Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

14 October 2025

Apologies for absence were received from: -

Councillor Sue Aitkenhead

Councillor Julie Bagwell

Councillor John Beesley

Councillor Adrian Chapmanlaw

Councillor Peter Cooper

Councillor Anne Filer

Councillor Joe Salmon

3 November 2025

Apologies for absence were received from: -

Councillor Sue Aitkenhead

Councillor Hazel Allen

Councillor Marcus Andrews

Councillor Sara Armstrong

Councillor Julie Bagwell

Councillor Olivia Brown

Councillor Judy Butt

Councillor John Challinor

Councillor Brian Chick

Councillor Eleanor Connolly

Councillor Duane Farr

Councillor David Flagg

Councillor Paul Hilliard

Councillor Mark Howell

Councillor Chris Matthews

Councillor Pete Miles

Councillor Lisa Northover

Councillor Chris Rigby

Councillor Joe Salmon

Councillor Vikki Slade

Councillor Michael Tarling

Councillor Clare Weight

Councillor Lawrence Williams

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.

Councillors Stephen Bartlett and Crispin Goodall declared interests in Minute No. 48 (AFC Bournemouth stadium expansion. Land requirements and Disposal) and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.

The Chief Executive reminded members that a dispensation had been granted to all BCP Councillors in respect of the Community Governance Review item to ensure all Councillors were freely able to participate in the debate and vote.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 22 July 2025 and reconvened on 16 September 2025.

The Minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 July 2025 and reconvened on 16 September 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.

The Chairman advised Council with sadness of the recent death of former Borough of Poole Councillor and Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole Dame Annette Brooke. Councillor Vikki Slade relayed personal experiences of working with Dame Annette Brooke following which Councillors stood in silent tribute.

The Chairman updated Council on her activity since the last meeting and made particular reference to an event attended for Maddie’s Miracle, a breast-feeding support group in Boscombe and the Royal Visit for the opening of the Police Headquarters.

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 public questions is mid-day Wednesday 8 October 2025 (mid-day, 3 clear working days before the meeting).

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day Monday 13 October 2025 (mid-day the working day before the meeting the working day before the meeting).

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 30 September 2025 (10 working days before the meeting).

The Chairman advised Council that given the significant number of questions and statements received the time limit for public questions and statements would be extended to 30 minutes.

Public Questions

Public Question from Barry Smith

Would BCP surrender the lease on Scott’s hill lane play park and land on adjacent side of the road to allow Christchurch town council to take up a new lease with the freeholder and BCP council renew the lease owned by the freeholder on Purewell crossroad only? My question from the previous meeting had false information so could I have true facts please. 

This is all to allow us to rejuvenate the play park which has been dilapidating for the past 4 years.

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships, Councillor Sandra Moore

Yes, BCP Council is exploring the available options with the landowner regarding the lease of Scott’s Hill Lane play area, plus the other relevant land, to try to provide a solution which could then lead to the play area being improved in the future.

I would also like to confirm that BCP council is open to these discussions, and this work is continuing, but it is all very complicated given the nature of the land holdings and the lease agreements.

However, the Deputy Leader of the Council who is also the ward councillor for the area where the play park is sited, has spoken personally with the landowner and has been assured that a solution is in sight. 

Public Question from Joanne Keeling

Predetermination & Legal Consultation 

In the recent “Leader Live” broadcast, Cllr Millie Earl stated that it is the democratic right of elected members to deliver their mandate, including the creation of Town and Parish Councils, as reflected in official campaign literature. The first Gunning principle requires that consultations occur at a formative stage and that outcomes are not predetermined. If the Council proceeds despite consultation responses demonstrating overwhelming public opposition, does this indicate a predetermined decision, potentially rendering the consultation unlawful? Will the Leader confirm that the Council fully accepts its legal duty to comply with the Gunning principles, and explain how the current process ensures proposals remain genuinely open to influence before any final decision is taken?

