The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee of Hampshire County Council met on Friday, 14 June 2024, at Warsash Sailing Club. Key topics included updates on marine operations, environmental initiatives, financial accounts, and harbour dues.

Marine Director and Harbour Master's Report and Current Issues

The Committee received an update from the Director of Universal Services, summarising incidents and events in the Harbour. A supplementary report detailed more recent incidents, including two trees falling and blocking the river near Botley. The landowner is arranging their removal, which may take several weeks. The Committee also discussed the location of Harbour Authority CCTV, currently at the HM Jetty at Warsash, with plans to extend coverage for safety reasons. The Committee recommended that the Harbour Board support the report.

Environmental Update

The Committee reviewed an update report from the Director of Universal Services on environmental activities. Members welcomed the River Hamble Harbour Authority's (RHHA) support for the Solent Seascape Project and its native oyster restoration project. The project is being regularly monitored, and updates will be provided to the Committee in due course.

River Hamble Final Accounts 2023/24

The Committee considered a report from the Director of Corporate Operations and Director of Universal Services, presenting the final accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 and the forecast outturn for the year ending 31 March 2025. Changes to the budget were highlighted, noting that visitor income had not been sustained due to poor weather. The previous year’s visitor surplus offset the final draw required from the Revenue Reserve. The Committee recommended the statutory and management accounts for submission to the Harbour Board for approval.

Review of Harbour Dues

A report from the Director of Universal Services highlighted the financial position of the River Hamble Harbour Undertaking. The need for an increase in Harbour Dues was considered in the context of the final accounts and the April Asset Review Paper. The Committee recommended a 4% increase in Harbour Dues for 2024/25 to sustain the Revenue Reserve and minimise future draws.

Forward Plan for Future Meetings

The Committee reviewed the forward plan and noted that a presentation from Bird Aware is anticipated for the December meeting. Members also requested an overview of the Committee's remit to be added as a future agenda item.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Printed minutes of the meeting.