Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Bagwell, N Decent, R Maidment, M Phipps, V Ricketts and D Mellor who would be arriving late.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

Councillor J Beesley declared an interest in respect of agenda item 7 – Cabinet Minute No. 106 - Bournemouth Towns Fund update, as the owner of the Royal Arcade was a client of his consultancy firm. Councillor Beesley confirmed that he would leave the Chamber for the duration of the item.

Councillor S Gabriel declared an interest in respect of agenda item 10 - Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023/24, as he managed two of the leisure centres in Poole.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 10 January 2023.

Regarding the public question from Mr S Mills, it was suggested that the minute should read that BCP Council had committed to transitioning the entire region to zero carbon by 2050, not 2015.

Subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 10 January 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.

The Chair outlined the events he had attended since the previous meeting, including a Hall and Woodhouse Community Chest Charity Awards evening and a Maltese Government Tourism Study Group.

The Chair informed Council of the recent passing of former Poole Councillor Philip Goodall. Councillor Matthews relayed his personal experience of working with Councillor Goodall, and Council was upstanding for a period of respectful silence.

The Chair invited any statements resulting from decisions taken by the Standards Committee. Councillor Farr apologised for remarks made concerning the deputy editor of the Bournemouth Echo and users of social media.

In response to a query regarding an expected apology from Councillor Mellor, the Monitoring Officer advised that if an apology was not forthcoming during the meeting, then the matter would be referred back to the Standards Committee.

The Chair advised that he would be varying the order of business to consider agenda item 7 – Bournemouth Towns Fund update following item 10 - Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023/24.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1

The deadline for the submission of a public questions is 4 clear working days before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a public statement is midday the working day before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting.

A – Public Questions

Public Question from Soo Chapman

“Well-being is at its heart" of BCP's Big Plan, while neighbourhood plan aims are environmentally "educating, encouraging and assisting the local population". Yet the terms "Anthropocene" and "decarbonisation at speed and scale" are negligently absent.

Addressing deforestation, pollution, oceanic dead zones, loss of biodiversity, mass extinctions, collapsing ecosystems, weakening Gulf Stream, overfishing, overpopulating, resource constraints and accelerating climate migrations are NOWHERE to be seen. Despite "final warning" alerts from the UN, the King, the Pope and global scientists.

Don't the Nolan principles mean exposing and confronting carbon bombing projects so that "children will flourish" as BCP claim?

Response by Councillor Mike Greene

Tackling climate change continues to be an unprecedented global challenge, and through our climate and ecological emergency ambitions we have a solid foundation from which we are continuing to strive to make a real difference.

In March, Members of the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be presented with a new draft Climate Action Strategy, which will address many issues raised in this question. This will aim to ensure that the actions being taken will reduce the impact of climate change and its effects on residents, businesses and organisations, as well as our natural environment and biodiversity in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Ensuring we have a sustainable environment underpins all our decision making, and this holds true in how we are addressing the significant challenges posed by climate change. Activities include our Transforming Travel programme, reducing air pollution through initiatives like School Streets; and our Cleaner, Greener, Safer programme where over 10,000 trees have been planted across the area.

Public Question from Daniel Parkin

Will the current leader commit to an inquiry, ideally external, on the Bayside Restaurant, which lost the Council £176,000 when swingeing financial constraints were being imposed elsewhere. Questions would include: was there, or was there not, a business plan; why was this not open to tender to experienced restaurateurs; why was it set up in a flood zone without planning consent; why was it only open for four weeks, when most businesses need at least that to identify teething problems; and why only open at the tail-end of summer? Any immediate answers would be welcome.

Response by Councillor B Dunlop

A mixed management model is used for the various seasonal catering offers along the seafront; this helps share the risk and introduces external expertise with the intention to generate longer term proposals for these types of facilities on the beach. Doing this allows the Council to identify the best way to deliver operations moving forward.

Bournemouth Air Festival has had a hospitality marquee for many years. In 2019, the Council upgraded the offer, and continued to work with the same external, experienced event company in order to provide a higher quality hospitality offer. The new marquee offer has been very successful.

Given the high spec of the marquee and the fact that the infrastructure was going to be in place for the Air Festival,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)    the report for the calculation of the council’s tax base for the year 2023/24 and the tax base be approved; and

(b)    pursuant to the report, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended, the amount calculated as the council tax base for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for 2023/24 be 144,839.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Philip Broadhead, presented the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda.

In doing so, it was highlighted that, due to an improved collection rate and a higher growth in the number of expected properties, the total estimated Tax base for 2023/24 had increased to 144,839.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor M Greene.

