Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Aitkenhead, H Allen, J Clements, E Connelly, B Dove, D Farr, A Filer, M Haines, K Rampton and L 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.

Richard Jones, Interim Monitoring Officer, declared a pecuniary interest in respect of agenda item 10 and confirmed he would leave the room for the duration of the item.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 12 September 2023.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting. A typographical error in minute 32, (motion relating to knife crime), was highlighted as requiring amendment.

RESOLVED: - That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2023 be agreed as a correct record, subject to the above amendment.

Council agreed that the order of business be amended to take the motion concerning the conflict in Israel and Palestine first, followed by Cllr K Salmon’s question to the Leader of the Council. Detail on these items can be found in minute 47 and minute 48, respectively.

(Cllr K Salmon left the meeting at 19:40)

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.

Cllr P Broadhead paid tribute to former Poole Councillor David Newell who had passed away in September. Council passed its best wishes to Mr Newell’s family.

The Chairman updated Council on her activities since the last meeting. These included attendance at:

-       Scouts achievements awards;

-       Indian cultural association event;

-       Summer reading challenge;

-       Police Station opening in Boscombe;

-       Arts by the Sea launch;

-       Lord Lieutenant prize giving;

-       Christchurch Advent Calendar;

-       Russell Cotes museum exhibition;

-       BCP Black History Month event;

-       Legal service for High Sheriff;

-       Bournemouth University Graduation.

The Chairman invited Council to refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour following the meeting.

The Vice Chairman updated Council on his activities since the last meeting. These included attendance at:

-       Hindu festival;

-       Commodore’s reception;

-       Formal opening ‘Against Architecture’ exhibition at the Arts University.

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 3 clear working days for the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a 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 Daniel Glennon

Somerset Council have banned advertising of vehicles powered by petrol, diesel or hybrid power; fossil fuels; and airlines, airports and flights on their platforms. Will BCP Council commit to the do the same and also extend this to funders of fossil fuel projects such as JP Morgan? According to the Financial Times JP Morgan were the biggest financier of fossil fuels between 2016 - 2021, totalling nearly $400bn.

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

Thank you, Daniel, for bringing this to our attention. The intent behind the Somerset product advertising initiative is certainly in line with our ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help tackle climate change. The implications of this suggestion will be researched and, if it is found viable, will be put before Cabinet for a decision.

With respect to the activities of local business organisations, the Council will continue to work in partnership with major employers to encourage them to take all appropriate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all their activities, including procurement and financing. Indeed, we raised this issue with Barclays Bank following a Council resolution last year, who told us that they are committed to aligning their financing portfolios, in every sector, with the goals and timelines of the Paris Agreement.

To achieve our BCP area wide targets, we need to work positively and proactively with all the major local organisations.

Public Question from Soo Chapman

An International team of Scientists has identified 35 vital planetary signs of which 20 are being pushed to record extremes. Life on Earth is "under siege" and there's "little progress on humanity combating climate change". (Bournemouth Echo 28.10.23.)

Shockingly, embarrassingly, neither this significant news (nor a more inspirational Transition Town vision) appears on BCP's website nor on any government website.

Plans are out-dated.

No speedy decarbonising programme is in place for our well-being and protection as the natural world disintegrates.

How will BCP (bearing in mind Councillors' safeguarding brief and adherence to Nolan principles) please address biospherical collapse while informing, incentivising and protecting the public from the dangerous accumulation of greenhouse gases, loss of sea ice & glaciers, rising land and sea temperatures, fossil fuel usage, extreme flooding and species extinction as well as potential societal breakdown which is "feasible" and has been "dangerously unexplored"?

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

Thank you for your question Sue.

I am very conscious that the Climate Change website pages need revision, and I understand a member of our Climate Team is actively discussing with you the sort of information that would be appropriate for, in your words, “informing, incentivising and protecting the public”. The entire Council Website is currently being reworked, and I am keen that the content includes helpful and honest challenge, and practical advice.

