Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillors are required to comply with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 regarding disclosable pecuniary interests. Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made on this occasion.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 12 June 2019.

The Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 June 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed, subject to the addition of Councillor Anne Filer on the list of councillors in attendance.

The Cabinet agreed that future minutes should list the number of members of the public attending the meeting.

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/documents/s2305/Public%20Items%20-%20Meeting%20Procedure%20Rules.pdf 

The deadline for the submission of public questions is Friday 5 July 2019.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is 12.00 noon, Thursday 11 July 2019.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 12.00 noon, Thursday 11 July 2019.

The Leader reported that a public question had been submitted by Michael Forte.

Public Question from Michael Forte, local resident:

“Have the parties (BCP, Contractors and Sub-contractors) involved in the current programme to implement 5G technology in the BCP area undertaken a full Environmental Impact Assessment for all areas impacted (including the impact on wild and domestic animals, insects, plants and the health of humans) and openly shared the results of these with Cabinet Members?”

Response by Councillor Vikki Slade (Leader of the Council):

“No, a Full Environmental Impact Assessment has not been undertaken. For any Council led 5G deployment in the Lansdowne testbed, we will be looking at the environmental impact as part of the process. This will be shared with Cabinet Members. For commercial 5G deployment, the responsibility will be with the Mobile Network Operators to meet planning requirements and adhere to guidelines set by International Commission on Non-Ionising Radio Protection (ICNIRP).”

The Leader reported that the following statements had been submitted:

Statement from Sheela Hagan, local resident:

“I represent a growing number of BCP residents concerned about 5G. We were not consulted, and I do not give my permission to be part of the 5G experiment.  Concerned tourists and visitors may boycott BCP should 5G rollout. Whether 5G is harmful to life on Earth, is not clear.  Numerous scientific papers question its safety to life.  Lloyds refuse to cover 5G illness claims, our Government, have a basic duty of care, to safeguard citizens. A number of towns, are postponing 5G rollout whilst investigating its safety. Our Council should halt 5G until its safety has been confirmed.”

Statement from Sarah Ward, local resident, in relation to agenda item 6: Holes Bay, Poole (former Power Station Site) Acquisition Strategy:

“The Power Station site gives BCP Council an opportunity to illustrate its commitment to tackling the climate emergency through innovative, sustainable and zero carbon delivery.  By using a ‘community wealth building’ approach, using local skills, materials and supply chains, BCP could also support the local economy.  The housing crisis means record numbers are living in inadequate but expensive housing and there is a huge increase in rough sleeping.  The council must focus on how this development can be part of the solution by providing truly affordable and social housing alongside infrastructure that meets the growing demands the development will bring.”

Statement from Alix Digby-West, Power House Project Leader, in relation to agenda item 6: Holes Bay, Poole (former Power Station Site) Acquisition Strategy:

“The Power House – Poole is a local charity working towards building a landmark cultural and community centre in the heart of the Regeneration Area, connecting the new communities together and with the existing communities of Poole and Hamworthy. Our focus is creative arts, well-being, and enhancing youth provision and intergenerational activities in Poole. We are concerned that the current application for the former power station site does not provide sufficient community facilities. We believe a new approach is needed to deliver a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Armed Forces Covenant commits the Council to ensuring  that people who are currently serving and who have served in the Armed Forces and their Families receive respect, support and fair treatment and face no disadvantage compared with other citizens.

By virtue of its predecessor Councils being signatories to the Covenant, BCP Council is committed to the principles of the Covenant and delivery of relevant Council and multi-agency plans to implement the Covenant. Cabinet is asked to agree to the appointment of a Member Champion for the Covenant.

RESOLVED that Councillor David Kelsey be appointed Member Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

Signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant demonstrates the Council’s commitment to treating serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families with fairness and equity and to understanding and meeting their needs. A member champion for the Armed Forces will be Councillor representative on the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Board and a champion for the Council’s delivery of the Covenant.

The Leader presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. 