Council moved to a vote where the motion as follows was carried.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)     the report for the calculation of the council’s tax base for the year 2023/24 and the tax base be approved; and

(b)    pursuant to the report, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended, the amount calculated as the council tax base for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for 2023/24 be 144,839.

Voting: For - 68; Against - 0; Abstentions - 2

PLEASE NOTE: Should the Council wish to discuss the detail of Appendices 3, 4, 6 or 7 it will be necessary to exclude the press and public and move into confidential (exempt) session. If applicable, the following resolution should be moved:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.”

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(g)    accepts and approves the remaining allocation of £18.229m Towns Fund grant as outlined in Table 1 for the delivery of the following projects; the Town Centre Masterplan Phase 1, the Royal Arcade, Digital Connectivity and Local Transport projects, subject to the approval of the business cases by DLUHC;

(h)    approves borrowing of £11.784m towards the Phase 1 Masterplan and Royal Arcade project and adjusts the MTFP to reflect the £420k pressure between 2024/25-2028/29;

(i)     acknowledges the allocation of £2.25m of grant from the Local Transport Plan Capital Programme. This funding is profiled to be utilised over the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

Note – resolutions (a) to (f) were resolved matters by the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Philip Broadhead, presented the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda.

In doing so, points raised included:

·     The community led regeneration of Boscombe Town Centre;

·     The final business cases for each of the projects were submitted in January 2023;

·     Agreement the new money would result in new homes, a community centre, business park, and medical care facility.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor J Kelly.

Councillor L Lewis left the meeting at 11.17pm.

Councillor A Hadley spoke in debate of the proposal. Points raised included:

·     Concerns over the costs of the required work to refurbish the Royal Arcade;

·     Concerns over the proposed location of the new business park and the industrialisation of the beachfront.

In response, Councillor Broadhead advised:

·     The Beach park had been suggested by the community and were contained in the original proposals go Government;

·     The Royal Arcade was re-provisioning as a central skills hub to promote its use;

·     Changes to the seafront would give further opportunities to small businesses.

Council moved to a vote where the motion as follows was carried.

RESOLVED that Council: -

(g)    accepts and approves the remaining allocation of £18.229m Towns Fund grant as outlined in Table 1 for the delivery of the following projects; the Town Centre Masterplan Phase 1, the Royal Arcade, Digital Connectivity and Local Transport projects, subject to the approval of the business cases by DLUHC;

(h)    approves borrowing of £11.784m towards the Phase 1 Masterplan and Royal Arcade project and adjusts the MTFP to reflect the £420k pressure between 2024/25-2028/29;

(i)      acknowledges the allocation of £2.25m of grant from the Local Transport Plan Capital Programme. This funding is profiled to be utilised over the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

Voting: Unanimous.

Note – resolutions (a) to (f) were resolved matters by the Cabinet.

(Councillor J Beesley declared an interest in this item and left the room during the consideration and voting of this item.)

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)    Revenue budgets for 2023/24 and provisionally for 2024/25 to 2027/28 are set using the following principles:

(i)           That rents for general needs, sheltered and shared ownership accommodation are increased by 7 per cent from 3 April 2023, in line with the national rent cap announced by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.  

(ii)         That rents for all accommodation on re-lets continue to be set at the formula rent, increased by 11.1 per cent, from 3 April 2023, in line with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Policy statement on rents for social housing.

(iii)        That rents for garages, garage bases and parking plots are increased by 10 per cent from the 3 April 2023.

(iv)        That leasehold services are charged to leaseholders in line with estimated costs from 3 April 2023.

(v)         That the changes to service charges are agreed as set out in appendix 2 from 3 April 2023, and that the service charge cap for new service charges in Bournemouth continues to be set at £5.00 for a further year.

(vi)        That the annual bad debt charge is maintained at £0.4 million.

(vii)      That the depreciation budget is set at £11.79 million.

(viii)    That HRA reserve should be maintained at a minimum level of 5 per cent of total expenditure at £1.98 million in line with good practice.

(b)    Capital budgets for 2023/24 and provisionally for 2024/25 to 2027/28 are set using the following principles:

(i)           That the planned maintenance programme as set out in Appendix 5 is agreed.

(ii)         That the major project capital programme as set out in Appendix 6 is noted.

(iii)       That 2023/24 budgets of £0.4 million for feasibility works and £3 million for the acquisition of individual properties (“Acquire and Repair”) are approved.

