At the Havant Borough Council Annual Council meeting held today (Wednesday 14 May) the Leader, Councillor Phil Munday announced changes to the Cabinet, along with some new responsibilities.
With this change, the new Cabinet positions that will come into effect immediately are as follows:
Councillor Phil Munday - Leader of Havant Borough Council, also responsible for Corporate Strategy, Performance and External Relations
Councillor Philippa Gray - Deputy Leader and Cabinet lead for Finance and Governance
Councillor Grainne Rason – Cabinet lead for Climate Emergency, Environment and Water Quality
Councillor Amy Redsull - Cabinet lead for Housing
Councillor Netty Shepherd - Cabinet lead for Commercial
Councillor Gillian Harris - Cabinet lead for Regeneration and Communities
Councillor Richard Brown - Cabinet lead for Planning and Enforcement
Councillor Antonia Harrison - Cabinet lead for Community Assets
The changes incorporated the welcoming of Councillor Shepherd to the role of Cabinet lead for Commercial. This follows Councillor Paul Gray’s decision to step down from his role on cabinet.
Councillor Harrison has also been welcomed in a new role as Cabinet lead for Community Assets.
Councillor Munday said: “These changes support the focus we have placed on delivering where it is most needed.
“During our first year of being a coalition council, we have worked collaboratively to generate a shared vision for the borough and we are proud of our key achievements following the launch of our updated Corporate Strategy which have included:
Wellbeing
- Refurbishment of Cowplain Recreation Ground and Scratchface Lane play areas
- Launch of our Climate Change and Biodiversity strategy
- Planting of a community orchard at the Public Service Plaza
- Received £74,000 from Energise Me towards the continuation of the Get up and Go project
- Opening of two new Changing Places facilities
Pride in Place
- Continuing to work towards the final production of the Waterlooville Master Plan
- Launch of new customer portal for waste and recycling
- Secured funding to allow us to appoint an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer
Growth
- Awarded top accreditation from National Skills Academy for Construction
- Seen the demolition of Bulbeck Road Car park to improve the regeneration of Havant Town Centre, and to create more homes
- Secured funding and received awards for the Youth Hub – for continued support to provide young people with opportunities
- Success of Vacant shops scheme, allowing small local businesses access to open their own
Councillor Phil Munday went on to say “We will not rest there, we have so much more to achieve in the coming municipal year and our priorities, in line with our corporate strategy headings, will be:
Wellbeing
- To provide more temporary and social homes
- Working with partners to ensure more planting of trees across the borough
- With community support, to explore energy-saving opportunities and renewal energy
Pride in Place
- Commitment to bringing our customer services in-house, to provide local jobs for local people
- A flood defence scheme in Langstone
- The introduction of borough-wide kerbside food waste collections
Growth
- Working with partners to bring forward the plans for a new Havant footbridge
- Continued regeneration of Havant Town Centre, with the purchase of Market Parade
- The installation of CCTV in Havant Town Centre
“We are committed to delivering where it is most important to residents. This also includes the extremely important Local Plan, which covers every part of our corporate strategy and is borough-wide.
“Each member of Cabinet brings to the role both a clear understanding of the issues facing the borough and experience in delivering real change. They will each have responsibility for delivering specific targets that matter to our residents.
“I would like to welcome both Councillors Shepherd and Harrison to the Cabinet from their previous roles as assistant cabinet leads. With both areas of responsibility changing for them, the refreshed cabinet will enable a renewed focus on our priorities and promises laid out in our Corporate Plan. This changes will give us the opportunity to inject some new ideas, whilst ensuring we have the right blend of skills and experience.”
He added: “I would like also to thank Councillor Paul Gray for his contribution during the last 12 months. I know that he will continue to do a fantastic job in representing Hayling’s residents and contributing to debates.