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 8 March 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 March 2023 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 12 noon, 3 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 petitions received on this occasion, but that one question had been received by a member of the public in relation to Agenda Item 14 (Cabinet Forward Plan), and that two statements had been received by members of the public one in relation to Agenda Item 9 (The Stour Valley) and one in relation to Agenda Item 6 (Financial Outturn Report).

Question from Alex McKinstry on Agenda Item 14

This question relates to Item 14 on today's agenda - the Cabinet Forward Plan - wherein it is signified that the external assurance review of BCP Council, commissioned by Government, is due for consideration today. Can the Leader confirm whether the review document has in fact been received by BCP Council, and if so, why it has not been included on this morning's agenda? Can the Leader also confirm roughly when the review document will be made available to the press and public; do we necessarily have to wait until the next Cabinet meeting in September?

Response by the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Just to confirm that we have not yet received the formal report from government, it is expected shortly, possibly next week. Myself and the Chief Executive had a meeting with the Secretary of State himself, the Right Honourable Micheal Gove on the 4^th July, and we stressed to him the importance of having the review published in time for todays Cabinet meeting, he did assure us he would do his best to ask his staff to make sure that happened. I am aware that the Chief Exec had a follow up conversation yesterday and we are expected to have that imminently. However, it is appropriate that the Cabinet democratic process is followed in the way that that is revealed to the public, but we are expecting that maybe next week is when we will be sent that officially.

Statement from Sarah Fisher on Agenda Item 9

I know, in writing from BCP, that BCP does not have a mandate for a Visitor’s Centre (VC) at Throop. 

However, it does have one for Hicks Farm, Muscliffe (Policy CS36).

BCP has purchased 13 acres in Muscliffe for Woodland Burial Development (WBD).

Both WBD and VC will require similar core facilities – car park, café, communal & maintenance buildings etc.

It would be innovative and fiscally prudent to combine the above into one multi-purpose facility in Muscliffe and solve the intractable Throop transport issues, without compromising the essential community asset and social good these projects aspire to.

Please may Cabinet consider these proposals.

Statement from Mike Greene on Agenda Item 6

While delighted by the £10.6m surplus from 2022/23, I am surprised it was not closer to £20m, reflecting the savings efforts made.  

Pages 41-46 demonstrate significant savings of around £8m achieved during Q4.

I ask Members to probe this discrepancy carefully. 

In particular, Paragraphs 69-72 on Page 47 suggests more than £8m may have been taken from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny committees 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 2022/23 financial outturn information for the general fund, capital programme and housing revenue account (HRA).

The general fund outturn has achieved the previously forecast £10.6m surplus used to support the budget for 2023/24. Further revenue savings and asset sales realised as planned has avoided the need for a capitalisation direction to fund elements of the transformation programme in 2022/23.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)             Notes the financial outturn position for 2022/23; and

(b)            Approves the 2023/24 capital virement to accept a new grant below £1m as set out in Appendix C.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(c)             Approves the 2023/24 capital virements to accept new grants above £1m as set out in Appendix C.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To report the financial outturn position for 2022/23 and obtain approval for acceptance of new capital grants for 2023/24 in accordance with the council’s financial regulations.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance 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 2022/23 financial outturn information for the general fund, capital programme and housing revenue account (HRA).

Cabinet was informed that the general fund outturn has achieved the previously forecast £10.6m surplus used to support the budget for 2023/24, and that further revenue savings and asset sales realised as planned has avoided the need for a capitalisation direction to fund elements of the transformation programme in 2022/23.

Councillor Broadhead addressed the Cabinet questioning the surplus discrepancy mentioned within Mike Greenes statement, and in relation to this the Portfolio Holder for Finance confirmed the surplus amount as £10.6 million.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)             Notes the financial outturn position for 2022/23; and

(b)            Approves the 2023/24 capital virement to accept a new grant below £1m as set out in Appendix C.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(c)             Approves the 2023/24 capital virements to accept new grants above £1m as set out in Appendix C.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To report the financial outturn position for 2022/23 and obtain approval for acceptance of new capital grants for 2023/24 in accordance with the council’s financial regulations.

This report:

·     Presents the latest medium-term financial plan (MTFP) of the council. 

·     Proposes a financial strategy to support the delivery of a legally balanced budget for 2024/25. 