The Armed Forces Covenant committed the Council to ensuring that people who were currently serving and who had served in the Armed Forces and their Families received respect, support and fair treatment and faced no disadvantage compared with other citizens. By virtue of its predecessor Councils being signatories to the Covenant, BCP Council was committed to the principles of the Covenant and delivery of relevant Council and multi-agency plans to implement the Covenant.

The Cabinet was asked to agree to the appointment of a Member Champion for the Covenant, to be the Councillor representative on the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Board and a champion for the Council’s delivery of the Covenant.

RESOLVED that Councillor David Kelsey to be Member Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant as part of its Council-wide Commitment to the Covenant.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

To inform the Cabinet that the current private-sector led development for the former power station site has stalled and recommend the Council pursue an alternative approach which could enable the acquisition of the site with support from Homes England and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP).

RESOLVED that Cabinet

(a)             Notes that progress in bringing the site (indicatively edged red on the plan attached at appendix 1 of Report 6) forward has stalled and supports an alternative approach which seeks to explore options for bringing this key brownfield site into public ownership.

(b)            Allocates a sum of £150,000 from Homes England capacity funding to develop a site acquisition strategy with specialist estates and legal advice.

(c)           Notes that the acquisition strategy will be presented to Council and that members will then be presented with the full business case for site acquisition including the use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers as a contingency.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

To facilitate this key brownfield site to progress to deliver much needed housing and a new community in Poole, and seek to retain the external funding allocated for the site to address the significant adverse infrastructure costs.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. 

The Cabinet was advised that the current private-sector led development for the former power station site had stalled, and it was recommended that the Council pursue an alternative approach which could enable the acquisition of the site with support from Homes England and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP). The recommendations in the report aimed to progress the delivery of much needed housing, within the context of the Government’s housing targets for the BCP area, and to seek to retain the external funding allocated for the site which was time limited. The Portfolio Holder emphasised that the use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers was a contingency.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Board reported that the Board, at its meeting on 8 July 2019 resolved to support the recommendations as outlined within the Cabinet report. He requested that if there was further information available to support the risk, delivery or evidence base for recommendations it would be helpful to have this shared with the Overview and Scrutiny Board in future.

A number of Cabinet Members commented on the community, social and cultural benefits which the proposal could bring, and the opportunity to deliver a sustainable development on a brownfield site which would relieve pressure on the green belt. It was noted that the O&S Board would have the opportunity to consider the full business case for site acquisition. The Cabinet had regard to the statements provided by members of the public on this agenda item. It was noted that it was currently still in the landowners control to bring the site forward if they wished, but as the funding was time limited it was important for the Council to have a strategy in place.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(a)            Notes that progress in bringing the site (indicatively edged red on the plan attached at appendix 1) forward has stalled and supports an alternative approach which seeks to explore options for bringing this key brownfield site into public ownership.

(b)           Allocates a sum of £150,000 from Homes England capacity funding to develop a site acquisition strategy with specialist estates and legal advice.

(c)           Notes that the acquisition strategy will be presented to Council and that members will then be presented with the full business case for site acquisition including the use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers as a contingency.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing

The purpose of this report is to

1.    To seek funding approval of £170,000 for a feasibility study to reimagine the BIC for the next 30+ years

2.    Provide an update regarding the hotel project relating to the site adjacent to the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)

3.    To seek commitment for the continued reinvestment of a proportion of the annual service fee, payable by BH Live, for the short to medium term refurbishment priorities for the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), under any scenario

.

RESOLVED that

(a)        Cabinet approves £170,000 funding for a feasibility study to reimagine the BIC for the next 30+ years

(b)       Cabinet formally agrees to the discontinuance of the procurement process authorised by the Cabinet of Bournemouth Borough Council in October 2018 relating to the hotel adjacent to the BIC.

