Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H Allen, J Bagwell, P Broadhead, J Butt, J Challinor, J Clements, L Dedman (Chair), B Dove, D Farr, A Filer, J Hanna and A Moriarty

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.

Council was advised that the Monitoring Officer had granted all BCP Councillors a dispensation to enable all to participate in the debate and vote on the Community Governance Review.

Further to this Council were informed that the granting of this dispensation would be reported to the next meeting of the Standards Committee.

Councillor Vanessa Ricketts declared an interest in Minute No. 90 (Petition: Protect Christchurch Harbour) as Secretary to the Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society and following the presentation of the petition left the room for the discussion and voting thereon.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 26 February 2025.

The Minutes of the Council meeting held on 25 February 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.

The Vice-Chair advised Council that it was the last Council meeting prior to Jillian Kay, Director for Wellbeing leaving to take up her new role as Chief Executive of Southampton City Council and in relation to this wished Jillian all the best in her new role.

The Vice-Chair advised that since the last Council meeting he had attended an event at the Arts University for the opening ceremony of their air source heat pumps.

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 19 March 2025 (12 noon, 3 clear working days before the meeting).

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day Monday 24 March 2025 (mid-day the working day before the meeting).

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 11 March 2025 (10 working days before the meeting).

Public Questions

Public Question from Joanne Keeling

"Given that Sir Keir Starmer advocates scrapping NHS England for its unnecessary bureaucracy, why is BCP Council considering establishing parish councils, another tier of administration? Shouldn’t we streamline local governance instead of adding layers that increase costs and complicate decision making? If current services are struggling, wouldn’t strengthening the existing council be more efficient than forming new parish councils? There would be no need for extra layers if BCP operated more efficiently. While we call for reduced bureaucracy nationally, locally we propose expanding it. How do these contradictory policies align with an alleged cost conscious government? Please clarify.”

Response by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl

Following a commitment by the Three Town’s Alliance administration to empower our communities to make decisions on the issues that matter most in their areas and the lack of consultation on community governance throughout the Local Government Reorganisation process for Bournemouth and Poole residents, Council approved the commencement of a community governance review in October 2024. 

Council this evening will be asked to consider the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group following the invitation of initial submissions and if approved, these will be subject to a 12-week consultation. 

The responses will be considered in accordance with the agreed timetable and Council will be asked to consider any final recommendations in October 2025. 

Parish and Town Councils are a legitimate tier of local government with over 10,000 councils in England. They can play a pivotal role in the provision of services at a local level reflecting the priorities in the area, as evidenced by the existing parish and town councils in Christchurch and in Bournemouth.

Public Question from Soo Chapman

Agenda Items 12 and 13 concern the well-being of children and young people. Young people should not have to fight for a habitable future nor should our children's life chances on a Grenfelling planet be ignored. 

The single page illustrated document I wrote, East Dorset Friends of the Earth endorsed & Bournemouth Borough Council printed, was distributed by myself and my late husband on our 30^th anniversary 24.7.2006 to all 12 Bournemouth libraries. Since then, no such document has appeared in libraries, doctors' surgeries nor anywhere to inform the public just what is happening to their world. Denialism is allowed to flourish and with it our chances of survival. 

An escalating, dangerous 429 parts per million CO2 when Earth's safe level is 350ppm, shows the failure of all authorities to respect, warn and prepare subsequent generations for the Anthropocene.

How does BCP plan to redress this?

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

Soo, thank you for your clear warnings.  

The Council are actively working on awareness for children and young people. Our Educational Improvement Team is assisting schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to address the Department for Education's ‘sustainability leadership and climate action plans’ initiative, which involves all education settings nominating a sustainability  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

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

“We the undersigned petition the council to produce and adopt a Christchurch Harbour Protect Policy now!”

Christchurch Harbour is dying! The salt marsh is disappearing and fish numbers are dwindling due to excessive pollution from the Stour and Avon. Pollution, including phosphate and nitrate levels are off the scale. We desperately need a Christchurch Harbour Protection Policy now, similar to that which protects Poole Harbour, in order to prevent the demise of this beautiful, natural estuary.

In accordance with the Constitution a petition with 2,000 + signatures will be referred for debate at a meeting of full Council. Council is asked to consider the petition and to determine the next steps.

Consideration was given to a petition calling for BCP Council to produce and adopt a Christchurch Harbour Protection Policy.