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

·     Recognises the positive outturn from the 2022/23 financial year end and the impact on some of the key risk areas as identified in the setting of the 2023/24 budget.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)             Approves the budget timetable and process as set out in Appendix A;

(b)            Approves the financial strategy to support the balancing of the 2024/25 Budget and MTFP as set out in Appendix B;

(c)             Endorses the updated MTFP position which only includes approved and identified savings & efficiency proposals;

(d)            Endorses Audit & Governance Committee being asked to consider recommending to Council a reduction in the Debt Threshold to £755m (from £1.334bn)

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(e)             Delegates to the Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance the assets to be put forward to Council for disposal from the list endorsed by the cross-party strategic asset disposal working party, and as set out in confidential Appendix D; and

(f)              Approves a reduction in the working capital loan facility to BCP FuturePlaces Ltd. The value and timing of the reduction to be delegated to the Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reasons

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice

which requires 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 2024/25.

To ensure a prudent approach to financial management based on traditional approaches to local government financial management.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance 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 advised that the report: -

·     Presented the latest medium-term financial plan (MTFP) of the council; 

·     Proposed a financial strategy to support the delivery of a legally balanced budget for 2024/25; 

·     Proposed a budget planning process and timeline for key financial reports, and;

·     Recognised the positive outturn from the 2022/23 financial year end and the impact on some of the key risk areas as identified in the setting of the 2023/24 budget.

In proposing the report the Portfolio Holder for Finance proposed amendments to recommendations (e) and (f) as set out on the agenda these became the substantive recommendations as set out below.

Councillor Broadhead addressed the Cabinet in respect of the transformation project and FuturePlaces.

Cabinet expressed concern with regards to the lack of identifiable savings relating to the transformation project and in addition in respect of FuturePlaces stressing the importance of focusing on specific projects.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)             Approves the budget timetable and process as set out in Appendix A;

(b)            Approves the financial strategy to support the balancing of the 2024/25 Budget and MTFP as set out in Appendix B;

(c)             Endorses the updated MTFP position which only includes approved and identified savings & efficiency proposals;

(d)            Endorses Audit & Governance Committee being asked to consider recommending to Council a reduction in the Debt Threshold to £755m (from £1.334bn)

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(e)             Delegates to the Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance the assets to be put forward to Council for disposal from the list endorsed by the cross-party strategic asset disposal working party, and as set out in confidential Appendix D; and

(f)              Approves a reduction in the working capital loan facility to BCP FuturePlaces Ltd. The value and timing of the reduction to be delegated to the Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reasons

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires 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 2024/25.

To ensure a prudent approach to financial management based on traditional approaches to local government financial management.

BCP Council’s priorities and values which underpin how we work to develop and deliver services are set out in the Corporate Strategy, adopted by Full Council in November 2019. Refreshed vision and ambition statements are set out in the Big Plan, providing a wider context and further drive to deliver the Corporate Strategy.

Delivery plan actions are refreshed annually in line, affording the opportunity to celebrate the progress already made and ensure future planned actions remain relevant.

During Strategy Week in June 2023, we refreshed the Council’s priorities. The draft output of the week will be subject to a broad programme of stakeholder consultation and engagement. This will inform the final priorities presented to Council for adoption in the Autumn.

The appended reports show a positive performance story against the actions and the key performance indicators that Cabinet agreed in February 2022. Individual exception reports provide explanations and planned actions to address areas in need of improvement.

A separate paper on Equality and Diversity progress captures our equality journey so far and some of the positive steps taken and being taken to continue to embed equalities and diversity into the culture and activities of the council. 

An additional paper sets out our progress with the agreed actions following the LGA Peer Review in December 2021.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)   Considered the Corporate End of Year Performance reports

(b)    Considered the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance

(c)    Advised of any amendments, deletions or additions to the performance indicator set that informs corporate performance; and

(d)    Challenges some of the narratives and examples given and requests that an updated report is brought back alongside the Q1 performance report in September.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Reason

The corporate strategy represents the objectives and outcomes that the Council’s performance will be judged against and as such is a vital component of the Council’s performance management framework. An understanding of performance against targets, goals and objectives helps us manage service delivery and identify emerging business risks.

The Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places 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 reminded that the Council’s priorities and values which underpin how we work to develop and deliver services are set out in the Corporate Strategy, adopted by Full Council in November 2019, and that refreshed vision and ambition statements are set out in the Big Plan, providing a wider context and further drive to deliver the Corporate Strategy.

Cabinet was informed that delivery plan actions are refreshed annually in line, affording the opportunity to celebrate the progress already made and ensure future planned actions remain relevant.

Cabinet was advised that during Strategy Week in June 2023, the Council’s priorities had been refreshed, and that the draft output of the week will be subject to a broad programme of stakeholder consultation and engagement which will inform the final priorities presented to Council for adoption in the Autumn.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the appended reports show a positive performance story against the actions and the key performance indicators that Cabinet agreed in February 2022, and that individual exception reports provide explanations and planned actions to address areas in need of improvement.

Cabinet was informed that a separate paper on Equality and Diversity progress captures the Councils equality journey so far and some of the positive steps taken and being taken to continue to embed equalities and diversity into the culture and activities of the council. 

Further to this Cabinet was advised that an additional paper sets out our progress with the agreed actions following the LGA Peer Review in December 2021.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)    Considered the Corporate End of Year Performance reports

(b)    Considered the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance

(c)    Advised of any amendments, deletions or additions to the performance indicator set that informs corporate performance; and

(d)    Challenges some of the narratives and examples given and requests that an updated report is brought back alongside the Q1 performance report in September.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Reason

The corporate strategy represents the objectives and outcomes that the Council’s performance will be judged against and as such is a vital component of the Council’s performance management framework. An understanding of performance against targets, goals and objectives helps us manage service delivery and identify emerging business risks.

The Stour Valley is a regionally significant opportunity to ecologically restore a river valley landscape, with potential to support health and well-being outcomes, access to nature and for local livelihoods for the c. 500,000 people who live near to it.

A strong and supported governance model amongst the three core partners of BCP Council, Dorset Council and The National Trust will deliver the aims of the strategy and collaborate to maximise the environmental and other funding opportunities that are available.

It is RESOLVED that: -

(a)             Cabinet endorses the Stour Valley strategy and supports its inclusion as part of the forthcoming BCP Local Plan policies;

(b)            Cabinet approves the Stour Valley partnership model, using a Memorandum of Understanding between its core partners of The National Trust, BCP Council and Dorset Council;

(c)             Cabinet endorses that the core partners will bring forward fund-raising bids by the partnership to external grant bodies to support delivery of the Stour Valley objectives, specifically DEFRA’s Landscape Recovery Fund;

(d)            Cabinet approves a delegation of authority for future decision making to the Environment Service director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy;

(e)             Cabinet agrees the geographic reference for Hick’s Farm in Bournemouth Core Strategy policy CS36, was incorrectly stated at the time the policy was drafted and that Cabinet recognises that Hick’s Farm lies within Throop, not Muscliffe’

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

The Stour Valley offers unique opportunities for people, communities and for nature recovery along the river corridor. The objectives of the project closely align with the BCP Corporate Strategy, delivering a sustainable environment for future generations and connecting communities throughout the river valley.

Adopting the partnership model provides continued governance and oversight of the project and ensures on-going delivery of the key aims and objectives. It also provides a strong platform to submit funding bids that will lead to more targeted delivery.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 Stour Valley is a regionally significant opportunity to ecologically restore a river valley landscape, with potential to support health and well-being outcomes, access to nature and for local livelihoods for the c. 500,000 people who live near to it.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that a strong and supported governance model amongst the three core partners of BCP Council, Dorset Council and The National Trust will deliver the aims of the strategy and collaborate to maximise the environmental and other funding opportunities that are available.

In proposing the report the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy proposed a revised recommendation at (e) as set out on the agenda this became the substantive recommendation as set out below.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the revised wording in respect of recommendation (e) sought to correct an error in relation to the drafting of Core Strategy 36 from Bournemouth Council, and that the revision was proposed to clarify that the council was not going to build something new in a different place, and that Hicks Farm exists and is a grade 2 listed building that is currently in the hands of a tenant of the council, and a series of farm buildings in varying states of decay and also varying states of value and interest and it was that that was always intended to be nurtured sensitively.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that there were a number of public engagement sessions taking place to ask the public what they would like to see in that group of buildings.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report and the revised recommendation, thanking residents for their comments.

