News

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, wondering where the next road work is?

Utility works on the highway – 

The disruption caused by the SGN roadworks locally and those caused by developers have resulted in quite a number of questions about why and how Hampshire County Council allow utility companies, other public bodies and development companies to work on the roads.

So, I hope it’s helpful to share this Q&A which helps explain the process for granting permission and what control Highways have over these type of roadworks:

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐂𝐂 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞?
A: The Highways team is responsible for the coordination of all works and events on the public highway in order to minimise traffic disruption. The Streetworks team also monitors utility Co’s activities on the public highway and checks active work sites and reinstatements for compliance with National specifications.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲?
A: Yes, they have legal duties and rights to install and maintain apparatus on the public highway. However, they have to comply with National Specifications and obtain a permit from the County Council for planned works.
Legislation gives them legal rights to install cabinets and masts (up to 15m high) on the public highway without planning permission.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐂𝐂 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲?
A: No, except under very specific circumstances, for example: where a utility company wants to install new apparatus on a highly important and strategic road that has been specifically designated, by law, as a protected street.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲?
A: The County Council can place conditions on any permit application. Conditions are used to try to minimise traffic disruption. The conditions available as part of the permit scheme are not ‘free form’ and are restricted to controls over works timing, works area, traffic management type and stakeholder engagement. Conditions have to be reasonable and be able to be met by the works promoter.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐓𝐌) 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞?
A: The works promoter is entirely responsible for selecting the most appropriate type of TM. They are the experts in the works they are undertaking and what the risks are. In selecting the TM type they must consider the risks to the workforce, passing traffic (including pedestrians) and relevant legislation and Codes or Practice.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝?
A: The works promoter is entirely responsible for selecting an appropriate diversion route. Best practice is to ensure that the diversion route uses similar roads to those closed. Unfortunately, the existing networks don’t always permit this. Diversion routes are not enforceable.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭?
A: The works promoter is ALWAYS responsible for the information they supply. The County Council must assume that it is correct when assessing the permit and determining what conditions to apply.

𝐐: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬/𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
A: No, the permit relates ONLY to the works and its impact on traffic. Approval for installing apparatus is given either by a utility company’s legal rights or via the local Planning Authority.

𝐐: 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞. 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝?
A: Yes, utility companies are allowed to use a temporary reinstatement in order to re-open a road quickly or to give them time to source specialist materials. Normally temporary reinstatements are allowed for up to 6 months, the utility company has to reinstate the original surface within that time.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?
A: Legislation states that a utility company is liable for any ‘reasonable’ repairs for two years.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬?
A: Legislation requires all works promoters to submit permit applications between 3 working days and 3 months ahead of works starting.
For ‘Immediate works’ (relating to safety or loss of service) there is no advance warning. Works are started and the County Council is alerted within 2 working hours.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞?
A: Yes. There are a range of penalties open to the County Council where works promoters do not comply with permit conditions.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?
A: Very well. In 2022 Over 95% of site signage and 96% of reinstatements complied with the National specifications. 97% of utility sites comply with permit conditions. 99% of utility sites were completed on time, or early.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲?
A: The County Council handles all permits via a National IT system. This system automatically publishes all permits on the https://one.network website

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?
A: In the 2021/2022 financial year we processed 52,000 permit applications/changes from utility companies which resulted in 36,000 works being undertaken. The last couple of years have seen even higher numbers processed.

Future Structure of Councils Across Hampshire – 

Work has begun on the future structure of councils across Hampshire, with early ideas for local government reorganisation now submitted to the Government.

As the provider of 85% of council services in Hampshire, the County Council emphasizes the importance of financial strength and resilience for councils to be effective, deliver high-quality services, and provide the best possible quality of life for residents.

Key Points:

The region’s 15 councils will collaborate on a final proposal for submission to the Government this autumn.
Financial strength and resilience are crucial for councils to deliver high-quality services and shape places that people can be proud to call home.

There is a short video available online which sets out what comes next.

Planning changes – 

The Hampshire Chronicle has also printed comments from the Leader of HCC about the changes to the planning system.

Key Concerns:

– Immediate Effect: The new rules lack any transitional arrangement, meaning developers can apply for any site, and even if the local council turns it down, the Planning Inspectorate might approve it on appeal.

– Housing Land Supply: Many Hampshire councils can’t meet the new 5-year housing land supply target, which has increased even further since July.

– Local Input Ignored: The Government is pushing through powers for housing developments and energy infrastructure, including solar farms and onshore wind farms, sidelining local input via council planning committe

Have Your Say on the Future of Local Services in Hampshire! – 

Hampshire County Council is running a public consultation to gather views on options to change and reduce some local services to address a budget shortfall of at least £97.6 million for 2025/26. Your feedback is crucial in helping us prioritize vital public services for those most in need.