Sustainability is at the heart of our new Corporate Strategy, on which we have recently consulted residents. Our Annual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

PLEASE NOTE: Should the Council wish to discuss the detail of the exempt appendix it will be necessary to exclude the press and public and move into 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, after consideration of any feedback from a consultation with Christchurch Town Council, approve the disposal of the former civic offices in Christchurch on such terms to be approved by the Chief Financial Officer, also acting in his capacity as Corporate Property Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Mike Cox, presented the report on the Christchurch Civic Offices and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

Comprehensive discussion took place on the item before Council moved to the vote.

RESOLVED that Council: - that Council, after consideration of any feedback from a consultation with Christchurch Town Council, approve the disposal of the former civic offices in Christchurch on such terms to be approved by the Chief Financial Officer, also acting in his capacity as Corporate Property Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

Voting: For: 57,  Against: 5, Abstention: 3.

PLEASE NOTE: Should the Council wish to discuss the detail of the exempt appendix it will be necessary to exclude the press and public and move into 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 approves the capital budget set out in Appendix 1 (Exempt), which is funded from DfE grant monies, to enable the construction works and related processes to be undertaken to create the facilities for 20 SEND places at Broadstone First School.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, Councillor Richard Burton, presented the report on the SEND Programme of Expansion - Broadstone First School and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council: - that Council approves the capital budget set out in Appendix 1 (Exempt), which is funded from DfE grant monies, to enable the construction works and related processes to be undertaken to create the facilities for 20 SEND places at Broadstone First School.

Voting: Nem.Con.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the appointment of two co-opted independent members to the Audit and Governance Committee for a period which will end on 31 March 2026 and that Samantha Acton and Lindy Jansen van Vuuren be appointed accordingly.

The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, Councillor Marcus Andrews, presented the report on the appointment of independent co-opted members to Audit and Governance Committee and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council: - approve the appointment of two co-opted independent members to the Audit and Governance Committee for a period which will end on 31 March 2026 and that Samantha Acton and Lindy Jansen van Vuuren be appointed accordingly.

Voting: Nem.Con.

Council is asked to appoint a councillor to serve on the Appeals Committee which is vacant following due notice from the Leader of the Poole Engage Political Group.

The seat can be allocated to any member of the Council except members of the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade, presented a report on the appointment of a Councillor to the Appeals Committee and moved that Councillor Chris Rigby be appointed.

RESOLVED that Council: - appoints Councillor C Rigby by way of nomination to fill the vacant seat on the Appeals Committee.

Voting: Nem.Con.

The Chief Executive took an urgent decision on 28 September 2023 to appoint Richard Jones as the Interim Monitoring Officer for the period from 19 October 2023 following the retirement of the former Monitoring Officer.

Under Section 5 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 (as amended), the Council has a duty to designate the role of Monitoring Officer to an officer of the authority. The urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with statutory requirements covered the period to 7 November 2023 to allow Council to formally designate the role.

A copy of the urgent decision record is appended to this agenda and includes details of the proposal.

It is RECOMMENDED that Richard Jones is appointed as the Council’s Interim Monitoring Officer in accordance with the statutory requirements until a permanent appointment is made to the role of Director of Law and Governance.

Background Papers: Published works.

(Richard Jonest left the meeting at 20:14)

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade, presented a report on the appointment of an Interim Monitoring Officer, and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED: - that Richard Jones be appointed as the Council’s Interim Monitoring Officer in accordance with the statutory requirements until a permanent appointment is made to the role of Director of Law and Governance.

Voting: Nem. Con.

(Richard Jones rejoined the meeting at 20:16)

This report is for information and provides the Council with details of those complaints where members have failed to comply with a determination requesting that an apology be made following the informal resolution stage of the complaints process. 

The Chairman presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The report was presented for information and provided Council with details of those complaints where members had failed to comply with a determination requesting that an apology be made following the informal resolution stage of the complaints process.  

Voter ID

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:-

That this council is concerned that the introduction of requiring residents to produce photo ID in order to vote at polling stations is having a negative impact on our democracy by disenfranchising particular sections of our society. For example, in some wards turnout was noticeably lower than in 2019.

This Council therefore agrees to raise these concerns with the Local Government Association, local MPs and Government as a matter of urgency to seek the removal of this unnecessary requirement on voters.