Response by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl

May I thank Ms Keeling for her question and confirm that the council recognises the Gunning principles and seeks to adhere to them at all times. The process by which the consultation on the Community Governance Review has taken place and been considered as part of the decision making process has followed the advice of our professional officers, and the recommendations before us come from a cross-party Task and Finish Group, commissioned by the council to undertake the detailed work, which has taken time to evaluate the consultation responses, as set out in the substantial report we are considering this evening. Their recommendations have been subject to public scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Board, which is both cross-party and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

Council is advised that a petition with 2000+ valid signatures has been received, requesting:

‘Stop Parish & Town Councils until 2027 – Let Residents Decide’.

We respectfully call on BCP Council to postpone any decision to introduce new parish or town councils until after the May 2027 local elections.

This delay will:

* Ensure transparency in the consultation process, which many residents currently feel lacks independence and impartiality.

* Allow the new Chief Executive, who has just taken office later this month, time to stabilise council services and review performance before making major structural changes.

* Provide a clear democratic mandate by allowing this issue to be debated openly as part of the 2027 local election campaigns, giving residents the opportunity to decide at the ballot box.

Residents are concerned that introducing a new layer of government could lead to higher council tax bills (due to uncapped parish precepts), increased bureaucracy and unnecessary division within communities. The current consultation is non-binding, yet many councillors have already expressed public support for these changes, raising doubts about whether residents’ views will truly influence the outcome. A consultation should never be a paper exercise, public trust in local government depends on decisions that genuinely reflect the will of the people.

Consideration was given to a petition calling on BCP Council to postpone any decision to introduce parish and town councils until after the May 2027 local elections.

The petition organiser, Mrs Joanne Keeling provided Council with background relating to the submitted petition following which Mrs Keeling responded to a number of questions from Councillors.

The Chairman thanked the petition organiser for the submitted petition and advised Council that as the petition related directly to Agenda Item 10, Cabinet 1 October 2025 – Minute No. 47 – Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations the agenda order was being altered to now deal with Agenda Item 10.

Council debated whether the petition should be considered as a stand alone item or whether debate on such should be included within Agenda Item 10. The Chair called on members to vote on whether the item should be considered as part of Agenda Item 10 and upon being put to the vote this was carried and the meeting therefore moved onto Agenda Item 10.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)           the Task and Finish Group community governance review final recommendations, as set out in paragraphs 49, 62, 74, 92, 104, 117, 128, 140, 152, 166 and 181 of this report be approved;

(b)          the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to make all necessary reorganisation of community governance orders to implement the changes agreed by Council; and

(c)           the Task and Finish Group continue to consider the transfer of civic and ceremonial assets, statutory services and precept requirements for year 1, for each new parish, on the basis of minimal transfer and precept, and a report be presented to full Council in due course.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the size of the documents contained within the appendices these have been packed into two supplementary packs:

Pack 1 contains Appendix 1 – Appendix 2(I2)

Pack 2 contains Appendix (J1) – Appendix 4

The Leader of the Council presented the report on the Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

In introducing the report, the Leader advised of an alteration to deal with the issues as set out in paragraph 86 of the report and as discussed by the Working Group that an additional recommendation be included at (d) to read: -

(d)           the Chief Executive be delegated authority to make amendments to the boundary between Bournemouth and Poole to avoid the co-existence of the Charter Trustees and a Town Council for the respective area.

The Leader advised that this addition was to avoid duplication as the boundaries of the historic borough and the Charter Trustees were not coterminous.

Council consented to the amendment which therefore became part of the substantive motion.

Council comprehensively debated the item with members speaking both for and against the introduction of Town Councils with members making reference to the petition submitted to the meeting.

Councillor John Challinor proposed an amendment to recommendation (j) seeking to delay the introduction of town and parish councils and the election of councillors onto those until 2027 as follows: -

(j)               a Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (Reorganisation of Community Governance) Order be prepared in accordance with the above recommendations and that the Order be effective from 1st April 2026 2027 save for those recommendations relating to parish electoral arrangements which shall come into force on the ordinary day of election of councillors in 2026 2027.