(c)        Cabinet confirms its commitment to ongoing investment in the BIC in order for it to remain competitive and requests officers to make specific investment recommendations at a future Cabinet meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

These are in line with the strategic priorities of the Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Cabinet was advised that it was proposed to undertake a feasibility study to consider wider options for refurbishing or replacing the BIC for the next 30+ years. The proposal was considered timely, taking into account the age of the BIC and the opportunity to cease the procurement process for the hotel development on the site adjacent to the BIC. This would enable the Council to take a holistic approach to the site, providing a comprehensive list of options going forward.

The Chairman of the O&S Board reported that the Board, at its meeting on 8 July 2019 resolved to support recommendations (a) and (c) as outlined within the Cabinet report but disagreed with recommendation (b). The Board considered that the procurement process for the hotel site should be continued and a further decision taken on whether to proceed should be taken following the outcome of the procurement process. It was noted that this was not a unanimous decision of the Board and had required the Chairman to use his casting vote.

In considering the recommendations, a number of Cabinet Members commented on the strategic importance of the BIC and supported the reasons for including the site adjacent to the BIC in considering the whole site. It was acknowledged that this was a change in approach to the site from that of the preceding authority and would enable the Council to look at the whole range of options. It was not considered appropriate for the Council to proceed with the procurement process unless this was done in good faith. The Cabinet was not minded to change the recommendations.

RESOLVED that:

1.     Cabinet approves £170,000 funding for a feasibility study to reimagine the BIC for the next 30+ years

2.     Cabinet formally agrees to the discontinuance of the procurement process authorised by the Cabinet of Bournemouth Borough Council in October 2018 relating to the hotel adjacent to the BIC.

3.     Cabinet confirms its commitment to ongoing investment in the BIC in order for it to remain competitive and requests officers to make specific investment recommendations at a future Cabinet meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, and the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture

The Princess Road and Prince of Wales Road site previously contained 9 detached and semi-detached properties of accommodation for approximately 60 people with complex needs.  The only property remaining is 129-131 Princess Road, the other properties having been demolished due to their condition and in readiness for the new development.

The current proposal presents a new build scheme of 121 apartments and a 20-bed family hostel and associated parking to be provided on this site.  This is a significant increase in the number of homes on the site and will help towards imminent new Local Plan housing targets and will also contribute significantly to unmet housing needs.

RECOMMENDED that Full Council

1.       Approves the proposed £32m housing scheme for progressing to planning and subsequent tender, commencement and completion of build subject to the conditions set out in the Financial Strategyand authorises the Corporate Director for Environment and Community to approve necessary appropriations and contractual and legal agreements in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer.

2.       Approves the financial strategy for the scheme as set out in paragraphs 34 to 58 with specific approval for:

2a. The appropriation of land from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to enable the development of the affordable housing is valued at £1.25m.

2b. £18.222m of prudential borrowing to be repaid over 50 years with £8.88m being used to finance the General Fund (Hostel and Private Rented Sector) scheme and £9.342m being used to finance the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (Affordable rented and Shared Ownership Scheme).    

2c. The utilisation of the capital receipt (valued at £495k) from the sale of the building at Oxford Road referred to in paragraph 43 of the report.

3.     Authorises the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to determine the detailed funding arrangements.

4.     Authorises the Corporate Property Officer in consultation with the Monitoring Officer to agree the detailed contract provisions; and

5.     Approves the grant of a 25-year lease of the completed private rented sector (PRS) part of the development to Seascape Homes and Property Limited on terms to be agreed by the Corporate Property Officer in consultation with the Monitoring Officer.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

To enable the proposed housing scheme to progress with the agreed funding arrangements through to planning and subsequent completion in order to deliver the wide range of benefits to the Council and local communities.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Cabinet was advised that the Princess Road and Prince of Wales Road site previously contained 9 detached and semi-detached properties of accommodation for approximately 60 people with complex needs.  The only property remaining was 129-131 Princess Road, the other properties having been demolished due to their condition and in readiness for the new development. The current proposal presented a new build scheme of 121 apartments and a 20-bed family hostel and associated parking to be provided on this site.  The Portfolio Holder emphasised that this was a really good scheme, providing a large mixed tenure development with the majority being affordable homes. It would help towards imminent new Local Plan housing targets and would contribute significantly to unmet housing needs.

