Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

Councillor Nigel Brooks declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute Nos. 20 (Bournemouth Development Company LLP Business Plan) and 22 (Annual Review of Housing Wholly Owned Companies) and remained present.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 26 May 2021.

The Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 26 May 2021 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

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 4 clear working days before 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.

The Leader advised that there had been no statements or petitions received on this occasion but that four Members of the Public had submitted questions all relating to Agenda Item 9 (High Streets Strategy (Update)). The questions were read out on behalf of the Members of the Public and were each responded to by the Portfolio Holder in turn. The submitted questions and responses are set out below:

Question from Geoffrey Furnell

Will Councillor Broadhead consider the way in which the Christchurch Regeneration Subject was handled.

Were all Christchurch Town Councillors and BCP Councillors representing Christchurch contacted directly with full plans and costings?

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration Economy and Strategic Planning

I thank Mr Furnell for his question. I have no idea which Christchurch Regeneration subject Mr Furnell is referring to. At present, the only project we have even started thinking about is the regeneration of the former Christchurch Civic centre. Even this is at a very early stage and I will be first liaising with Christchurch Councillors and the Town Council before beginning any formal work on scoping that project. We currently have no other projects in Christchurch but are certainly on the hunt for good ideas, which will of course be led by the public. As such, the full plans and costings associated with any projects is £0, as there are no projects in the pipeline.

Question from Peter Fenning

“Within the BCP regeneration proposals for Christchurch Town Centre is one to establish a community hub within the area of the Christchurch bowling green. Is Councillor Broadhead aware that this site is within the Christchurch Central Conservation Area and is a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument and can he explain why it is to be established there.”

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration Economy and Strategic Planning

I thank Mr Fenning for his question. I have no idea what “BCP regeneration proposals for Christchurch Town Centre” Mr Fenning is referring to. We currently have no projects in train aside from very early scoping work on the former Civic Centre. This is the first I have heard about proposals to establish a community hub within the area of the bowling green. However, I do love the idea of providing a further community hub in Christchurch and will happily explore proposals to create one in the right place if such proposals are presented to me. This administration is determined to right size the underinvestment in Christchurch and I encourage anyone with good ideas to get in touch with us!

Question from Councillor Avril Coulton – Deputy Mayor of Christchurch Town Council   

Could Councillor Broadhead confirm that BCP Council is actively planning to build an extra storey of car parking on the Waitrose car park in Christchurch and demolishing the Saxon Square car park in order to replace it with a larger car park.  

These ideas are encompassed by the Christchurch Regeneration subject. Where is the money coming from to pay for this and where can the costings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To consider recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on items not otherwise included on the Cabinet Agenda.

Cabinet was advised that there were no additional recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on items not otherwise included on the Cabinet Agenda on this occasion.

This report provides details of the final financial outturn for the revenue account, capital programme, reserves, and the housing revenue account (HRA) for the financial year 2020/21. It also includes a small number of proposed virements to the budget for 2021/22 for new grants awarded since the budget was set in February. 

The general fund revenue outturn is a surplus of £5.1 million for the year which it is proposed be added to the earmarked medium term financial plan (MTFP) mitigation reserve to manage financial risks over this timeframe. This period includes major projects to transform how the council operates and to regenerate the area. This is an improved position compared with quarter three from work concluded in the final quarter to make the best use of all available grants to support unbudgeted Covid expenditure within services, reductions in cost pressures, most notably within adult social care, and significant income streams performing better than expected.   

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the year-end financial outturn positions achieved including revenue, capital, reserves and for the HRA;

(b)           accepted the 2021/22 awards from Public Health England for the drug & alcohol homeless grant of £0.688 million and the criminal justice system grant of £0.414 million and delegates authority to the directors of adult social care and housing to implement the programmes of revenue expenditure as set out in paragraphs 92 to 101; and

(c)           agreed the capital virement in paragraph 153.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           agree the transfer of the £5.1 million surplus for the year to the MTFP mitigation reserve;

(b)           agree that the contain outbreak management fund (COMF) allocation for 2021/22 of £2.533 million is retained in a contingency to manage any outbreaks that may occur later in the year, as recommended by the director of public health as set out in paragraph83; and

(c)           agree the capital virements in paragraph 154.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to report their end of year financial position compared with the budget of the authority.

