19/11/08 Key Decisions from Council

Here are the decisions made by Southampton City Council at it meeting on Wednesday 19 November, 2008:

Fluoridation supported by city councillors

Southampton City Council has voted in favour of the Strategic Health Authority’s proposals to fluoride tap water in parts of Southampton and some of the adjoining areas. The majority decision came following an enquiry by the council’s cross-party Healthy City Scrutiny Panel, which made the recommendation to support the move. It is now up to the Strategic Health Authority to decide whether or not to go ahead with their plans.

Local planning out to consultation

The city council’s plan for future housing developments and the necessary roads and facilities has been approved by councillors for public consultation. The Local Development Framework Core Strategy Submission Document has already been discussed with key people in the city, but is now ready to be scrutinised by the public again before it goes to the government for final changes. The document sets out how the city is going to meet the demand for new local housing between now and 2026 by looking at the percentage of affordable housing expected from developers, transport and family housing.

Allowances panel acknowledged

Southampton City Council has noted the appointment of a new Independent Remuneration Panel to make recommendations about councillors’ allowances.

Council to investigate recommendations to stamp out Fuel Poverty

Southampton City Council is set to take steps to stamp out fuel poverty following an enquiry into the impact on city residents. The Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel carried out a thorough enquiry into the issues surrounding Fuel Poverty, which is a growing problem nationally and within the city. The panel consulted a wide variety of organisations during its enquiry and made 14 recommendations about how the city can improve awareness of fuel poverty, and reduce this impact of the issue in private housing and social housing. These recommendations will now be considered by the council’s Executive, which will decide what actions should be taken.

If you would like more information, please see the full council papers.