1. Stubbington Study Centre: HHRA’s application for the Study Centre to be listed as an Asset of Community Value will be considered by Fareham Borough Council’s Executive at their meeting at 6pm on Tuesday 11 March. That is after the HCC Select Committee meeting at 10.00 on 6 March (note 6th – not 5th as shown in an earlier Update) but it is before the HCC Cabinet meeting at 10.30 on 18 March. A reminder – anyone who wishes to make a deputation at either of those HCC meetings can do so: the easiest way to make contact is via members.services@hants.gov.uk
Meanwhile, the online and paper petitions have more than 19,000 signatures, which is a record for petitions submitted to HCC. Media coverage continues and there is likely to be more when the FBC Executive papers are published on 3 March, including our bid for listing as an Asset of Community Value. (Just a reminder – FBC are the good guys in this fight and are trying as hard as anyone to make HCC see sense).
2. Fareham Town Centre Redevelopment: the attached link provides an update on the recent FBC consideration of the proposals to redevelop the town centre. Councillor Martin will doubtless cover this when he comes to our meeting on 24 March. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/24935326.fareham-regeneration-proposals-hit-cash-shortage/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIeu0NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVZ6U3t3WAS5M9FS29M6bw5CdpSNDlHDqV0QlQ3PNqNzgsq2Gid3wq6TKw_aem_Yq2hQPBuA3HBJqNJJL5HNA&sfnsn=scwspmo
3. Devolution. Following the approval by central government for the creation of a Hampshire and Solent combined strategic authority with devolved powers, the link below allows us to comment upon the proposal. The closing date is 13 April. https://consult.communities.gov.uk/lggc/hampshire-and-the-solent-devolution-consultation/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIjGopleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHatUYQ5NZEs6eW5wtCxOKcEGporyT0YCZCYe7aN1IjTkuCZB2k6E2tbsnw_aem_26pCpRSDMJjlknmEd-43JA
The strategic authority would consist of Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils and Isle of Wight County Council, with an elected mayor. A reminder: this is not about ‘local government re-organisation’ which could involve doing away with borough councils. That will be a separate debate and consultation later in the year.
4. Subscriptions. From the sublime (?) to the strictly practical….. we still have some subs outstanding. If you have set up a standing order for 1st March, please disregard this reminder. If you are not sure if you have paid, you can contact membership@hhra.org.uk to check.
5. SIM card swap scam. This is a new one to us, but apparently evil people who have picked up your details via social media can somehow persuade your phone provider that they are you and that you want to use a new SIM card, which they are asked to register…. Once done, they are into your systems and accounts. We are advised:
i. Secure your mobile account: Ask your network provider about any additional security, for example, you may be able to set up a unique Pin or password which must be provided to approve any account changes in-store or over the phone.
ii. Turn on MFA: Most email, social media and online bank accounts can be secured with multi or two-factor authentication – check 2fa.directory/gb for a list. Avoid SMS-based checks if you can (although they're still better than no MFA at all). We prefer passkeys (supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung), as they're tied to a physical device rather than your phone number.
iii. Clean up your online profile: Restrict who can see your social media profiles and avoid sharing details such as your date of birth and phone number, or answers to common security questions such as the name of your first pet or school.
iv. Recognise the signs and act: Call your network immediately if you receive an unexpected message about your Sim being ported or a PAC request, or you unexpectedly lose phone service.
v. Tell your banks: Warn any financial organisations so that they can freeze your accounts, and keep a close eye on your bank statements, email and social media accounts for unusual activity. Change your passwords and disable SMS as an authentication method, where possible.
6. Next Members’ meeting Monday 24 March 7.30pm at the Catholic church hall Bell’s Lane. We shall have a brisk AGM and Councillor Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council will then speak to us about the many issues currently of interest and concern in the borough.
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