It is RESOLVED that: -

(a)             Cabinet endorses the Stour Valley strategy and supports its inclusion as part of the forthcoming BCP Local Plan policies;

(b)            Cabinet approves the Stour Valley partnership model, using a Memorandum of Understanding between its core partners of The National Trust, BCP Council and Dorset Council;

(c)             Cabinet endorses that the core partners will bring forward fund-raising bids by the partnership to external grant bodies to support delivery of the Stour Valley objectives, specifically DEFRA’s Landscape Recovery Fund;

(d)            Cabinet approves a delegation of authority for future decision making to the Environment Service director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy; and

(e)             Cabinet agrees the geographic reference for Hick’s Farm in Bournemouth Core Strategy policy CS36, was incorrectly stated at the time the policy was drafted and that Cabinet recognises that Hick’s Farm lies within Throop, not Muscliffe’

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

The Stour Valley offers unique opportunities for people, communities and for nature recovery along the river corridor. The objectives of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

On 14 December 2022, Cabinet resolved to proceed to public consultation for three Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s.) The public consultation was launched on 23 January 2023 and ran until 19 February 2023;

i)               Coastal areas including beaches, pier approaches and up to cliff tops from Ham Common peninsula to Highcliffe - Prohibiting playing of loud music, acting in an antisocial manner, overnight camping/sleeping, lighting of open fires and BBQs.

ii)              Highways and car parks, a defined area from the coast inland up to the major roads boundary road - Prohibiting overnight sleeping in vehicles, loud music and acting in a manner which has a detrimental impact on others in the vicinity.

iii)            Opens spaces as identified – prohibiting overnight camping, fires and BBQ’s

Following detailed consideration of the consultation results and further examination of the evidence, the proposals have been significantly refined as outlined in this report and the options appraisal within the appendices.

It is recommended that two PSPOs, and the behaviours within, are designated:

Coastal areas PSPO including beaches, pier approaches and up to cliff tops from Ham Common peninsula to Highcliffe

1.    No person shall be, or encourage others to be, aggressive towards other persons or be verbally abusive, including swearing in an aggressive manner in the “Designated Area”

2.    A person or persons shall reduce the volume of music of which they have control, when asked to do so by an Authorised Officer within the “Designated Area.”

3.    A person or persons must not urinate or defecate anywhere other than public toilets in the “Designated Area”

4.    No person(s) shall light an open fire in the “Designated Area” at any time.

5.    No person(s) shall use a BBQ between the hours of 07:00 - 18:00 in the “Designated Area,” except with written permission from the Council or through the use of Council owned electric hotplates.”

Open Spaces

1.    No person shall place, throw or drop in the “Designated Area”, anything likely to cause a fire.

2.    No person shall light a fire, and/or barbeque (including a disposable barbecue) in the Designated Area”.

3.    No person shall use any item in the Designated Area” which either

(i)             causes a naked flame or poses a risk of fire.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)             considered the consultation response, options appraisal, Equality Impact Assessment and updated proposed Orders.

(b)            approved the implementation of the following PSPOs and behaviours:

Coastal PSPO – to address a loud music, intimidating and aggressive behaviour, urination and defecation and open fires and BBQs on all beach areas from Hamworthy to Highcliffe

Open spaces PSPO – to address open fires including BBQs over twenty sites including heathland, parks and recreational areas

(c)             commission a feasibility study for a designated space for vehicular sleeping, caravanning and camping

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulation

Reasons

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s) have been identified as a means of preventing and resolving negative behaviours seen throughout the last two years of the Seasonal Response programme, delivered at peak visitor periods.

Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 permits a Local Authority to designate a PSPO if it is satisfied on reasonable grounds that conditions prescribed by the Act are met. Following an evidence assessment, it was concluded that these conditions were met in relation to identified behaviours and as a result, three PSPO’s were proposed for consultation.

A public consultation was conducted for 4 weeks from 23 January 2023 to 19 February 2023, which set out the evidence, areas to be covered by the proposed Orders and timescales for application.