The petition organiser, Vanessa Ricketts, Secretary to the Christchurch Harbour Marine Society provided background relating to the submitted petition.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy spoke on the petition highlighting the work which has taken place and emphasising the pressures on the harbour.

Members spoke in support of the petition, thanking the petition organiser for bringing the petition to Council and Councillor Michael Tarling moved the following recommendation:

That the petition be referred to the next available Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting for consideration.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Andy Hadley.

Members spoke in support of recommendation.

RESOLVED that the petition be referred to the next available Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting for consideration.

Voting: Agreed with no dissent

Councillor Vanessa Ricketts left the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting on the item after presenting the petition as a member of the public and in her role as Secretary to the Christchurch Harbour Marine Society.

RECOMMENDED that the Financial Regulations as shown in Appendix A with the minor amendments reported and approved by the Committee be referred to Council for adoption with an operational ‘go live’ date of 1 April 2025.

In agreeing the above recommendation, the Committee noted that it may be necessary, at the discretion of the Procurement and Contract Management Team (PCM), to operationally implement some of the changes from 24 February 2025, which was the date new legislative requirements ‘go live’.

The Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, Councillor Marcus Andrews presented the report on the Financial Regulations – Annual evolution for the financial year 2025/26 and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that the Financial Regulations as shown in Appendix A with the minor amendments reported and approved by the Committee be adopted with an operational ‘go live’ date of 1 April 2025.

In agreeing the above recommendation, Council noted that it may be necessary, at the discretion of the Procurement and Contract Management Team (PCM), to operationally implement some of the changes from 24 February 2025, which was the date new legislative requirements ‘go live’.

Voting: Agreed with no dissent

RECOMMENDED that: -

the Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group draft recommendations, as set out in the schedules within the attached report be approved for publication and consultation with interested parties.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl presented the report on the Community Governance Review – Draft Recommendations and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

Councillor Kate Salmon proposed the following amendment to the recommendation to read: -

“The Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group draft recommendations, as set out in the schedules within the attached report excluding appendix K be approved for publication and consultation with interested parties.

That Appendix K be replaced with a new recommendation to leave those parts of Bournemouth not otherwise referred to within the report unparished.

This amendment was seconded by Councillor Joe Salmon.

Comprehensive discussion took place on the amendment with a number of members expressing concern with regards to the removal of ‘K’ prior to the public consultation.

Voting: For:14, Against:47, Abstentions:2

The proposed amendment fell with the voting set out as above.

Councillor Patrick Canavan proposed an amendment to the motion with the following additions to read: -

‘The Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group draft recommendations , as set out in the schedules within the attached report be approved for publication and consultation with interested parties subject to the amalgamation of Appendices G,H, I & K thus forming a single Town Council for Bournemouth and that the Head of Democratic Services be delegated to make any consequential adjustments to ward boundaries and electoral distribution.’

This amendment was seconded by Councillor Eleanor Connolly.

Members discussed the amendment and a number expressed concern with regards to the size of town council that would potentially be created with the amalgamation of areas.

Voting: For:10, Against:44, Abstentions:8

The proposed amendment fell with voting set out as above.

Councillors Paul Slade and Vikki Slade left the meeting at 8.43pm prior to the vote on the above amendment.

With both amendments having fallen, discussion then took place on the original recommendations as set out on the agenda.

Members spoke both in support and against the recommendations and proposed consultation with some members highlighting the benefits of town and parish councils and other members expressing concern with regards to the potential additional tier of local government.

RESOLVED that: -

the Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group draft recommendations, as set out in the schedules within the attached report be approved for publication and consultation with interested parties.

Voting: For:42, Against:19, Abstentions:1

The meeting adjourned at 9.27pm and reconvened at 9.45pm

Councillors Brian Hitchcock, David Martin, Chris Matthews, Pete Miles, Bernadette Nanovo, Karen Rampton, and Vanessa Ricketts left the meeting at 9.27pm

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Recommends to Council approval of the 2025/26 Local Transport Plan Capital Programme as set out in Appendix A and delegates the delivery to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations

(b)           Delegates the delivery of the Active Travel Fund 5 grant to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations

(c)           Recommends to Council approval of the indicative 2026/27 and 2027/28 Highways Maintenance Programmes as set out in Appendix B

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley presented the report on Our Place and Environment: Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme 2025/26 and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council: -

(a)          approved the 2025/26 Local Transport Plan Capital Programme as set out in Appendix A and delegated the delivery to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations;

(b)          delegated the delivery of the Active Travel Fund 5 grant to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations; and

(c)          approved the indicative 2026/27 and 2027/28 Highways Maintenance Programmes as set out in Appendix B.