(c)    The Delivery Plan for BCP Homes to support the key principles for the HRA and the Council’s Corporate Strategy are agreed as set out in Appendix 7.

Councillor Rampton presented the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda.

In doing so, points raised included:

·     The budget as proposed was mindful of the impact of the cost-of-living pressures on residents, and the increased responsibilities and regulation forthcoming to officers;

·     Increases had been minimised, and adjustments to address discrepancies across the area would be forthcoming following public consultation;

·     The budget included investment in preventative measures to address damp and mould;

·     Residents were to be involved through new engagement structures, including the Housing Advisory Board, scrutiny panels and the Residents’ Committee;

·     New tenant satisfaction measures would come into force in April 2023.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor P Broadhead.

A number of Councillors spoke in debate of the proposal. Points raised included:

·     Concerns over the impact of what was felt to be a significant increase to charges to Council tenants;

·     Concerns over new tenants being subject to a higher rental increase, resulting in a potential two-tier rental system and a subsequent divide amongst residents using the same service;

·     The report’s suggestion that engagement with tenants was deemed as low priority;

·     Whether Councillors would be able to discuss the matter in more detail, if necessary.

In response, Councillor Rampton advised:

·     Not applying the proposed increase would reduce income to the HRA by £10m in future years. This £10m was to be used to reinvest in services for residents;

·     National policy dictated that the 7% cap for increases did not apply to those residents moving house or new tenants;

·     Measures were in place to support those residents who would struggle with the increase.

Council moved to a vote where the motion as follows was carried.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)     Revenue budgets for 2023/24 and provisionally for 2024/25 to 2027/28 are set using the following principles:

(i)     That rents for general needs, sheltered and shared ownership accommodation are increased by 7 per cent from 3 April 2023, in line with the national rent cap announced by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

(ii)    That rents for all accommodation on re-lets continue to be set at the formula rent, increased by 11.1 per cent, from 3 April 2023, in line with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Policy statement on rents for social housing.

(iii)   That rents for garages, garage bases and parking plots are increased by 10 per cent from the 3 April 2023.

(iv)   That leasehold services are charged to leaseholders in line with estimated costs from 3 April 2023.

(v)    That the changes to service charges are agreed as set out in appendix 2 from 3 April 2023, and that the service charge cap for new service charges in Bournemouth continues to be set at £5.00 for a further year.

(vi)   That the annual bad debt charge is maintained at £0.4 million.

(vii)  That the depreciation budget is set at £11.79 million.

(viii)That HRA reserve should be maintained at a minimum level of 5 per cent of total expenditure at £1.98 million in line  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)    the early years funding formula, as set out in table 2 in paragraph 44 of this report, is approved;

(b)   the local mainstream formula is to adopt the national funding formula (NFF) unit values as set out in the appendix to this report;   

(c)    surplus school block funding estimated at £0.185m is transferred to support the early years high needs budget in addition to the formula set out in this report.

Councillor N Green presented the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda.

In doing so, points raised included:

·     The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding for schools in 2023/24 had increased by 6.4%, to a total of circa £340m;

·     Pressures included general organisational costs, together with specific areas such as High Needs;

·     Work was ongoing with the Department for Education (DfE) through the ‘Delivering Better Value’ programme.

Councillor M White seconded the proposal.

Council moved to a vote where the motion as follows was carried.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         the early years funding formula, as set out in table 2 in paragraph 44 of this report, is approved;

(b)         the local mainstream formula is to adopt the national funding formula (NFF) unit values as set out in the appendix to this report;

(c)         surplus school block funding estimated at £0.185m is transferred to support the early years high needs budget in addition to the formula set out in this report.

Voting: Unanimous.

RECOMMENDED that Council (1) undertakes a recorded vote in relation to the following items as required by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendments) Regulations 2014.

(a)       agrees that a net budget of £308.831m, resulting in a total council tax requirement of £243.797m, is set for 2023/24 based on the draft local government settlement figures published by government in December 2022;

(b)       agrees an increase in council tax of 2.99% for 2023/24 in respect of the basic annual threshold and the collection of the additional social care precept of 2%;

(c)       confirms the key assumptions and provisions made in the budget as proposed and set out in paragraphs 48 to 65;

(d)       approves the 2022/23 capital budget virement to accept the £18.2m Levelling Up Fund (Round 2) capital grant as set out in Appendix 5;

(e)       agrees the allocations to service areas in the budget as set out in Appendix 6;

(f)         agrees the implementation of £32.9m of List 1 savings as set out at Appendix 6a from 1 April 2023;