This amendment was seconded by Councillor Lawrence Williams.

The monitoring officer advised council that the proposed amendment was not in accordance with the constitutional provisions set out in Part 4, Paragraph 14.9 for the submission of an amendment, and that the amendment as submitted had the effect of seeking a vote against the motion and therefore negated the motion itself and was  subsequently deemed to be inadmissible as an amendment.

Council continued to debate the substantive motion.

Councillor Simon McCormack proposed that the question now be put in accordance with Procedural Rule 14.16 of the Councils Constitution, this proposal fell and following a short adjournment for a comfort break the debate on the item continued.

Meeting adjourned at 9.24pm

Meeting reconvened at 9.44pm

Following a lengthy further debate Councillor Margaret Phipps proposed that the question now be put in accordance with Procedural Rule 14.16. 2 of the Council’s Constitution, this proposal was seconded and upon being put to the vote was carried with voting: For: 40, Against:26, Abstentions:1

Councillor Oliver Walters, Chair of the Community Governance Task and Finish Group addressed the Council as the seconder of the proposer and provided background to the work of the Task and Finish Group and of the benefits the proposed Town and Parish Councils could provide.

Following summing up by the Leader of the Council, the recommendations contained within the report were put to the vote.

Councillor Cameron Adams requested a recorded vote in respect of this item and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL to approve the revised funding strategy for the Poole museums capital schemes which will mean an increase in the approved prudential borrowing of £1.3m.

The Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee presented the report on the Increased Borrowing – Poole Museum and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council approved the revised funding strategy for the Poole Museums capital schemes which will mean an increase in the approved prudential borrowing of £1.3m.

Voting: Unanimous

RESOLVED that that the Audit & Governance Committee approves the annual report prior to its submission to Council on 14 October 2025.

The Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee presented the report on the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2024/25 and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council approved the Annual Report 2024/25.

Voting: Unanimous

RESOLVED that the Licensing Committee recommends a final version of the Statement of Licensing Policy for adoption by Full Council on 14 October 2025.

The Chair of the Licensing Committee presented the report on the Review of Statement of Licensing Policy and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council approved and adopted the Statement of Licensing Policy.

Voting: Unanimous

RECOMMENED that Council: -

(a)              Notes the confidential minutes and the recommendations of the Cross-Party Asset Disposal Working Group meeting held on the 13 July 2025;

(b)              Approves the negotiation and agreement in principle of Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal of the two parcels of land at Kings Park to AFC Bournemouth shown in Option C; and

(c)              Requires officers to return to Cabinet and Council with the proposed Heads of Terms for decision as soon as possible.

[PLEASE NOTE: Should the Council wish to discuss the detail of the confidential appendix at Appendix A the meeting will be required to move into Confidential (Exempt) Session].

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report on the AFC Bournemouth stadium expansion, land requirements and disposal and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council: -

(a)           Noted the confidential minutes and the recommendations of the Cross-Party Asset Disposal Working Group meeting held on the 13 July 2025;

(b)           Approved the negotiation and agreement in principle of Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal of the two parcels of land at Kings Park to AFC Bournemouth shown in Option C; and

(c)           Required officers to return to Cabinet and Council with the proposed Heads of Terms for decision as soon as possible.

Voting: For:44, Against:2, Abstentions:2

The Council is asked to consider and approve the review of the political balance of the Council, the allocation of seats on Committees to each political group, the appointment of Councillors on Committees and appointments to outside bodies following the result of the by-election in the Talbot and Branksome Woods Ward on 11 September 2025 and other political group changes.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Council was asked to consider and approve the review of the political balance of the Council, the allocation of seats on Committees to each political group, the appointment of Councillors on Committees and appointments to outside bodies following the result of the by-election in the Talbot and Branksome Woods Ward on 11 September 2025 and other political group changes.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)        the revised political balance of the Council, as set out in Table 1 to this report be noted;

(b)        the allocation of seats to each political group, as set out in Table 2 to this report, be approved;

(c)        the appointment of Councillors to Committees and Boards, taking into account the wishes of each political group, as detailed in Table 3 to this report, be approved;

(d)        the allocation of seats to each political group to the outside bodies, as detailed in Table 4 to this report, be approved; and

(e)        the appointment of Councillors to the outside bodies, taking into account the wishes of each political group, as detailed in Table 5 to this report, be approved.