Voting: For:44, Against:5, Abstentions:5

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends that Council: -

(a)           Agree the spending priorities for Strategic CIL set out in Option 2 over the period 2024/25 to 2029/30 provided CIL income is as forecast; and

(b)           Annually update this report for Cabinet and Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl presented the report on Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Council agreed the spending priorities for Strategic CIL set out in Option 2 over the period 2024/25 to 2029/30 provided CIL income is as forecast; and

(b)          An annual update on this report be brought to Cabinet and Council.

Voting: For: 52, Against: 2,  Abstentions: 0

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)           Cabinet recommends to Council acceptance of the £5.722m Bus Service Improvement Plan funding for 2025/26 from the Department for Transport

(b)           Cabinet recommends to Council to Delegate delivery of the BSIP programme, developed in conjunction with the Enhanced Partnership Board, to the Service Director for Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment

(c)           Cabinet agrees and recommends to Council a full review of all subsidised local bus service contracts ahead of the planned commencement of the withdrawal of the Bus Subsidy budget starting in 2026/27

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley presented the report on Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

The Vice Chair advised that there had been a request to take the recommendations separately and as such recommendations (a) and (b) would be taken together and (c) would be taken separately.

Some members expressed concern with regards to the review and potential withdrawal of the bus subsidy budget.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Council approved acceptance of the £5.722m Bus Service Improvement Plan funding for 2025/26 from the Department for Transport;

(b)           Council delegated delivery of the BSIP programme, developed in conjunction with the Enhanced Partnership Board, to the Service Director for Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment; and

(c)           Council agreed a full review of all subsidised local bus service contracts ahead of the planned commencement of the withdrawal of the Bus Subsidy budget starting in 2026/27

Voting: (a) and (b) Agreed with no dissent

            (c) For:47, Against:2, Abstentions:5

Councillor Clare Weight left the meeting at 22.36pm

RECOMMENDED that Council agree the capital programme as set out in the report, including the budget allocations set against the capital funding available for the period 2025/26 – 2026/27.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor Richard Burton presented the report on the Children’s Services Capital Strategy 2025/26-2027/28 and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED that Council agreed the capital programme as set out in the report, including the budget allocations set against the capital funding available for the period 2025/26 – 2026/27.

Voting: Agreed with no dissent

Councillor Paul Hilliard left the meeting at 22.40pm

Rebirth of Youth Services

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 S Carr-Brown

This Council Notes That

1.             The Government announced in November 2024 the development of a National Youth Strategy to give young people the opportunity to co-produce the strategy to support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and future.

2.             Local Authority spending on youth provision has reduced by 73% since 2010 which equates to £1 billion less being spent on young people each year.

3.             A distinction should be made between youth work as a professional relationship-based approach that empowers young people, and simply working with young people, which may not centre their needs, voices, or long-term development.

This Council Believes That:

1.          A strong, strategically funded youth service is essential for the well-being, safety, and future opportunities of young people in BCP.

2.          Youth voice must be embedded across all decision-making structures to ensure policies reflect the lived experiences, needs, and aspirations of young people.

3.          A clear distinction between youth work and working with young people must be understood and upheld in policy and practice, ensuring that youth work is valued as a professional, developmental process.

This Council Resolves To:

a)             Publicise the Government’s national survey which asks young people to respond by 9 April 2025.

b)             Develop a BCP strategic plan for the rebirth of youth services, ensuring that youth work is recognised, funded, and properly resourced.

c)             Establish a Youth Futures Hub, in line with the Government’s strategy, to directly engage young people in shaping local policies and decisions, ensuring meaningful representation at all levels of governance.

d)             To ask the Children’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee to conduct a review of existing current youth provision, identifying gaps and opportunities for investment in professional youth work, detached youth work, and community-based youth services.

Council was advised that one motion had been received on this occasion.

Rebirth of Youth Services

The following motion was submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 9 of the Meeting Procedure Rules and was moved by Councillor Peter Cooper and seconded by Councillor Patrick Canavan.

This Council Notes That

1.      The Government announced in November 2024 the development of a National Youth Strategy to give young people the opportunity to co-produce the strategy to support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and future.

2.      Local Authority spending on youth provision has reduced by 73% since 2010 which equates to £1 billion less being spent on young people each year.

