A G E N D A

1. Apologies for absence

2. To receive Declarations of Interest

3. To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 May 2008.

4. To receive Minutes of Committees and approve recommendations contained therein:

Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces 4 June 2008
Policy & Finance 18 June 2008
Planning, Town & Environment 20 June 2008

5. To receive such communications as the Town Mayor may desire to lay before the Council

6. To appoint the Councillor elected on 19 June 2008 to Committees, Sub-Committees, Working Parties and Outside Bodies

7. Notice of Motion to NALC regarding Red Diesel

To note that following changes to 2007/93 The Excepted Vehicles (Amendment of Schedule 1 to the Hydrocarbon Oils Duty Act 1979) Order 2007 there is doubt about the use of ‘red’ diesel in the Council’s grass maintenance vehicles. If this change is found to be correct it will increase the Council’s fuel bill by about 50%, ie by over £1,500, in addition to the effect of the cost inflation of a further 50%. It will also have a similar adverse effect on all Town & Parish Councils undertaking maintenance of open spaces and recreation grounds. In the circumstances the Chairman of the Policy & Finance Committee will propose:

i) That the possible adverse effects of the The Excepted Vehicles (Amendment of Schedule 1 to the Hydrocarbon Oils Duty Act 1979) Order 2007 be drawn to the attention of the National Association of Local Councils with a view to the National Association taking steps to ensure that this Order does not apply to tractors, ride on mowers or similar equipment used by Town and Parish Councils for maintenance of public open space and recreational areas;

ii) That this motion be brought to the attention of Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council with a view to those authorities seeking support for the motion from the Local Government Association;

and

iii) That the local MP, Desmond Swayne, be made aware of the representations being made and his assistance be sought in ensuring that the changes referred to are not applicable to Town and Parish Councils carrying out the functions referred to in proposal (i) above.

8. To receive Reports from County and District Councillors

9. Forthcoming Meetings – to note the following dates:

If you would like further information on any of the agenda items, please contact Mr Terry Simpson, Town Clerk on (01425) 473883 or terry.simpson@ringwood.gov.uk