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.

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 7 September 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2022 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 ordinarily 4 clear working days before the meeting. However, due to the late publication of the report relating to item 6, the deadline for the submission of questions has been extended to 9am Tuesday 27 September 2022.

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 questions or petitions received on this occasion but that five statements had been received from members of the public, four in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Bereavement Services business plan phase one update report and options appraisal for the future) and one in relation to Agenda Item 6 (Finance Strategy Update).

Statement from Jonathan Martin on Agenda Item 7 - Bereavement Services business plan phase one update report and options appraisal for the future

Without a functioning crematorium at Poole, BCP is seriously at risk when an unexpected failure happens at Bournemouth Crematorium e.g fire or flood.

Failure to immediately replace the cremators at Poole, increases the carbon footprint of the council, as more people travel to Bournemouth for funerals, and more coffins are transported a longer distance for direction cremation, committal, or full services.

Further the Council's opportunity to serve the community, and create a resilient business are seriously jeopardised.

Having replaced a cremator, do the research about future investment in alternative technology, ready for the demise of Bournemouth cremators.

Insert cremators now.

Statement from Nick Douch on Agenda Item 7 - Bereavement Services business plan phase one update report and options appraisal for the future

Cost

The financial analysis reported is flawed. A proper analysis shows strong commercial return on investment and availability of private investment. Future capital costs at Bournemouth make alternative investment essential 

Demand 

Strong and increasing demand exists for public facilities which cannot be met by facilities without excess and unacceptable travel .

Private facilities distort demand and prevent choice.

Public Service 

The Petition shows strong local public support .

Transporting loved ones to Bournemouth is distressing.

Bournemouth crematorium will need short term significant capital investment. Council tax payers expect local services for loved ones.

One bariatric cremator at Poole essential 

Statement from John Ainsworth (Chairman of Churches Together Poole) on Agenda Item 7 - Bereavement Services business plan phase one update report and options appraisal for the future

1        Don’t delay decisions until 25/26.  Poole will lose business permanently.

2        No increase in carbon emissions rather a reduction.

(a) the carbon emissions in Bournemouth will be reduced by the same amount with a cremator in Poole.

(a)  There will be a saving in travel across the conurbation to Bournemouth crematorium.

3        Get an experts report now on electric cremators rather than delay. Depending on the report install either an electric or gas cremator in Poole now.

4        Bournemouth Crematorium only has one bariatric cremator. A bariatric cremator in Poole will provide back up.

Statement from the Rev Paul Hockley on Agenda Item 7 - Bereavement Services business plan phase one update report and options appraisal for the future

1.      When people in Poole realise that after a service at the Poole facility the body of their loved one will be transported later with other bodies to Bournemouth for cremation, they are likely to look at alternative venues.

Thus a decline in revenue at Poole.

2.      Electric  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

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 Committees on items not otherwise indicated on the Cabinet Agenda on this occasion.

This report provides the first response to the recommendations of the Finance Update (including quarter one 2022/23 budget monitoring) report to Cabinet on 7 September 2022.

Most significantly it includes an update on the Financial Strategy and proposals to prudently position the council to deliver a balanced budget for 2023/24. 

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)        Acknowledges the progress made towards achieving a balanced budget for 2023/24 and the improved financial position for 2022/23 which is now expected to produce a surplus of £4.2m, excluding transformation costs; and

(b)        Agree that Cabinet be presented with a full report on the impact of the cost of living to its meeting on the 26 October 2022;

(c)        In advance of (b) Cabinet supports the proposed approach to reassessing the fees and charges levied by the Council.

It is RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(d)        Pending the presentation of new viable business cases, remove from the Capital Programme the debt commitments to the Winter Gardens and Cotlands developments; and

(e)        Release of earmarked reserves as set out in Appendix C.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Cabinet in considering a Finance Update (including quarter one 2022/23 budget monitoring) report, at their meeting on the 7 September 2022, agreed to place an update on the financial strategy as a standing item on the Cabinet agenda until such time as there is a balanced budget for 2023/24.