Conflict in Israel and Palestine

The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor J Salmon and seconded by Councillor K Salmon:-

That this Council

•       Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the BCP area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.

•       Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

•       Believes Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths and none should feel safe and supported throughout the world; that the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the UK is reprehensible and should be punished to the full extent of the law.

This Council resolves to

•       Through the equalities action commission explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.

•       Offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.

•       Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.

•       Condemn the use of all dehumanising language and calls on our communities to treat each other with respect and refrain from inflammatory terms to describe either the Palestinian or Israeli populations.

•       Continue flying the UN flag as a symbol of peace outside the Civic Centre until a ceasefire is agreed.

The following motion was submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules and was moved by Cllr J Salmon and seconded by Cllr K Salmon.

That this Council:

• Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the BCP area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.

• Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

• Believes Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths and none should feel safe and supported throughout the world; that the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the UK is reprehensible and should be punished to the full extent of the law.

This Council resolves to:

• Through the equalities action commission explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.

• Offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.

• Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.

• Condemn the use of all dehumanising language and calls on our communities to treat each other with respect and refrain from inflammatory terms to describe either the Palestinian or Israeli populations.

• Continue flying the UN flag as a symbol of peace outside the Civic Centre until a ceasefire is agreed.

Comprehensive discussion took place on the motion before Council moved to the vote.

RESOLVED: -

That this Council:

• Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the BCP area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.

• Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

• Believes Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths and none should feel safe and supported throughout the world; that the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the UK is reprehensible and should be punished to the full extent of the law.

This Council resolves to:

• Through the equalities action commission explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.

• Offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.

• Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.

• Condemn the use of all dehumanising language and calls on our communities to treat each other with respect and refrain from inflammatory terms to describe either the Palestinian or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

The deadline for questions to be submitted to the Monitoring Officer is 30 October 2023.

Question from Cllr Canavan

Could an update be given regarding the situation with Future Places Limited. In particular:

a)    How many of the previous Future Places staff have now transferred to BCP?

b)    Has the previous office that Future Places staff were working from now been vacated?

c)    Are all assets including IT equipment, financial information and intellectual property now in the hands of BCP?#

d)    What steps are being taken to assess the overall cost of engaging, and winding up, this company to the Council Tax payer?

e)    Future Places appears to have operated with limited oversight or scrutiny so what steps are being taken to review any lessons learnt and exactly who knew what and when regarding its operation?

Response by Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade

Thank you, Councillor Canavan, I will take each of the queries in turn.

1. 13 of the 19 staff that were in FuturePlaces two months ago have transferred.? One of those, the Managing Director, is being consulted with regard to potential future employment and another, the Chief Operating Officer, has resigned.

2. Yes, the office was vacated early, on 31 October and a new tenant is moving in, reducing the rent commitment considerably.

3. Yes, we believe that we have taken control of all of the IT equipment and information etc. 

4. We are assessing the overall cost, but this will not become clear until we have been able to value all of the work in progress and the consulting and strategic planning work that has been completed but not yet charged for.? This is likely to take until December. 

3. Internal governance is being reviewed to ensure that we have a robust structure for oversight of development delivery and risk management is in place, which will include an independent advisory board, the terms of reference and membership of which is being finalised.?? We will keep Councillors informed on the progress.

Supplementary question from Cllr Canavan

I am grateful for the assurance regarding the review of oversight going forward but my question also asked for a review of what happened in the past. It is important to take on board lessons learned. Is there assurance that we will look at what went wrong?

Response by Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade

The matter needs review by the Audit and Governance Committee as the most appropriate route for all matters of governance. I hope that Councillor Andrews will be happy to take this on so that we can have it done in public, with the appropriate scrutiny. I am happy to work with the officers required.

Question from Cllr Rigby

Could the Leader of the Council give an update on the progress with starting a governance review of the current leader and cabinet system and the opportunity to replace it with a committee system. This was promised to commence within six months of the formation of the current administration, and I think we are about there.

Response by Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

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

The Chief Executive confirmed the urgent decisions taken as follows:

1.    Appointment of the Interim Monitoring Officer, and;

Appointment of the new Corporate Director of Wellbeing.