(g)       agrees the implementation of £2.2m in annualised List 2 savings as set out at Appendix 6a from 1 July 2023;

(h)       approves the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) into 2023/24 as set out in sections 64;

(i)         continues the discretionary local scheme for war pensioners in which the Council disregards all prescribed War Disablement Pension or prescribed War Widow’s/War Widower’s Pensions income over and above the statutory limits for both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support;

(j)         recognises that via the governments Council Tax Support Fund, and for 2023/24 only, LCTSS claimants’ bills will be reduced by up to £25;

(k)       implements a control to strengthen commissioning, procurement, and contract management arrangements in support of the delivery third party spend transformation savings;

(l)         approves the flexible use of capital receipts efficiency strategy as set out in paragraphs 75 to 83;

(m)     approves the capital investment programme (CIP) as set out in paragraphs 116 to 142 and Appendix 7;

(n)       approves the capitalisation of £0.9m of highway neighbourhood expenditure each year for the period of the MTFP, funded from prudential borrowing;

(o)       agrees capital investment of £5m in seafront infrastructure assets funded by borrowing supported by revisions to beach hut fees;

(p)       agrees capital investment of £0.3m in the council’s IT & IS capital infrastructure investment plan as set out in Appendix 7c and as funded from borrowing;

(q)       confirms the previously approved budget of £12.5 million for Roeshot Hill and Crescent Road to be repurposed and used under the CNHAS Programme;

(r)        agrees the capitalisation of the council’s waste bin replacement strategy at £0.4 million per annum funded by borrowing;

(s)       approves Cabinet’s recommendation 7 September 2022 to increase the acquisition programme 4a (street acquisitions) budget originally approved by Council in February 2022 from £47.9 million to £68.8 million;

(t)         approves the asset management plan as set out as Appendix 8;

(u)       agrees the treasury management strategy (TMS) and prudential  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

The Chief Executive reminded Council of the earlier circulation of a final paper on behalf of the Director of Finance, which included alterations to recommendations (d) and (j) and a new recommendation (y) as set out in the published supplementary papers and appended to these minutes in the Minute Book.

A transposed typographical error on the Unity Alliance’s saving item no. 98 was corrected to read £109,000, not £49,000 as set out within the paper. This error did not affect the savings figure of £441,000, which was confirmed as accurate.

The Chair set out the times allowed for those Councillors speaking on the item.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Philip Broadhead, presented an alteration to the motion arising from Cabinet which had been informed following collaboration between all political groups. A copy of the alteration to the motion had been circulated to all Members of the Council and was set out in the published supplementary paper referred to above. The proposal was seconded by Councillor N Greene.

The Chair sought Council’s consent to the alteration under procedure rule 14.12 of Part 4(D) of the Constitution. Council unanimously agreed to the proposal.

The Chair reminded Council that in respect of the recommendations (subject to all amendments), including the Council Tax Resolution and Council Tax levels for 2023/24, all votes on the item would be the subject of a recorded vote for each Councillor present, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders)(England)(Amendment) Regulations 2014.

Councillor P Broadhead then introduced the substantive motion and the recommendations as set out in the report and supplementary papers.

In doing so, points raised included:

·     The proposed balanced budget protected vulnerable residents, improved BCP’s long-term finances, and despite inflationary pressures, avoided widespread cuts to services;

·     Savings identified were pragmatic and deliverable;

·     Newly identified income schemes had resulted in a £2m surplus for the year ahead;

·     The budget provided an additional £14.6m in funding for Children’s Services, together with provision for the elderly, investment in regeneration, new Council homes, and the ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer’ programme;

·     The budget included the sale of non-strategic assets;

·     Concerns raised recently by the Council’s external auditor had been reviewed through the Audit and Governance Committee. The concerns outlined were linked to perceived unidentified income streams. However, the budget had always been based on a sound financial basis;

·     Cross-party discussions had been held, and had resulted in the substantive budget as presented, which incorporated changes as suggested through those discussions;

·     The substantive budget was supported by Chief Financial Officer;

·     The budget did not present a removal or reduction in funding for the Bournemouth Air Festival, which contributed circa £30m income to the BCP area.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor N Greene. In doing so, points raised included:

·     The budget included amendments in response to the late decision by Central Government to allocate additional funding;

·     The budget set out changes to parking charges and funding for investment in community safety, High Streets, and libraries.

Councillor Mellor arrived at 8.21pm.

Councillor M Cox  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

(a)       accepts the £4.2m UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant allocation from Government;

(b)       delegates authority to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration to utilise the grant in line with the Council’s UKSPF Investment Plan and the associated Government guidance, ensuring oversight, governance and monitoring of the programme by 31 March 2025.