To comply with the council’s financial regulations regarding budget virements and the acceptance of new grants.

The Leader 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.

Cabinet was informed that the report provided details of the final financial outturn for the revenue account, capital programme, reserves, and the housing revenue account (HRA) for the financial year 2020/21, and that it also included a small number of proposed virements to the budget for 2021/22 for new grants awarded since the budget was set in February. 

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the general fund revenue outturn is a surplus of £5.1 million for the year which it is proposed be added to the earmarked medium term financial plan (MTFP) mitigation reserve to manage financial risks over this timeframe and that this period included major projects to transform how the council operates and to regenerate the area.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that this is an improved position compared with quarter three from work concluded in the final quarter to make the best use of all available grants to support unbudgeted Covid expenditure within services, reductions in cost pressures, most notably within adult social care, and significant income streams performing better than expected.  

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the year-end financial outturn positions achieved including revenue, capital, reserves and for the HRA;

(b)           accepted the 2021/22 awards from Public Health England for the drug & alcohol homeless grant of £0.688 million and the criminal justice system grant of £0.414 million and delegates authority to the directors of adult social care and housing to implement the programmes of revenue expenditure as set out in paragraphs 92 to 101; and

(c)           agreed the capital virement in paragraph 153.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           agree the transfer of the £5.1 million surplus for the year to the MTFP mitigation reserve;

(b)           agree that the contain outbreak management fund (COMF) allocation for 2021/22 of £2.533 million is retained in a contingency to manage any outbreaks that may occur later in the year, as recommended by the director of public health as set out in paragraph83; and

(c)           agree the capital virements in paragraph 154.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

This report:

·      Presents the latest medium-term financial plan (MTFP) of the council to reflect government announcements since the February 2021 budget report and updated assumptions.

·      Proposes a financial strategy to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2022/23. 

Proposes a budget planning process and timeline for key financial reports.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)            approved the budget planning process as referenced in paragraph 26;

(b)           approved the timeline for key financial reports during 2021/22 as set out in appendix A;

(c)            approved the financial strategy as referenced in paragraphs 18 to 23 and as set out in appendix B;

(d)           approved the allocation of a further £240k to support the Councils response to the climate change and ecological emergency as referenced in paragraph 25; and

(e)            noted the updated MTFP position and the key financial planning assumptions as set out in appendix C.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which require councils to have a rolling multi-year medium term financial plan.

To provide Cabinet with the latest high-level overview of the medium-term financial plan.

To present a proposed financial strategy to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2021/22.

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

Cabinet was informed that the report presented the latest medium-term financial plan (MTFP) of the council to reflect government announcements since the February 2021 budget report and updated assumptions, and further to this that it proposes a financial strategy to support the delivery of a balanced budget for 2022/23 and a budget planning process and timeline for key financial reports.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

1)              approved the budget planning process as referenced in paragraph 26;

2)              approved the timeline for key financial reports during 2021/22 as set out in appendix A;

3)              approved the financial strategy as referenced in paragraphs 18 to 23 and as set out in appendix B;

4)              approved the allocation of a further £240k to support the Councils response to the climate change and ecological emergency as referenced in paragraph 25; and

5)              noted the updated MTFP position and the key financial planning assumptions as set out in appendix C.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

The report seeks approval of a Corporate Flag Flying Policy, attached at Appendix 1, which consolidates the three policies from the legacy Councils and takes account of current national guidance.  

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           the draft Corporate Flag Flying Policy as attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and

(b)           the proposed arrangements for the Charter Trustees for Bournemouth and Poole be noted acknowledging that it is a matter for each of the Charter Trustees to determine their own arrangements for flag flying and marking events during the mayoral year.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To consolidate the flag flying policies from the legacy Councils into a corporate flag flying policy and ensure compliance with national guidance where appropriate and to determine any local arrangements.

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

Cabinet was advised that the report sought approval of a Corporate Flag Flying Policy, attached at Appendix 1, which consolidates the three policies from the legacy Councils and takes account of current national guidance.  