Voting: For:44, Against:3, Abstentions:1

Meeting adjourned at 11.44 pm

Meeting resumed on 3 November 2025

Motion to Full Council: Standing United Against Racism and Division

The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor P Cooper and seconded by Councillor P Canavan.

Council notes:

·       Recent far-right marches in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that seek to spread hatred, fear, and division.

·       An increase in racist vandalism and graffiti which desecrate our communities and cost taxpayers thousands of pounds to remove.

·       The rising tide of racist activity nationally, which is being exploited for political purposes to divide communities.

Council recognises:

·       The invaluable work of anti-racist organisations, community groups, and residents who stand in solidarity against racism and bigotry.

·       The efforts of Dorset Police in managing demonstrations and addressing hate crimes in a challenging climate.

·       That racism, in any form, undermines cohesion, community safety, and the reputation of BCP as a welcoming, inclusive place.

Council believes:

·       That racist rhetoric, graffiti, and intimidation have no place in our communities.

·       That public resources should be directed towards supporting communities and improving services, not wasted on cleaning up hate-fuelled vandalism.

·       That BCP Council must show leadership in building unity, trust, and mutual respect across all communities.

Council therefore resolves to:

1.    Publicly denounce far-right marches and racist graffiti in BCP, affirming that hate has no home here.

2.    Develop and bring forward anti-racist policies, in partnership with schools, community groups, and faith organisations, to promote inclusion and challenge prejudice.

3.    Strengthen joint working with Dorset Police, community safety teams, and voluntary organisations to tackle racist activity and support victims.

4.    Recognise and thank the work of anti-racist groups and campaigners who stand against division and for equality.

5.    Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, calling for stronger national support and resources to tackle the rise in far-right activity and hate crime.

Motion to Full Council: Opposing Labour’s Digital ID Scheme

The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor M Earl and seconded by Councillor R Herrett.

Council notes the recent announcement by Keir Starmer’s Labour Government of plans to introduce a mandatory Digital ID scheme for all UK residents.

Council further notes that the Government’s plan:

• Could require every resident to obtain a Digital ID to access public services and entitlements;
• Could risk criminalising millions of people, particularly older people, those on lower incomes, or those without access to digital technology;
• Raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns; 
• Could result in an estimated £4.6 billion of pounds of taxpayers’ money being wasted on a massive IT project, with no clear benefit or safeguards.

Council believes that Labour’s scheme:

• Represents an expensive measure that will undermine public trust;
• Will do nothing to address the real priorities facing communities such as the lack of economic growth that our country is facing, the cost-of-living crisis that residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole  ...  view the full agenda text for item 50.

Council was advised that two motions had been received on this occasion.

Standing United Against Racism and Division

The following motion was submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules and was moved by Councillor Peter Cooper and seconded by Councillor Patrick Canavan.

Council notes:

·            Recent far-right marches in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that seek to spread hatred, fear, and division.

·            An increase in racist vandalism and graffiti which desecrate our communities and cost taxpayers thousands of pounds to remove.

·            The rising tide of racist activity nationally, which is being exploited for political purposes to divide communities.

Council recognises:

·            The invaluable work of anti-racist organisations, community groups, and residents who stand in solidarity against racism and bigotry.

·            The efforts of Dorset Police in managing demonstrations and addressing hate crimes in a challenging climate.

·            That racism, in any form, undermines cohesion, community safety, and the reputation of BCP as a welcoming, inclusive place.

Council believes:

·            That racist rhetoric, graffiti, and intimidation have no place in our communities.

·            That public resources should be directed towards supporting communities and improving services, not wasted on cleaning up hate-fuelled vandalism.