The Leader of the Council thanked Councillor Bob Lawton for his role in bringing this scheme forward as previous Portfolio Holder in the former Bournemouth Borough Council. Councillor Lawton commended the scheme to the Cabinet.

A Councillor present at the meeting asked the Cabinet to rethink the scheme due to the lack of social housing in the proposed tenure and concerns about the affordability of ‘affordable housing’ for many people on the housing register.

The Chairman of the O&S Board reported that the Board, at its meeting on 8 July 2019 resolved to support the recommendations as outlined within the Cabinet report.

In considering the recommendations, Cabinet Members supported the principle of social housing as a priority consideration in new builds going forward. The Portfolio Holder reported that he had challenged officers on this issue, however the £5.1 million subsidy required for social rented homes in this case would have made the total scheme unviable. It was noted that 72% of the total homes on the proposed site would be affordable rent and shared ownership at local housing allowance rates, which was considerably higher then the 40% required within policy.

RECOMMENDED that Full Council:

1.      Approves the proposed £32m housing scheme for progressing to planning and subsequent tender, commencement and completion of build subject to the conditions set out in the Financial Strategyand authorises the Corporate Director for Environment and Community to approve necessary appropriations and contractual and legal agreements in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer.

2.      Approves the financial strategy for the scheme as set out in paragraphs 34 to 58 with specific approval for:

2a. The appropriation of land from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to enable the development of the affordable housing is valued at £1.25m.

2b. £18.222m of prudential borrowing to be repaid over 50 years with £8.88m being used to finance the General Fund (Hostel and Private Rented Sector) scheme and £9.342m being used to finance the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (Affordable rented and Shared Ownership Scheme).    

2c. The utilisation of the capital receipt (valued  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Happyland is a prime beachfront site that is in need of extensive repair or redevelopment in order to comply with the Council’s obligations under the lease and to ensure the future stability of the cliff. As a result of comprehensive legal and procurement advice, entering into a licence with the Meyrick Estate to allow development of the site is considered the most appropriate course of action. This report sets out the proposed option and seeks approval for the recommendation set out below to enable the redevelopment of the site.

Not applicable

The Leader reported that this item was being postponed until the Cabinet meeting in September, to enable the Cabinet to be provided with clarity on a number of outstanding issues.

The Cabinet is requested for reasons set out in this covering report and the appendices to give approval for public consultation on a number of proposed Traffic Regulation Orders and approval on a number of Traffic Regulation Orders which have been out to public consultation.

Cabinet is also being asked to agree to delegated approval in future for Traffic Regulation Orders and related Highways Orders where they have been subject to the required public consultation and no objections are received.

RESOLVED that Cabinet

1.     Having considered the representations on advertised Traffic Regulation Orders, approves the making of the Order in respect of the following which are set out in Appendices A – C:

Dunyeats Road

Whittles Way

West Quay Road

2.     Gives approval to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for the following in connection with schemes currently under construction, approved developments or external funding as set out in Appendix D:

Blackwater Junction Slip Roads

Holes Bay Road/Dorset Way

Blandford Close

Lake Avenue

3.     Gives approval to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for the following Council schemes set out in Appendices E-G:

Lower Blandford Road

Stourbank Road

Danecourt Road

4.     Approves Traffic Regulation Orders in respect of the following where no representations have been received as set out in Appendix H:

Woodend Rd

Holdenhurst Road

Lansdown Road

Oxford Road

St Paul’s Place

5.     Approves changes to pedestrian crossing arrangements in Oxford Road and Charminster Avenue where no representations have been received as set out in Appendix H.