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           the draft Corporate Flag Flying Policy as attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and

(b)           the proposed arrangements for the Charter Trustees for Bournemouth and Poole be noted acknowledging that it is a matter for each of the Charter Trustees to determine their own arrangements for flag flying and marking events during the mayoral year.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

The High Streets Strategy report presented at February Cabinet approved the development of a strategy and action plan with partners that enables the delivery interventions to support our high streets and district centres. This is progressing well.

During the development of this work, it has become clear that there is significant work underway which deserved to be highlighted.  This report highlights examples of and provides updates on some of the exciting and positive interventions, as part of our strategy work, that are making our high streets and district centres places that people will want to visit and spend time in once again.   

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          noted the excellent examples of ongoing work detailed in the report and commended the work of officers on the positive impact these projects are making to our high streets and district centres;

(b)         supported the work of partner organisations in the projects they are driving and enabling to also deliver energy and vibrancy in our high streets and district centres;

(c)           encouraged further collaboration between all those with an interest in helping our high streets and district centres bounce back from COVID19; and

(d)           noted that this report is an update on the activity happening on the ground at present and that a full strategy and action plan will be delivered in the future.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

Reason

To continue supporting our high streets and district centres as part of the Big Plan and Corporate Strategy priorities.

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

Cabinet was advised that the High Streets Strategy report presented at February Cabinet approved the development of a strategy and action plan with partners that enables the delivery interventions to support our high streets and district centres, and that this is progressing well.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that during the development of this work, it had become clear that there is significant work underway which deserved to be highlighted, and that this report highlights examples of and provides updates on some of the exciting and positive interventions, as part of our strategy work, that are making our high streets and district centres places that people will want to visit and spend time in once again. 

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board had welcomed the initiative but had stressed the importance of engagement with ward members and town and parish councils.

Councillor Hilliard addressed the Cabinet highlighting the confusion with residents with regards to the assumption that a strategy already existed. In addition, Councillor Hilliard advised of the importance of engagement and for there being a range of engagement methods so as to include those who aren’t able to respond digitally.

The Portfolio Holder expressed thanks to the Lead Member for BCP Retail Strategy and Christchurch Regeneration for his hard work, and in addition advised that the consultation is ongoing.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          noted the excellent examples of ongoing work detailed in the report and commended the work of officers on the positive impact these projects are making to our high streets and district centres;

(b)         supported the work of partner organisations in the projects they are driving and enabling to also deliver energy and vibrancy in our high streets and district centres;

(c)           encouraged further collaboration between all those with an interest in helping our high streets and district centres bounce back from COVID19; and

(d)           noted that this report is an update on the activity happening on the ground at present and that a full strategy and action plan will be delivered in the future.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

1.   Bournemouth Development Company llp (“BDC”) is a joint venture between the Council and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Muse, a Morgan Sindall company.

2.   This report summarises the BDC 5 year rolling business plan, with a particular emphasis on the programme of activity for 2021/22. This is the ninth update of the plan since BDC was formed in February 2011 and has been updated to reflect the recently approved  BCP Corporate Strategy.

RESOLVED that the updated BDC Business Plan as set out at Appendix 3 to the report be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

Reason

The BDC Business Plan sets out the strategic direction of joint venture over the next five years, with a particular emphasis on the development activity that will be undertaken during 2021/22. The Council has reserved the right for Cabinet to approve the annually updated BDC business plan which highlights the next steps which are to be undertaken on sites which are currently in the development phase and those which are earmarked for development but yet to enter the development cycle.

The Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the Bournemouth Development Company llp (“BDC”) is a joint venture between the Council and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Muse, a Morgan Sindall company, and that this report summarises the BDC 5 year rolling business plan, with particular emphasis on the programme of activity for 2021/22.

Further this Cabinet was informed that this was the ninth update of the plan since the BDC was formed in February 2011 and that it had been updated to reflect the recently approved BCP Corporate Strategy.

RESOLVED that the updated BDC Business Plan as set out at Appendix 3 to the report be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

To present the Youth Justice Plan for 2021/22. 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 2021/22, with a copy of the Plan appended. The Youth Justice Plan needs to be approved by the full Council.

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

In presenting the Youth Justice Plan for 2021/22 Cabinet was advised that 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. Further to this Cabinet was informed that this report summarises the Youth Justice Plan for 2021/22, with a copy of the Plan appended.