Following detailed further consideration of the evidence and the consultation responses, an options appraisal has concluded that the Council should proceed with two of the proposed PSPO’s outlined within the report, covering fires, BBQ’s and anti-social behaviour and to implement them as soon as legislatively and operationally possible.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulation 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 on 14 December 2022, Cabinet had resolved to proceed to public consultation for three Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s.) set out below, and that the public consultation had been launched on 23 January 2023 and had run until 19 February 2023;

i)       Coastal areas including beaches, pier approaches and up to cliff tops from Ham Common peninsula to Highcliffe - Prohibiting playing of loud music, acting in an antisocial manner, overnight camping/sleeping, lighting of open fires and BBQs.

ii)      Highways and car parks, a defined area from the coast inland up to the major roads boundary road - Prohibiting overnight sleeping in vehicles, loud music and acting in a manner which has a detrimental impact on others in the vicinity.

iii)    Opens spaces as identified – prohibiting overnight camping, fires and BBQ’s

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that following detailed consideration of the consultation results and further examination of the evidence, the proposals have been significantly refined as outlined in the report and the options appraisal within the appendices.

Cabinet was advised that it was recommended that two PSPOs, and the behaviours within, are designated, these being:

Coastal areas PSPO including beaches, pier approaches and up to cliff tops from Ham Common peninsula to Highcliffe

1.     No person shall be, or encourage others to be, aggressive towards other persons or be verbally abusive, including swearing in an aggressive manner in the “Designated Area”

2.     A person or persons shall reduce the volume of music of which they have control, when asked to do so by an Authorised Officer within the “Designated Area.”

3.     A person or persons must not urinate or defecate anywhere other than public toilets in the “Designated Area”

4.     No person(s) shall light an open fire in the “Designated Area” at any time.

5.     No person(s) shall use a BBQ between the hours of 07:00 - 18:00 in the “Designated Area,” except with written permission from the Council or through the use of Council owned electric hotplates.”

Open Spaces

1.      No person shall place, throw or drop in the “Designated Area”, anything likely to cause a fire.

2.      No person shall light a fire, and/or barbeque (including a disposable barbecue) in the Designated Area”.

3.      No person shall use any item in the Designated Area” which either

(i)               causes a naked flame or 

(ii)              poses a risk of fire.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the third PSPO relating to Highways and car parks which included the prohibition of overnight sleeping which had been put forward in the consultation had not been taken further, and that in relation to this in order to impose a PSPO there needed to be a strong evidence base which there wasn’t and in addition to this the council would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

a.   This paper sets out:

         I.    The strategic context and case for change,

        II.    The outline approach to transformation in children’s services, and

b    Sets out the requested areas for the investment that is needed to establish the structures and capacity needed to deliver transformation in children’s services The recommendations of this report are requesting that Council commits to making a £4.462m allocation of extra revenue resources into the Children’s Services. This one-off investment will be in addition to the £14.6m ongoing investment included in the approved revenue budget for 2023/24, which excluded pay base changes, and the one-off investment of £1.7m in the Children’s Service improvement journey made during 2022/23. It also excludes the following additional one-off allocations approved since the budget for 2023/24 was set.

·       £189k        Children’s commissioning

Approved by Officer Decision Record by the Corporate Director for Wellbeing services funded via a specific Earmarked Reserve.

·       £784k        Special Educations Needs & Disability Service

Approved via CMB and an Officer Decision Record funded by a redirection principally Children’s Services Earmarked Reserves no longer needed for their original purpose.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)             Approves £4.462 million investment into Childrens Services improvement and transformation.

(b)            The areas for investment to establish the structures and capacity needed to deliver transformation and improvement in children’s services being delegates authority to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer with the allocation of funds and monitoring of impact and expenditure through the Children’s Transformation Board.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(c)             Noted the progress made with the initial phase of the Children’s Services Transformation Programme and the proposed areas of focus.

(d)            Received update reports on progress of the overall programme and the achievement of programme objectives and financial savings; and

(e)             Receives a full Business Case to support the deliverability of the transformation savings at the December 2023 meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Children and Young People

                            Transformation and Resources

Reason

This investment will enable improved outcomes for children and young people in BCP, and the more effective and efficient services which are needed to secure a future Good Ofsted rating. In turn, this will contribute to the achievement of c. £7m in annual financial savings within the current MTFP cycle.

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.

Cabinet was advised that the paper sets out:

(i)                          the strategic context and case for change; and

(ii)                        the outline approach to transformation in children’s services.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the paper also sets out the requested areas for the investment that is needed to establish the structures and capacity needed to deliver transformation in children’s services.