·            That BCP Council must show leadership in building unity, trust, and mutual respect across all communities.

Council therefore resolves to:

1.          Publicly denounce far-right marches and racist graffiti in BCP, affirming that hate has no home here.

2.          Develop and bring forward anti-racist policies, in partnership with schools, community groups, and faith organisations, to promote inclusion and challenge prejudice.

3.          Strengthen joint working with Dorset Police, community safety teams, and voluntary organisations to tackle racist activity and support victims.

4.          Recognise and thank the work of anti-racist groups and campaigners who stand against division and for equality.

5.          Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, calling for stronger national support and resources to tackle the rise in far-right activity and hate crime.

Councillor Stephen Bartlett proposed an amendment to the motion which was seconded by Councillor Karen Rampton to replace the word ‘far-right’ with the word ‘extremist’ so that the resolutions would read as follows: -

Council therefore resolves to:

1.           Publicly denounce far-right extremist marches and racist graffiti in BCP, affirming that hate has no home here.

2.           Develop and bring forward anti-racist policies, in partnership with schools, community groups, and faith organisations, to promote inclusion and challenge prejudice.

3.           Strengthen joint working with Dorset Police, community safety teams, and voluntary organisations to tackle racist activity and support victims.

4.           Recognise and thank the work of anti-racist groups and campaigners who stand against division and for equality.

5.           Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, calling for stronger national support and resources to tackle the rise in far-right extremist activity and hate crime.

The proposer and seconder of the original motion advised that they would not accept the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

The deadline for questions to be submitted to the Monitoring Officer is Monday 6 October 2025.

Question from Councillor Anne-Marie Moriarty

Could councillors be granted access to the provisional schedule of works for regular cleansing and maintenance carried out by the environmental services team?

Having access to this information would significantly enhance our ability to fulfil our roles effectively. It would reduce the volume of correspondence between councillors and officers, streamline communication, and improve transparency for residents. When residents are informed about when and where work is scheduled, it helps manage expectations and addresses concerns about perceived inconsistencies in service delivery.

While I understand that such schedules are subject to change, having a working version available would still be invaluable. This request aligns with the principles of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, which supports councillors’ rights to access information necessary for their duties, and with guidance from the Local Government Association on the importance of timely and relevant information for elected members.

Response from the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley

Thank you for your question Councillor Moriarty, 

We have asked several times for this information to be made available. I have been advised that;

BCP Council’s approach to not publishing schedules is aligned to neighbouring authorities across the region.  In theory it provides residents with an in advance schedule from which to remove cars on a known date to aid cleansing, in practice from those that do so it often either a) results in very few residents moving their vehicles or b) residents move them and then are frustrated when a crew don’t appear – this can be for many reasons including

-       vehicle breakdowns - sadly frequent due to complexities of the kit

-       staffing shortages - LGV drivers are regularly pulled off to support shortages on waste collection crews, 

-       heavy leaf-fall etc which means they are unable to complete as many roads as may have been advertised, 

-       wider emergency or emerging issues 

-         e.g. for our area seasonal pressures with tourists which routinely pulls resources from residential areas due to resourcing limitations

The situation has unfortunately been changing for the worse because with more people working from home, residential streets have more cars parked on them blocking access to sweepers and gulley cleaners, but also, with our changing climate, the period of leaf-fall is now from September to March, whereas it used to be from November to January. 

Within BCP all our roads and pavement are being rescheduled for mechanical street cleansing to ensure parity of service across BCP, with historical resource greater in Poole than Bournemouth and Christchurch. I am told that Pre-LGR, Bournemouth went from 6 large sweepers down to only two covering the whole town. 

Resources are targeted at areas of greatest need and alignment with Environment Protection Act Code of Practice for Litter & Refuse whereby zoning is applied.? ?This is part of the roll out of in-cab technology within Waste & Cleansing and Environment more generally.? ?

Once the new schedules have been worked a number of times to be able  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

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

Council was advised that no urgent decisions had been taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Constitution since the last meeting of the Council.