3.      A distinction should be made between youth work as a professional relationship-based approach that empowers young people, and simply working with young people, which may not centre their needs, voices, or long-term development.

This Council Believes That:

1.      A strong, strategically funded youth service is essential for the well-being, safety, and future opportunities of young people in BCP.

2.      Youth voice must be embedded across all decision-making structures to ensure policies reflect the lived experiences, needs, and aspirations of young people.

3.      A clear distinction between youth work and working with young people must be understood and upheld in policy and practice, ensuring that youth work is valued as a professional, developmental process.

This Council Resolves To:

(a)     Publicise the Government’s national survey which asks young people to respond by 9 April 2025.

(b)    Develop a BCP strategic plan for the rebirth of youth services, ensuring that youth work is recognised, funded, and properly resourced.

(c)     Establish a Youth Futures Hub, in line with the Government’s strategy, to directly engage young people in shaping local policies and decisions, ensuring meaningful representation at all levels of governance.

(d)    To ask the Children’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee to conduct a review of existing current youth provision, identifying gaps and opportunities for investment in professional youth work, detached youth work, and community-based youth services.

Councillor Joe Salmon proposed an amendment to the motion with the following additions to read: -

1.    Add to "This Council Notes That":  

New Point 4:  

"Despite the change in government, funding levels for local authorities remain well below pre 2010 levels, making it challenging for councils to fully fund services for young people."  

2. Add to "This Council Believes That":  

New Point 4:  

"The council is not adequately funded by central government to deliver the services young people deserve, and further local tax increases would place an unsustainable burden on residents while failing to meet the need."  

3. New Point 5:  

"Given that the recent budget process saw no viable proposals to reprioritise funding towards children’s services, additional central government investment is the only way to secure meaningful improvements."  

4.  Add to "This Council Resolves To":  

New Point e):  

"To instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

The deadline for questions to be submitted to the Monitoring Officer is Monday 17 March 2025.

Question from Councillor Mark Howell

Does the Council have in place robust policies that prohibit the deliberate deletion of e-mails by officers and technical measures that maintain the integrity of data within officer email accounts so that emails cannot disappear. 

Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance, Councillor Jeff Hanna

Technical measures have been implemented to maintain the integrity of data within Officer and Member official mailboxes, ensuring that emails cannot disappear. This includes archiving all Council emails, which makes them available for five years, regardless of whether they have been deleted from an individual’s mailbox or if the individual leaves the organisation.

Supplementary question from Councillor Mark Howell

Just to say, so that you agree that it shouldn’t be possible for emails to disappear and not be locatable.

Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance, Councillor Jeff Hanna

I don’t think it’s a matter of opinion I think it is a matter of fact, that that is the way that the system works that it archives the information and makes it available for access from throughout the council systems. It doesn’t allow them to disappear forever.

Question from Councillor Philip Broadhead (at the Chairs discretion the question was read out by Councillor John Beesley in Councillor Broadheads absence)

While remote working has its place and can sometimes help to balance work and family life, there's equally a growing body of evidence that for many roles, productivity is greatest when people work from the office. This is especially important in many Council roles, particularly those involving interactions with our residents.  

Lib Dem-run Somerset Council recently admitted that they have five staff members based overseas including, inexplicably, two working in social care.  

Can the Cabinet Member confirm if BCP has any staff members working from overseas? Additionally, can you confirm what rough percentage of staff are not based in the office full time? Finally, can you confirm how many staff are not required to come into the office or equivalent place of work at all (and are therefore fully home-based)? 

Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance, Councillor Jeff Hanna

Our records show that there aren’t any BCP Council colleagues with a non-UK address.  We do know that both colleagues and councillors may carry out work from time to time whilst abroad and this can be as little as accessing e mails whilst on holiday. We have, however, received a sporadic number of requests from colleagues wishing to work abroad temporarily which was particularly heightened around the time of COVID and I believe that some requests have been agreed subject to certain conditions, only on a temporary basis for specific personal reasons. 

Our 2023 staff engagement survey had 2,504 responses which is a 52% response rate. We know that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

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.

Prior to the closing of the meeting the Chief Executive advised that Philip Gatrell had contacted him during the meeting to advise that the title of his submitted question had been omitted from his question, and the list of questions circulated to member. In regard to this the Chief Executive advised that the title of his question was ‘Council’s Performance Indicators in 150 permitted words’ and advised that this would be included in the minutes.