampshire Pension Fund should divest itself of investments in Fossil Fuels and can he confirm the actions he is willing to take to seek to bring this about.

Answer

It doesn't surprise me the Labour Group feel they achieved nothing in the past 9 years to encourage the Hampshire Pension Fund to divest away from Fossil Fuels. I suspect, they were relying on a Conservative-run Council to do something about it. 

I believe it's important for investment funds to look very carefully at balancing their obligations to their investors whilst demonstrating responsible investment in the management of their portfolio. Whilst Southampton City Council is not in a position to decide how the Hampshire Pension Fund is managed, it will use its membership on the Board to recommend there is a full appraisal of current investments in Fossil Fuels and to receive advice on how best to divest of these investments and the implications of doing so. This will provide Board Members with the information and data to consider the option of adopting an investment strategy which has a greater emphasis on environmentally friendly investments.

2.  Flood Defences

Question from Councillor Bogle to Councillor Moulton

What further plans does the Administration have in place to mitigate flood risk and improve flood defences beyond the RIFAS scheme on the West of the Itchen? 

Answer

The Southampton Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (2012) outlines the proposals for coastal flood defences in Southampton. Delivery of the defence will be phased based on the areas carrying the highest risk. The Coastal Strategy is due to be revised by 2023 to take into account the latest climate change predictions which will help determine the next phase for delivery. Since taking on this portfolio responsibility I have been keen to speed up delivery of these vital defences as a priority; whilst also looking at how we can improve our open spaces and natural environment at the same time.

A new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy is underway and will be completed by the end of 2022 and is aimed at raising awareness of Southampton’s flood risk and how it is proposed this will be managed. Future schemes could include attenuation schemes – where water is temporarily stored, before use of flow systems allows it to be routed through normal drainage routes – and Daisy Dip is one location that would be a priority for this. Another focus of this work is the use of more sustainable drainage (SuDS) features on streets and working with schools to install multi-purpose SuDS to manage water and provide a learning resource at the same time.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48