In addition, as part of the same report, Cabinet agreed to bring forward to the 28 September Cabinet proposals to prudently position the council to deliver a balanced budget for 2023/24 from traditional local government financial management processes and revenue sources.

This report presents the first update on progress towards delivering a balanced budget for 2023/24.

The Leader of the Council 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 advised that the report provided the first response to the recommendations of the Finance Update (including quarter one 2022/23 budget monitoring) report to Cabinet on 7 September 2022, and that it most significantly included an update on the Financial Strategy and proposals to prudently position the council to deliver a balanced budget for 2023/24. 

The Chairman of the Corporate and Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet advising that the committee had discussed the report the previous evening at a specially convened meeting. In relation to this the Chairman advised that a number of public questions and statements had been received and that although the committee did not make any formal recommendations to Cabinet that a detailed discussion had taken place among committee members and additional councillor attendees.

A number of members addressed the Cabinet questioning aspects of the report and expressing concern with regards to the increased cost of living and the effect of potential ways of balancing the budget.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)        Acknowledges the progress made towards achieving a balanced budget for 2023/24 and the improved financial position for 2022/23 which is now expected to produce a surplus of £4.2m, excluding transformation costs; and

(b)        Agree that Cabinet be presented with a full report on the impact of the cost of living to its meeting on the 26 October 2022;

(c)        In advance of (b) Cabinet supports the proposed approach to reassessing the fees and charges levied by the Council.

It is RECOMMENDED that Council:

(d)        Pending the presentation of new viable business cases, remove from the Capital Programme the debt commitments to the Winter Gardens and Cotlands developments; and

(e)        Release of earmarked reserves as set out in Appendix C.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

To provide a progress update on the delivery of Bereavement Services Business Plan 2020 - 2026.

This paper sets out an options appraisal, data and evidence for the future Poole Crematorium facility which is a non statutory service provision requirement for Local Authorities

The current provision contributes towards the Council’s income  supporting the Medium Term Financial Plan within the context of an increasingly competitive and changing market environment.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet recommends investment be built into the future capital programme for the provision of cremators to meet the needs of the whole BCP Community;

(b)         Cabinet commits to bringing forward the reinstatement of cremators at the Poole Crematorium facility, subject to a continuing review of demand, emerging green technologies and the preferred future location(s) and appropriate timeframe for this investment;

(c)          Cabinet requests a report detailing options for the replacement of cremator(s) be brought to Cabinet in the next 6 months, with the aim of working towards new cremator(s) being installed in the next 18 months;

(d)         Cabinet agrees to temporarily change the operating status of the Poole site as a ceremonial only venue pursuant to the Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 to include the publication of required notices and notification to the Secretary of State, until such time that the replacement of the Poole Cremators is confirmed; and

(e)          Cabinet agrees to the decommissioning of the existing cremating equipment in Poole in 2023-24.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place

Reason

The recommendations of this report seek to ensure the future need for crematoria facilities in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are met and that it complies with the necessary legal requirements.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place 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 provided with a progress update on the delivery of Bereavement Services Business Plan 2020 – 2026.

Cabinet was advised that the paper set out an options appraisal, data and evidence for the future Poole Crematorium facility, and in relation to this were advised that this was a non-statutory service provision requirement for Local Authorities.

Cabinet was informed that the current provision contributes towards the Council’s income supporting the Medium-Term Financial Plan within the context of an increasingly and competitive and changing market environment.

In seconding the paper the Leader proposed an additional recommendation be added as (c) to read;

Cabinet requests a report detailing options for the replacement of cremator(s) being installed in the next 18 months.

The Portfolio Holder and proposer of the report expressed his support for the proposed additional recommendation.