RECOMMENDED that the Youth Justice Plan be approved by Full Council.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Young People

This report provides a review of the following 4 companies - Seascape Group Limited, Seascape South Limited (SSL), Seascape Homes and Property Limited (SHP) and Bournemouth Building Maintenance Limited (BBML).

The report sets out the growth plans for each company, an operational update from the last year and the 2021/22 annual plan for each.

The Seascape Group, including its two subsidiaries SSL and SHP, has much scope for growth in activity and sizeable income generation opportunities as a result.

SSL has been impacted by Covid during the last year but plans are in place for recruiting additional senior commercial expertise and capacity and to bring this forward as soon as possible in line with the Council’s Smarter Structures programme.  This additional capacity will develop opportunities, drive marketing and promotion, manage contract growth and drive forwards operational efficiencies.

Staffing resources are already being scaled up to ensure the capacity to deliver the ambition for SHP.  SHP will increase its property portfolio within management as a result of a scaled up property acquisition programme by the Council over the next few years as part of the emerging Council New Build and Acquisition Strategy (CNHAS).  SHP will also provide a delivery vehicle for building out the pipeline of Council owned sites for private rent or private sale homes. 

A review of BBML operations in the context of BCP Council recommends that it is now timely for the BBML operation to be integrated within the Council’s wider staff operations.  The current mixed model of employment and delivery across the Property Maintenance teams makes it difficult to gain reliable strategic and financial oversight.  One consolidated employment and operating model will ensure an effective and streamlined base position on which to build further improvements, efficiencies and transformation.

This report recommends that Hixsons Limited is appointed for a further year in order to audit the 2020/21 company accounts.  It is a requirement of the Shareholders Agreement for both BBML and SGL that authority is sought from the council as sole shareholder for the appointment the external auditor.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           the plans to further grow the two Seascape Group subsidiaries be supported;

(b)           the appointment of Hixsons Limited as the external auditor for BBML, Seascape Group Limited (SGL) and MD Care to audit the 2020/21 company accounts be approved; and

(c)           the appointment of Paul Whittles, Finance Manager as temporary Director of Finance for Seascape Group Limited be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Homes

Reason

The Seascape Group subsidiaries – SSL and SHP – provide valuable services and will generate additional income to BCP Council as the sole shareholder to help continue delivering Council services to the vulnerable people.

It is a requirement of the Shareholders Agreement for both BBML and SGL that authority is sought from the Council as sole shareholder for the appointment of the external auditor and for the appointment of Directors.

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

Cabinet was advised that the report provided a review of the following 4 companies - Seascape Group Limited, Seascape South Limited (SSL), Seascape Homes and Property Limited (SHP) and Bournemouth Building Maintenance Limited (BBML), and that the report sets out the growth plans for each company, an operational update from the last year and the 2021/22 annual plan for each.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that The Seascape Group, including its two subsidiaries SSL and SHP, has much scope for growth in activity and sizeable income generation opportunities as a result, but that SSL has been impacted by Covid during the last year but plans are in place for recruiting additional senior commercial expertise and capacity and to bring this forward as soon as possible in line with the Council’s Smarter Structures programme, it was advised that this additional capacity will develop opportunities, drive marketing and promotion, manage contract growth and drive forwards operational efficiencies.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that staffing resources are already being scaled up to ensure the capacity to deliver the ambition for SHP, and that SHP will increase its property portfolio within management as a result of a scaled up property acquisition programme by the Council over the next few years as part of the emerging Council New Build and Acquisition Strategy (CNHAS).  It was reported that SHP will also provide a delivery vehicle for building out the pipeline of Council owned sites for private rent or private sale homes. 

Cabinet was advised that a review of BBML operations in the context of BCP Council recommended that it is now timely for the BBML operation to be integrated within the Council’s wider staff operations, and that the current mixed model of employment and delivery across the Property Maintenance teams makes it difficult to gain reliable strategic and financial oversight.  In relation to this Cabinet was informed that one consolidated employment and operating model would ensure an effective and streamlined base position on which to build further improvements, efficiencies and transformation.