Councillor T Johnson presented the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor P Broadhead, who highlighted the efforts of officers to carry out the required consultation in a short timeframe. Councillor Broadhead also placed on record his thanks to Central Government for the additional funding.

Council moved to a vote where the motion as follows was carried.

RESOLVED that Council:-

(a)     accepts the £4.2m UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant allocation from Government;

(b)    delegates authority to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration to utilise the grant in line with the Council’s UKSPF Investment Plan and the associated Government guidance, ensuring oversight, governance and monitoring of the programme by 31 March 2025.

Voting: Unanimous.

A review of the leadership structure has been undertaken to reduce the cost of the senior leadership of the Council and to reduce the number of direct reports to the Chief Executive. 

Approval to the relevant exit payments to facilitate the implementation of the final structure are sought.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, presented the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda.

Councillor C Johnson left the meeting at 11.25pm.

Councillor N Greene seconded the proposal.

Council debated the motion, wherein points raised included:

·     Concerns that the amalgamation of two posts would result in a significant amount of work for one person;

·     Concerns over the loss of a senior staff member;

·     The welcoming of a new Corporate Director of Wellbeing.

In response, the Chief Executive advised that the appointment of a new Corporate Director of Wellbeing would ensure resource capacity. Additional proposed changes to the staffing structure would ensure resources were redirected to areas where it was most needed.

Council moved to a vote where the motion as follows was carried.

Councillor Mellor left the meeting at 11.28pm.

RESOLVED that Council approve the relevant exit payments to facilitate the implementation of the final corporate structure, as set out in the report.

Voting: Unanimous

Councillors H Allen and A Filer left the meeting at 11.29pm.

The deadline for questions to be submitted to the Monitoring Officer is 13 February 2023.

Councillor Stribley moved that due to the lateness of the hour, all questioners receive written answers. Some Councillors supported the proposal, but by consensus it was agreed that the meeting continue with the questions verbally asked and answered.

Councillors S Baron, D Butt and J Butt left the meeting at 11.31pm.

Councillors N Brooks, E Coope, R Rocca and A Stribley left the meeting at 11.35pm.

Councillors M Davies, R Lawton and P Hall left the meeting at 11.36pm.

Question from Councillor D Kelsey

Recent reports in the press have disclosed that Bayside, one of our seafront offerings, made a loss this year. Could the Cabinet Member outline how our seafront operations have performed this year, especially compared to other years and what are our expectations of future years?”

Councillor M Earl left the meeting at 11.39pm.

Councillors D Borthwick and P Miles left the meeting at 11.40pm.

Response by Councillor B Dunlop

A bit of history, if I may.

I can recall, as a Bournemouth councillor, when the seafront didn’t wash its face and it was supported by council tax.  The game changer was to take a bold approach to seafront development and festivals.  For example projects like Boscombe Spa seafront, the new pier, the overstand building designed by Wayne Hemmingway, cemented that mindset. Audacious is how we were described by one local business.

It is this bold, innovative and at times audacious mindset that has slowly animated the seafront, site by site, bringing new restaurants, events and activities and income to support other services.  Activities, events and festivals all contribute to income, the more we develop destination and culture, the more it benefits our residents, businesses and visitors.

Seafront catering, for example. In the years between 19/20 and 22/23, the turnover from internally managed seafront catering outlets has risen from nearly £2.5m to over £4m/yr. Income generated from new pop-up restaurants and additional car park income allows us to try those new ideas.

Where we are currently, is that Destination and Culture is projecting a year end surplus of £6m, not just income, a surplus over and above the service costs.

And we expect this growth to continue as we bring more old sites back into use, through partnerships, exciting developments and investment. The £20m levelling up fund is estimated to trigger over £100m in further investment. 

We should be really proud of what has been achieved and if I may and to finish of this story, I’d like to pay tribute to someone who has recently left the authority, but this council didn’t have an opportunity to thank him. 

So, I would like to this council, to place on record, the enormous contribution made by Chris Saunders to the former Bournemouth Council and BCP Council. 

To many of us he will always be remembered as Mr Seafront.

Question from Councillor A Martin

Councillor Martin did not ask his question on Bayside following Councillor Dunlop’s previous answer, but requested that a written response be made available after the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To consider any urgent decisions taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Constitution.

The Chief Executive advised of an urgent decision taken in respect of the appointment of Non-Executive Directors of BCP FuturePlaces.