The Leader advised that the Chairman of the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee had unfortunately had to leave the meeting and advised that he would read out the recommendation from the recent Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Leader advised that at their recent meeting the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee had proposed the following recommendation:

The Place Overview and Scrutiny recommend to Cabinet that, subject to no further information coming forward from the technical report on the existing cremating equipment, that the Cabinet aim for a reopening of cremators at the Poole Crematorium facility by 2025/26.

A number of members addressed the Cabinet stressing the importance of the consideration of the needs of the public and expressing concern with regards to the lack of cremator.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet recommends investment be built into the future capital programme for the provision of cremators to meet the needs of the whole BCP Community;

(b)          Cabinet commits to bringing forward the reinstatement of cremators at the Poole Crematorium facility, subject to a continuing review of demand, emerging green technologies and the preferred future location(s) and appropriate timeframe for this investment;

(c)          Cabinet requests a report detailing options for the replacement of cremator(s) be brought to Cabinet in the next 6 months, with the aim of working towards new cremator(s) being installed in the next 18 months;

(d)          Cabinet agrees to temporarily change the operating status of the Poole site as a ceremonial only venue pursuant to the Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 to include the publication of required notices and notification to the Secretary of State, until such time that the replacement of the Poole Cremators is confirmed; and

(e)          Cabinet agrees to the decommissioning of the existing cremating equipment in Poole in 2023-24.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place

Councillor M Greene left the meeting following this item.

The BCP Carers Strategy (2022-2027) sets out 5 key strategic priorities to support carers and recognise the valuable contribution they make to our community. At least 39,000 people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are carers and they play a vital role in sustaining our health and social care system by enabling the people they care for to live safely in their own homes for longer.

The strategy has been shaped by the views and experiences of local carers and aims to support them to look after their own health and wellbeing, to enable them to stay in their caring roles and prevent, reduce, or delay the need for health and care services for the people they care for.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approves the BCP Carers Strategy contained in Appendix 1 to this Report

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Portfolio Holder for People and Homes

Reasons

The Strategy:

    (i)         Delivers support to carers to allow them to sustain their caring role and enable people to live safely in their own homes for longer, delaying, reducing, or preventing the need for health and social care services;

   (ii)         Meets the requirements of the Care Act (2014); and

 (iii)         Supports the priorities of the Corporate Strategy and Adult Social Care Strategy

The Portfolio Holder for People and Homes 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 BCP Carers Strategy (2022-2027) sets out 5 key strategic priorities to support carers and recognise the valuable contribution they make to our community.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that at least 39,000 people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are carers and they play a vital role in sustaining our health and social care system by enabling the people they care for to live safely in their own homes for longer.

Cabinet was advised that the strategy has been shaped by the views and experiences of local carers and aims to support them to look after their own health and wellbeing, to enable them to stay in their caring roles and prevent, reduce, or delay the need for health and care services for the people they care for.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approves the BCP Carers Strategy contained in Appendix 1 to this Report

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Portfolio Holder for People and Homes

The number of children and young people assessed as requiring a place at a specialist education provision in the BCP area has increased in recent years and this has increased expenditure on high needs. As part of the Council’s strategy to address growth and associated financial pressure, work is underway to implement a programme of expansion of specialist school places across the conurbation which will help provide local access to cost effective places and a reduction in the Council’s reliance on costly independent placements. As one in a number of schemes currently in development, it is planned that Broadstone Middle School run by the Castleman Academy Trust will expand the existing resource base to provide an additional eight resource base places for children with autism spectrum condition (ASC). The proposal is for the expansion of the existing resource base known locally as The Link, from 15 places to 23 places from September 2022.