6.     Notes that a 20mph speed limit will be implemented in the Tatnam Road area referred to in Appendix H.

7.   Delegates authority to the Director for Growth and Infrastructure to make Traffic Regulation Orders and related Highways Orders where the required public consultation has been undertaken and no objections have been received.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON:

To enable the relevant Traffic regulation Orders to be made and required public consultation exercises to be undertaken. The delegation will enable future orders to be made without requiring Cabinet report and approval in cases where no objections have been received.

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report sought Cabinet approval for public consultation on a number of proposed Traffic Regulation Orders and a number of Traffic Regulation Orders which have been out to public consultation. The Cabinet was also asked to agree to delegate approval in future for Traffic Regulation Orders and related Highways Orders where these had been subject to the required public consultation and no objections received.

The Leader of the Council explained that for the purposes of transparency it had been agreed that items such as this which may previously have been dealt with through individual Portfolio Holder decisions, were now being determined by the Cabinet.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1.     Having considered the representations on advertised Traffic Regulation Orders, approves the making of the Order in respect of the following which are set out in Appendices A – C:

Dunyeats Road

Whittles Way

West Quay Road

2.     Gives approval to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for the following in connection with schemes currently under construction, approved developments or external funding as set out in Appendix D:

Blackwater Junction Slip Roads

Holes Bay Road/Dorset Way

Blandford Close

Lake Avenue

3.     Gives approval to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for the following Council schemes set out in Appendices E-G:

Lower Blandford Road

Stourbank Road

Danecourt Road

4.     Approves Traffic Regulation Orders in respect of the following where no representations have been received as set out in Appendix H:

Woodend Rd

Holdenhurst Road

Lansdown Road

Oxford Road

St Paul’s Place

5.     Approves changes to pedestrian crossing arrangements in Oxford Road and Charminster Avenue where no representations have been received as set out in Appendix H.

6.     Notes that a 20mph speed limit will be implemented in the Tatnam Road area referred to in Appendix H.

7.      Delegates authority to the Director for Growth and Infrastructure to make Traffic Regulation Orders and related Highways Orders where the required public consultation has been undertaken and no objections have been received.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transport and Infrastructure

The Shadow Authority adopted a Constitution for BCP Council at its meeting on 21 February 2019.

The Constitution sets out how decisions on planning applications are made, including when they have to be considered by the Planning Committee.

It provides for Councillors in their Ward Councillor role to“call-in” certain specified types of applications to be considered by the Planning Committee if the site is within their Ward.

Concerns have been raised about these provisions and as a result they have been reviewed. This Report sets out proposals for Cabinet to consider and recommend to Council for approval at the meeting of Full Council on 16 July 2019.

RECOMMENDED that Full Council approve the following recommendations:

1.     Householder applications are within the scope of the planning applications that can be subject to Councillor call in to Committee.

2.     The call-in provisions for Planning Applications are extended to include all Councillors, on the same basis as that which applies to Ward Councillors currently, namely that the Councillor should set out why the application is potentially contentious and raises material planning issues that affect their ward or would affect the wider public interest. This is provided that the issue has been discussed with Ward Councillors or that Ward Councillors have been informed.

3. The period within which Councillors can request a call in is extended and must be made within 30 calendar days of the date the application was registered.

4.     A Councillor that has called in an application for consideration by Planning Committee may withdraw their request at any time up until seven days before publication of the Agenda for the meeting of the Planning Committee.

5.     A Councillor may make a conditional request that an application be called in – on the basis that it be called in to be considered by Committee if the officer is proposing to grant/refuse the application, in accordance with the process set out more fully in paragraph 19 below.