Proposed Service Changes:

Planned Highway Maintenance
Older Adults Day Services
Post-16 Transport
School Transport

We invite residents to share their views on these proposed changes, their potential impacts, and any other ways savings might be made. Your input will help shape the future of local services in Hampshire.

Consultation Details: Visit our website to read more about the proposed changes and have your say: Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025
Closing date is 7th May 2025.

78 new SEND Places Approved Across Hampshire Schools – 

Exciting news for Hampshire! Approval has been granted to create 78 additional special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) places across six schools starting this September. This expansion is crucial to meet the growing demand driven by an increase in education, health, and care plans (EHCPs).

Key Facts:

Over 17,700 pupils in Hampshire have EHCPs, with 40% needing specialist school places.
Hampshire County Council aims to create 166 new places this year to meet rising demand, forecasted to reach 28,000 by 2030.

The lack of sufficient provision has led to increased placements in independent and non-maintained sector (INMSS), costing an estimated £5.5m for the same number of places.

Schools Joining the SEND Expansion Programme include: – 

Fleet Infant School, Fleet
Velmead Junior School, Fleet
Maple Ridge School, Basingstoke

These proposals are part of our ambitions to meet more pupils’ needs closer to home, reduce our reliance on independent schools, and cut down on transport costs.

Council Tax for 2025/26: What You Need to Know

Wondering how much Council Tax you’ll be paying for 2025/26? The amount depends on your property’s band and location. For a Band D property, the total bill will be £2,142.04 (excluding parish or town council charges).

Breakdown of Charges include:

Hampshire County Council: £1,609.83 (5.0% increase)
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire: £275.46 (5.4% increase)
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service: £87.84 (6.0% increase)

Council Tax helps fund essential local services, including support for the homeless, waste and recycling collections, town centre regeneration, housing advice, and more.

£12.5M Cost of Living Support for Hampshire Households – 

Hampshire households facing financial difficulties will continue to receive significant support for the next 12 months. The County Council has secured a new allocation of £12,556,062.75 to sustain its Household Support Fund (HSF) programme. This national programme provides relief to those struggling to afford essential items like food, warm bedding, and household bills.

Key Points:
The HSF enables Hampshire County Council to work with local charities, education providers, community groups, and councils to provide much-needed relief.

We are delighted to have confirmation that the Household Support Fund will be extended for another full year. This will allow us to strengthen partnerships and provide essential support to those who need it most.

Next Steps:

Over the coming weeks, plans will be refined to invest this funding into programmes that deliver sustainable benefits to working families facing rising food and energy costs.

For more information and support, visit our connect4communities web pages.

£13 Million Boost for Hampshire’s Bus Services – 

Exciting news for Hampshire! Improvements worth £13,049,411 will be made to local bus services and infrastructure in 2025/26, thanks to a grant from the Department for Transport. This funding will help make bus journeys faster, more frequent, reliable, and greener.

Key Improvements:

– More frequent bus services, including early morning and evening routes
– Bus priority measures to reduce delays from traffic congestion
– De-carbonising Hampshire’s bus fleet
– Developing more Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes
– Upgraded bus stations and better waiting environments at bus stops
– Innovative solutions for rural public transport needs

Our ambition is to have a high-quality, efficient, and dependable network of bus services across the county. Government funding, developer contributions, and investment by bus operators are crucial to linking communities and improving connections to essential services. We can only do this though if bus services become sustainable through regular local use.

Specific Projects for 2025/26: – 

– Infrastructure improvements at Sixth Form Colleges
– Safety and security upgrades in bus shelters
– Real-time and on-bus passenger information enhancements
– Fund for rural bus shelters
– Community self-help schemes
– Support for commercial bus services and service enhancements
– Initiatives for disability access

Increasing bus use will help tackle climate change, boost the local economy, and improve access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

Preserving England’s Past, Building Its Future – 

Communities across England can now apply for a share of £20 million to protect and revive cherished historic sites. From theatres to parks, this funding breathes new life into spaces that matter most.

Heritage Revival Fund: £4.85M to rescue and repurpose historic buildings like department stores & banks. Transform these spaces into vibrant community hubs!

Heritage at Risk Capital Fund: £15M for repairing and enhancing heritage buildings in deprived areas, supporting everything from town halls to local pubs.

Historic sites tell our shared story—let’s keep it alive and thriving for generations to come! Apply now and make a difference.

Full guidance on eligibility and how to apply at: Architectural Heritage Fund  & Historic England (https://historicengland.org.uk).

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Councillor Jonathan Glen