In addition Cabinet was informed that the report sought approval for  Hixsons Limited to be appointed for a further year in order to audit the 2020/21 company accounts, and that it is a requirement of the Shareholders Agreement for both BBML and SGL that authority is sought from the council as sole shareholder for the appointment of the external auditor.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting whilst the Board had been supportive a request had been made for future reports to include the companies business plans with future reports.

Thanks were expressed to the trades people who had had to adapt their ways of working during Covid.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           the plans to further grow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

This report outlines a proposal to make a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public spaces across much of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

In the previous Cabinet reports in March and September 2020, it was agreed to adopt a harmonised approach to tackling street based anti-social behaviour and to consult on new a Public Spaces Protection Order to fit with this approach.

Public Spaces Protection Orders can only be implemented to tackle behaviours that are persistent or of a continuing nature and have a detrimental effect on the quality of life.  Tackling alcohol related anti-social behaviour has consistently been one of the main uses of PSPO’s by local authorities.

There is evidence to confirm that much of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas does suffer from persistent alcohol related anti-social behaviour.  As such it is proposed to implement a PSPO, which gives designated Officers powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone behaving in an anti-social manner, across 29 of the 33 BCP Council wards.

A public consultation took place on this proposal, during March and April 2021.  Of the 294 responses, 89% strongly agree or agree, only 8% disagree. 

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public places.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety

Reason

In order to give Officers the powers to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public spaces where there is evidence that this is persistent or continuing nuisance which has or is likely to have a detrimental effect on the quality of the life of those in the locality.

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

Cabinet was advised that the report outlined a proposal to make a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public spaces across much of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that in the previous Cabinet reports in March and September 2020, it had been agreed to adopt a harmonised approach to tackling street based anti-social behaviour and to consult on new a Public Spaces Protection Order to fit with this approach.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that Public Spaces Protection Orders can only be implemented to tackle behaviours that are persistent or of a continuing nature and have a detrimental effect on the quality of life, and that tackling alcohol related anti-social behaviour has consistently been one of the main uses of PSPO’s by local authorities.

In relation to this it was advised that there is evidence to confirm that much of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas does suffer from persistent alcohol related anti-social behaviour, and that as such it is proposed to implement a PSPO, which gives designated Officers powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone behaving in an anti-social manner, across 29 of the 33 BCP Council wards.

Cabinet was further informed that a public consultation had taken place on this proposal during March and April 2021, and that of the 294 responses, 89% strongly agree or agree, only 8% disagree. It was therefore proposed that a PSPO be approved.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board had warmly welcomed the report and in addition had requested the figures for alcohol related anti-social behaviour in their wards.

In respect of this the Portfolio Holder advised that officers were preparing the figures to be circulated to Members.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public places.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety

The report seeks endorsement of  Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council’s first Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy that will raise awareness of these high profile and high value corporate assets, communicate governance arrangements to ensure the fulfilment of the councils legal obligations as a vehicle Operator Licence holder whilst detailing the roles and responsibilities of those who operate/maintain them. It will also provide clear decision making processes to deliver an integrated corporate fleet management service.

Underpinning this strategy is the requirement for a sustainable (legally, financially, and environmentally) Fleet Asset Replacement Programme. A financing programme required to fund the replacement of core vehicles, plant and equipment as they come to the end of their economic life.

If approved, this will form the basis of an ambitious council wide Fleet Management De-Carbonising Strategy and Replacement Programme for the next 3 years, 2021 – 2024, that proposes to balance investment in the necessary alternative fuel technology and infrastructure to support a significant increase of 104, from the current 13 Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV) purchased and operated by the council, as well as  a reduction in CO2 emissions of non ULEV’s producing a combined CO2 saving of 3,062 tonnes. This is to support the council’s 2030 carbon neutral declaration against as yet unknowns of the council’s ongoing corporate transformation programme and asset and accommodation strategy.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Members endorsed the Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy, acknowledging the necessity for an initial 3-year phased approach towards achieving an ultra-low emission fleet and the future key infrastructure decisions required that will determine its direction and success;

(b)           Members endorsed the move to using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement for conventional diesel throughout the council vehicle fleet. Approving commencement of procurement for the provision of HVO fuel and the supply. This cleaner, less polluting fuel results in a significant CO2 emission reduction;