6.     That the Constitution be amended to reflect and implement the above.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

To provide further public and democratic engagement with the planning decision making process and ensure that there are greater powers for elected Councillors and community representatives to refer matters to Planning Committee in cases where there is public interest and material planning reasons for debate at the Committee. This is intended to provide further transparency and to reinforce confidence in the planning process.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Cabinet was advised that the Shadow Authority adopted a Constitution for BCP Council at its meeting on 21 February 2019, which included provision for Councillors in their Ward Councillor role to“call-in” certain specified types of applications to be considered by the Planning Committee if the site is within their Ward. In response to concerns raised, these provisions had now been reviewed, resulting in recommendations being put forward for Cabinet to consider and recommend to Council for approval at its meeting on 16 July 2019.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the recommendations were intended to provide further public and democratic engagement in the planning decision making process and ensure greater powers for elected councillors to refer matters to Planning Committee. She reported that the following two recommendations in the report had been amended following discussion at the O&S Board on 8 July 2019:

Recommendation 2 to be reworded as follows (amendments in italics):

The call-in provisions for Planning Applications are extended to include all Councillors, on the same basis as that which applied to Ward Councillors currently, namely that the Councillor should set out why the application is potentially contentious and raises material planning issues that affect their ward or would affect the wider public interest. This is provided that the issue has been discussed with Ward Councillors or that Ward Councillors have been informed.

Recommendation 6 to be deleted, in recognition of the current disparity across the BCP area, to be addressed in due course through a comprehensive review of community governance arrangements. In the meantime, parish and town councils and neighbourhood forums would be contacted and advised of the role of ward councillors in representing their local communities in the planning process as set out in the revised recommendations

For clarity it was also agreed at the Cabinet meeting to add the word ‘calendar’ in Recommendation 3 to read ‘…30 calendar days…’

The Chairman of the O&S Board confirmed that the Board, at its meeting on 8 July 2019, had supported the recommendations as outlined in the Cabinet report with the exception of those set out below:

1.   Cabinet be recommended that recommendation 2 as outlined in the Cabinet report be approved with the following amendments:

(a)  That, after the words “material planning issues,” the words “that affect their ward” be added.

(b)  That at the end of the recommendation the following words be added: “provided that the issue has been discussed with the Ward Councillors or that the Ward Councillors have been informed”.

2.   The Overview and Scrutiny Board did not support recommendation 6 as outlined in the Cabinet report.

1.     The Board informally requested that the Portfolio Holder consider widening the scope to have planning issues brought to the Planning Committee through public involvement, through means such as the number of valid  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To present the Youth Justice Plan for 2019/20. There is a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which must provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services. This report summarises the Youth Justice Plan for 2019/20, with a copy of the Plan appended. The Youth Justice Plan needs to be approved by the full Council.

RECOMMENDED that the report, having been endorsed by Cabinet, be approved by Full Council.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

Youth Offending Teams are required to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which should be approved by the Local Authority for that Youth Offending Team and by the Youth Justice Board. Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service works across both BCP Council and Dorset Council. Indicative approval has been received from the Youth Justice Board. The draft Youth Justice Plan has been approved by the Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service Partnership Board.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

It was noted that there was a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which must provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services. The report summarised the Youth Justice Plan for 2019/20, with a copy of the Plan appended. The Youth Justice Plan was required to be approved by the full Council.

The Portfolio Holder gave an update on key performance indicators. She also highlighted the work of the speech and language therapist, which was non statutory but of great benefit to young people, staff and the courts.

RECOMMENDED that the report, having been endorsed by Cabinet, be approved by Full Council.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

In line with best practice expectations, BCP Council has produced a self-assessment of its current performance in delivering Children’s Services.  This will guide and inform service and practice improvement activity. 

RESOLVED that Cabinet receives and notes the Self-Assessment of BCP Children’s baseline performance in the knowledge that the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny received the self-assessment at the June meeting and plans to scrutinise the performance and the improvement plan in the July meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

Cabinet to have early oversight of the baseline performance of BCP Council Children’s Services in meeting the needs of Children, Young People and their families.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

In line with best practice expectations, BCP Council had produced a self-assessment of its current performance in delivering Children’s Services.  This would guide and inform service and practice improvement activity.  The report enabled Cabinet to have an early oversight of baseline performance before being considered by Children’s Overview and Scrutiny in July.

