Agenda

To receive any apologies.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 27^th November 2024, 29^th January and 26^th February 2025 attached.

Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.

To receive any requests for Deputations, Presentation of Petitions or Public Questions.

To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix 1 to the following Item

Appendix 1 of this report contains information deemed to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding the information)) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. In applying the public interest test this information has been deemed exempt from the publication due to commercial sensitivity. It is not considered to be in the public interest to disclose this information as it would reveal information which would put the Council at a commercial disadvantage.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development detailing Phase 3 of the Asset Development and Disposal Programme.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development detailing Employment Support for People with a Secondary Mental Health Diagnosis.

Verbal Report of the Leader of the Council.

(a)  Moved by Councillor P Baillie

The Portswood Bus Gate has been shown to be poor for business, anti-car, dangerous for pedestrians, and a nightmare for residents. All of this is down to Cllr. Keogh and for those reasons this council no longer has confidence in Cllr. Keogh. 

(b)  Moved by Councillor Percival

Council Notes:

1. The High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 took effect in December 2024, allowing councils to auction long-term vacant high street properties to businesses or community groups without the owner’s consent.
2. Several local authorities across England have already begun to explore these powers, with the aim of revitalising high streets and addressing vacancies.
3. Southampton’s high streets continue to have vacant units, and anti-social behaviour remains high in these areas.
4. Vacant units impact local economies, discourage investment, and can contribute to public disorder.

Council Believes:

1.  The introduction of High Street Rental Auction powers presents an opportunity to revitalise high streets in Southampton.

2.  Bringing empty units back into use will support local businesses, encourage community  engagement, and improve the vitality and safety of our high streets.

3. Southampton should adopt these powers without delay to benefit from this opportunity to bring life back to our high streets.

Council Resolves:

1. To adopt High Street Rental Auction powers and identify long-term vacant properties across Southampton’s high streets.
2. To prioritise the auctioning of vacant units to businesses and community groups that will contribute to the economic and social vibrancy of these areas.
3. To seek government support and funding where necessary to implement this scheme effectively.

4. To monitor and report on the impact of High Street Rental Auction powers, including the number of vacant units brought back into use and the effect on local communities.

(c)  Moved by Councillor P Baillie

This council accepts that assets owned by Southampton Council are morally owned by the people of Southampton.

This council further accepts that as the moral owners of our assets, the people of Southampton have a right to know what and when assets are being sold or altered.

This council asks for the Executive to be fully open and transparent with the people of Southampton regarding the sale of such assets.

To consider any question of which notice has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.2.

To deal with any appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees or other bodies as required.

NOTE: There will be no formal prayers in the Lord Mayor’s Reception Room at 1.45 pm however Members of the Council and Officers are welcome to attend for quiet reflection.