This the recommended option and for which an approval for a budget as contained in Appendix 1 (Exempt) is necessary to provide an additional 8 places from September 2022. A temporary change in age range will provide continuity for existing children on roll. From September 2023/24 the resource base will offer a total of 23 places for children aged 9-13 years old.  The approved capital programme includes funding for the proposed scheme as part of a programme of SEND place expansion.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the capital budget as set out in the amended Appendix 1 (Exempt) to expand the existing resource base provision at Broadstone Middle School. The funding will provide a new Learning Resource Centre co-located on the existing school site.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Council Priorities and Delivery

Reason

To review the capital funding necessary to provide eight additional places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the local area by expanding the resource base at Broadstone Middle School from 15 places to 23 places from September 2022. The additional places will be accommodated in a new Learning Resource Centre co-located on the existing school site. Places will be allocated by the Council under the SEND code of practice to children with an EHCP with ASC and a secondary need of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, specifically school phobia/anxiety. This forms part of the Council’s high-profile priority to expand the availability of specialist school places as part of the work necessary to achieve savings as part of the Council’s High Needs Block Deficit Recovery Plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Council Priorities and Delivery 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 number of children and young people assessed as requiring a place at a specialist education provision in the BCP area has increased in recent years and this has increased expenditure on high needs.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that as part of the Council’s strategy to address growth and associated financial pressure, work is underway to implement a programme of expansion of specialist school places across the conurbation which will help provide local access to cost effective places and a reduction in the Council’s reliance on costly independent placements.

Cabinet was further informed that as one in a number of schemes currently in development, it is planned that Broadstone Middle School run by the Castleman Academy Trust will expand the existing resource base to provide an additional eight resource base places for children with autism spectrum condition (ASC), and that the proposal is for the expansion of the existing resource base known locally as The Link, from 15 places to 23 places from September 2022.

Cabinet was advised that this is the recommended option and for which an approval for a budget as contained in Appendix 1 (Exempt) is necessary toprovide an additional 8 places from September 2022, and that a temporary change in age range will provide continuity for existing children on roll, and from September 2023/24 the resource base will offer a total of 23 places for children aged 9-13 years old. 

In addition Cabinet was informed that the approved capital programme includes funding for the proposed scheme as part of a programme of SEND place expansion.

The Chairman of the Childrens Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet advising that members had been supportive of the report at the recent meeting of the Childrens Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the capital budget as set out in the amended Appendix 1 (Exempt) to expand the existing resource base provision at Broadstone Middle School. The funding will provide a new Learning Resource Centre co-located on the existing school site.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Priorities and Delivery

Councillor M White left the meeting following the conclusion of this item.

Pursuant to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the BCP Community Safety Partnership, known as Safer BCP (“the Partnership”) is required to produce and implement a Community Safety Strategy for reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, for combatting drug misuse, alcohol and other substances, and for reducing re-offending. As a statutory partner of the CSP, the Council is required to adopt the strategy.

This report summarises the Partnership’s Community Safety Strategy 2022 – 2025, including priorities, strategic principles, approach, objectives, and key performance indicators.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommend this strategy for approval by Council.

RESOLVED that Cabinet authorises the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services to oversee and approve any recommended additional and minor amendments to the Strategy, in conjunction with Safer BCP.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety and Regulatory Services

Reason

To endorse the Partnership’s Community Safety Strategy 2022 – 2025 and adopt it as BCP Community Safety Strategy.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services 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 pursuant to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the BCP Community Safety Partnership, known as Safer BCP (“the Partnership”) is required to produce and implement a Community Safety Strategy for reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, for combatting drug misuse, alcohol and other substances, and for reducing re-offending.

Cabinet was further advised that as a statutory partner of the CSP, the Council is required to adopt the strategy.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the report summarised the Partnership’s Community Safety Strategy 2022 – 2025, including priorities, strategic principles, approach, objectives, and key performance indicators.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommend this strategy for approval by Council.

RESOLVED that Cabinet authorises the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services to oversee and approve any recommended additional and minor amendments to the Strategy, in conjunction with Safer BCP.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety and Regulatory Service

The Chief Executive to report on any decisions taken under urgency provisions in accordance with the Constitution.

Cabinet was advised that there had one urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Constitution to report on this occasion, this being: -

-       Appointment of Independent Chair of BCP FuturePlaces Ltd

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.