RESOLVED that Cabinet receives and notes the Self-Assessment of BCP Children’s baseline performance in the knowledge that the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny received the self-assessment at the June meeting and plans to scrutinise the performance and the improvement plan in the July meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

The delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Dorset has been a significant undertaking in which the safety and continuity of services was always critical to the success of the programme. With the Vesting Day of BCP Council now three months behind us, it is appropriate to reflect on the framework used to deliver the programme.

Phase 1 of the Programme has been completed and Phase 2 has been materially completed. It was always planned to allow Phase 2 to “over-hang” Vesting Day by six months to acknowledge that some activities would not be completed prior to Vesting Day, while also ensuring the programme remained focus on monitoring and stabilisation of services during the initial phase of the new  Council. During the transition from the preceding authorities to BCP Council, all services continued to be delivered safely and no residents of the area were materially impacted by the LGR Process.

Phase 3 of the programme, relating to the scoping of the potential Transformation of the Council, is now underway and will report back later in the year.

RESOLVED that

(a)   Cabinet notes the successful delivery of Phases 1 and 2 of the programme to deliver the LGR process for BCP Council, and

(b)   Agrees to receive and consider at a subsequent meeting the outcome of the Organisational Design workstream that will shape the transformation programme of BCP Council going forward, and

(c)   Notes the continuing delegation to BCP Corporate Management Board to utilise the resources allocated for the delivery of Phases 1 and 2 of the LGR Programme.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

To provide Cabinet with a review of the delivery of LGR in Dorset for BCP Council and acknowledge the closure of Phases 1 and 2 of the BCP Programme.

The Leader of the Council presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'I' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Cabinet was advised that Phase 1 and 2 of the LGR Programme had been delivered successfully and under budget, for which the Corporate Director of Resources and Director of Finance should be congratulated. Phase 3 of the programme, relating to the scoping of the potential Transformation of the Council supported by a third-party facilitator, was now underway. The Leader referred to the challenges ahead and the importance of moving forward as quickly as possible.

The Cabinet paid tribute to staff across all preceding authorities and in BCP Council for achieving the aim of seamless transition from the public’s perspective, and in achieving this on top of their day to day work during a time of uncertainty.

The Leader reported that the Corporate Strategy was being developed and it was anticipated that this would be subject to consultation with councillors over the summer.

RESOLVED that

(a)  Cabinet notes the successful delivery of Phases 1 and 2 of the programme to deliver the LGR process for BCP Council, and

(b)  Agrees to receive and consider at a subsequent meeting the outcome of the Organisational Design workstream that will shape the transformation programme of BCP Council going forward, and

(c)  Notes the continuing delegation to BCP Corporate Management Board to utilise the resources allocated for the delivery of Phases 1 and 2 of the LGR Programme.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (Part 4) devolved power from the Secretary of State to principal councils to carry out community governance reviews and put in place or make changes to local community governance arrangements.

The Council is under a duty to carry out a community governance review if it receives a valid community governance petition for the whole or part of the council’s area.

Cabinet is asked to note the receipt of a valid petition and the duty to undertake a Community Governance Review and to approve the terms of reference and timetable to commence a review for that area defined in the petition.

RESOLVED that

(a)    a Community Governance Review be conducted, in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, and the timetable and terms of reference for the Review, as set out at Appendix 1 to this report, be approved;

(b)     the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to take all necessary steps in relation to the Review;

(c)    a Task and Finish Group, to consider the Review and make recommendations to the Council, be appointed, comprising five councillors (two Conservative, one Liberal Democrat, one Independent, and one Poole People Party), with Muscliff and Strouden Park ward councillors being invited in an advisory capacity.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

To comply with the duty to undertake a community governance review following the receipt of a valid petition.

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'J' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (Part 4) devolved power from the Secretary of State to principal councils to carry out community governance reviews and put in place or make changes to local community governance arrangements. The Portfolio Holder advised that a valid petition had been received in respect of Throop and Holdenhurst. In accordance with the above legislation, the Council had a duty to respond to the petition, by undertaking a community governance review and approving the terms of reference and timetable to commence the review for that area defined in the petition.