(c)           Members approved the £0.39m capital spend necessary to fund the supporting infrastructure investment to realise significant increases in ULEV’s purchases, to be funded from capital grant; and

(d)           Members approved the Fleet Replacement Plan 2021 – 2024 and authorise the procurement of the remaining vehicles in the plan as vehicle lives expire.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(e)           approve the use of new prudential borrowing for the Fleet Replacement Plan and recognise the impact of this on the annual revenue budget requirement.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment, Cleansing and Waste

Reason

The proposed Fleet Replacement Plan and Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy set out the vital ambitious foundations towards achieving sustainable fleet management for BCP Council and a commitment towards its ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Failure to approve the Fleet Replacement Plan and associated Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy places the authority at risk as vehicles reach end of life of repeated statutory service failure, associated reputational damage, increased revenue budget pressure and potential for breach of its Operator Licence compliance.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'I' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report sought endorsement of  Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council’s first Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy that will raise awareness of these high profile and high value corporate assets, communicate governance arrangements to ensure the fulfilment of the councils legal obligations as a vehicle Operator Licence holder whilst detailing the roles and responsibilities of those who operate/maintain them, and that in addition it will also provide clear decision making processes to deliver an integrated corporate fleet management service.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that underpinning this strategy is the requirement for a sustainable (legally, financially, and environmentally) Fleet Asset Replacement Programme, and a financing programme required to fund the replacement of core vehicles, plant and equipment as they come to the end of their economic life.

If approved Cabinet was advised that this will form the basis of an ambitious council wide Fleet Management De-Carbonising Strategy and Replacement Programme for the next 3 years, 2021 – 2024, that proposes to balance investment in the necessary alternative fuel technology and infrastructure to support a significant increase of 104, from the current 13 Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV) purchased and operated by the council, as well as  a reduction in CO2 emissions of non ULEV’s producing a combined CO2 saving of 3,062 tonnes. Cabinet was further advised that this will support the council’s 2030 carbon neutral declaration against as yet unknowns of the council’s ongoing corporate transformation programme and asset and accommodation strategy.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the report had broadly been supported by the Board, but that there had been some discussion regarding the Mayoral vehicle which had resulted in a recommendation being proposed which had been lost when put to the vote with the Chairman using his casting vote.

Councillor Hilliard addressed the Cabinet requesting that more charging points for electric vehicles be provided across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. In relation to this the Leader advised that there was a paper being brought to Cabinet in the Autumn which would include detail relating to the provision of electric vehicle charging points.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)           Members endorsed the Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy, acknowledging the necessity for an initial 3-year phased approach towards achieving an ultra-low emission fleet and the future key infrastructure decisions required that will determine its direction and success;

(b)           Members endorsed the move to using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement for conventional diesel throughout the council vehicle fleet. Approving commencement of procurement for the provision of HVO fuel and the supply. This cleaner, less polluting fuel results in a significant CO2 emission reduction;

(c)           Members approved the £0.39m capital spend necessary to fund the supporting infrastructure investment to realise significant increases in ULEV’s purchases,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To inform the Cabinet of progress to date regarding the Department for Transport (DfT) based Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) award

To inform Cabinet of the DfT Year End Report for 2020/21 submitted in April 2021.

RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the progress to date regarding the TCF programme delivery and the DfT End of Year Report (April 2021)

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transport and Sustainability

Reason

Cabinet has delegated authority to the Council Governance Board (CGB) under the Assurance Framework for Transforming Cities Fund, to allow maximum flexibility in meeting the strict DfT timeline for delivery and ensure that the authority is best placed to progress scheme delivery at pace. Cabinet previously agreed that a regular update should be provided and this report along with the associated DfT End of Year report is designed to inform Cabinet of progress to

date.

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

Cabinet was informed of the progress to date regarding the Department for Transport (DfT) based Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) award and of the DfT Year End Report for 2020/21 submitted in April 2021.

RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the progress to date regarding the TCF programme delivery and the DfT End of Year Report (April 2021)

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transport and Sustainability

To consider the latest version of the Cabinet Forward Plan for approval.

The Leader advised that the latest Cabinet Forward Plan had been published on the Council’s website and that the next version would be published on the 29 June.