The Portfolio Holder reported a proposed amendment to Recommendation 3 of the report, to enable a councillor from Poole People Party to be included in the membership of the Task and Finish Group, therefore increasing the membership from four to five councillors.  The Cabinet also agreed to delete the word ‘other’ from Recommendation 3.

A number of Cabinet Members commented on the importance of this proposal in giving a voice to the community at a local level.

The Leader of the Council reported that it was the intention of the Council to undertake a wider review of community governance arrangements across most if not all of the BCP area, to enable a comprehensive approach to be adopted for the future.

It was clarified that the recommendations before Cabinet at this meeting did not require a Full Council decision.

RESOLVED that

(a)    a Community Governance Review be conducted, in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, and the timetable and terms of reference for the Review, as set out at Appendix 1 to this report, be approved;

(b)    the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to take all necessary steps in relation to the Review;

(c)      a Task and Finish Group, to consider the Review and make recommendations to the Council, be appointed, comprising five councillors (two Conservative, one Liberal Democrat, one Independent, and one Poole People Party), with Muscliff and Strouden Park ward councillors being invited in an advisory capacity.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

To advise Cabinet of the Department for Education advice that the Council is required to determine a single Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for the 2020-21 academic year and a Relevant Area for consultation on admission arrangements.

To recommend the arrangements to be adopted.

To seek permission to consult on a single Relevant Area for consultation on school admission arrangements for the 2021-22 academic year.

RESOLVED that

(a)         Cabinet adopts:

(i)               the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for the administration of the 2020-21 school admissions application process as set out in para. 10 Appendix 1 as required by Para 3.2 of The School Admissions Code 2014

(ii)             the continuation of the Relevant Areas for consultation for admission arrangements for the 2020-21 year as determined by the previous authorities as set out in para 7

(b)   Cabinet approves the commencement of statutory consultation on a single Relevant Area for consultation on school admission arrangements for 2021-22 onwards as set out in para 9 in accordance with 1998 School Standards and Framework Act

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

To ensure that BCP Council is able to meet its statutory duties in relation to school admissions and to support consistency and transparency for schools and BCP residents who apply for a school place.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'K' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Cabinet was advised of the Department for Education advice that the Council is required to determine a single Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for the 2020-21 academic year and a Relevant Area for consultation on admission arrangements for 2021-22, as set out in the report. 

RESOLVED that

(a)        Cabinet adopts:

(i)              the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for the administration of the 2020-21 school admissions application process as set out in para. 10 Appendix 1 as required by Para 3.2 of The School Admissions Code 2014

(ii)            the continuation of the Relevant Areas for consultation for admission arrangements for the 2020-21 year as determined by the previous authorities as set out in para 7

(b)   Cabinet approves the commencement of statutory consultation on a single Relevant Area for consultation on school admission arrangements for 2021-22 onwards as set out in para 9 in accordance with 1998 School Standards and Framework Act

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

The Leader to report on further appointments to outside bodies.

RECOMMENDED that Full Council approves appointments to outside bodies as appropriate.

The Leader of the Council reported that a schedule of appointments to outside bodies which had not yet been confirmed would be submitted to Full Council on 16 July 2019.

To consider a draft updated Cabinet Forward Plan for approval.

NOTED that the latest version of the Forward Plan is currently being updated and that an additional meeting of Cabinet in September will be arranged due to the amount of business scheduled.

The Cabinet noted that the latest version of the Forward Plan was being updated and that an additional meeting of Cabinet would be arranged in September due to the amount of business scheduled.

It was noted that the O&S Board had also recommended two meetings of Cabinet and the O&S Board in September.

The Leader of the Council reported that it may be expedient to arrange the additional meeting in the latter part of September to enable a number of reviews taking place over the summer period to be considered. She recommended that the O&S Board may wish to consider grouping reports on the agenda for its September meetings according to specific Portfolio Holders.