Cabinet was advised that the recommendations of the report were requesting that Council commits to making a £4.462m allocation of extra revenue resources into the Children’s Services, and that this one-off investment will be in addition to the £14.6m ongoing investment included in the approved revenue budget for 2023/24, which excluded pay base changes, and the one-off investment of £1.7m in the Children’s Service improvement journey made during 2022/23, and also excludes the following additional one-off allocations approved since the budget for 2023/24 was set.

• £189k Children’s commissioning – approved by Officer Decision Record by the Corporate Director for Wellbeing services funded via a specific earmarked reserve.
• £784k Special Educations Needs & Disability Service – approved via CMB and an Officer Decision Record funded by a redirection principally Children’s Services Earmarked Reserves no longer needed for their original purpose.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report and emphasised the importance of scrutiny in the process and of receiving update reports on progress.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)              Approves £4.462 million investment into Childrens Services improvement and transformation.

(b)             The areas for investment to establish the structures and capacity needed to deliver transformation and improvement in children’s services being delegates authority to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer with the allocation of funds and monitoring of impact and expenditure through the Children’s Transformation Board.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(c)              Noted the progress made with the initial phase of the Children’s Services Transformation Programme and the proposed areas of focus.

(d)              Received update reports on progress of the overall programme and the achievement of programme objectives and financial savings; and

(e)              Receives a full Business Case to support the deliverability of the transformation savings at the December 2023 meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Children and Young People

                            Transformation and Resources

Reason

This investment will enable improved outcomes for children and young people in BCP, and the more effective and efficient services which are needed to secure a future Good Ofsted rating. In turn, this will contribute to the achievement of c. £7m in annual financial savings within the current MTFP cycle.

The first tranche of School Streets schemes begun in February 2022 were trialled by way of Experimental Traffic Orders (ETROs) which facilitate for a maximum of 18 months a prohibition of motor vehicles restriction to coincide with the school start and end times each day.  Consultation and engagement ran for the first six months of the trial. The school streets have successfully remained in place with the support of the schools themselves and the school community at each of the four sites:

·       Somerville Road (St Michael’s Primary School),

·       Ashmore Crescent (Hamworthy Park Junior School)

·       St Clement’s Gardens (St Clement’s & St John’s CE Infant School),

·       Livingstone Road & Uppleby Road (Livingstone Road Infant and Junior Schools).

A decision is now sought on making permanent traffic orders for the existing experimental motor vehicle restrictions which expire in August 2023 (x2) and September (x2).

It is RESOLVED that: -

Traffic Orders are made which will give permanent effect to the

School Streets Experimental Traffic Orders for Somerville

Road (E1 2022), Ashmore Crescent (E2 2022), St Clement’s

Gardens (E3 2022), and Livingstone Road (E4 2022).

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Reason

This will continue in force indefinitely the restrictions which are outlined in Appendix 1 of this report.

The prohibition of motor vehicles restriction implemented at times related to school drop-off and pick-up has been positively received by the school and local community as seen in public engagement and consultation outcomes. The School Streets have to date successfully remained in place with the support of the schools themselves and the school community.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 first tranche of School Streets schemes begun in February 2022 had been trialled by way of Experimental Traffic Orders (ETROs) which facilitate for a maximum of 18 months a prohibition of motor vehicles restriction to coincide with the school start and end times each day. In relation to this Cabinet was informed that consultation and engagement had run for the first six months of the trial, and that the school streets have successfully remained in place with the support of the schools themselves and the school community at each of the four sites:

·       Somerville Road (St Michael’s Primary School),

·       Ashmore Crescent (Hamworthy Park Junior School)

·       St Clement’s Gardens (St Clement’s & St John’s CE Infant School),

• Livingstone Road & Uppleby Road (Livingstone Road Infant and Junior Schools).

Cabinet was advised that a decision is now sought on making permanent traffic orders for the existing experimental motor vehicle restrictions which expire in August 2023 (x2) and September (x2).

Cabinet spoke in support of the recommendations and of anything that can be done to make school streets safer for children.

It is RESOLVED that: -

Traffic Orders are made which will give permanent effect to the School Streets Experimental Traffic Orders for Somerville Road (E1 2022), Ashmore Crescent (E2 2022), St Clement’s Gardens (E3 2022), and Livingstone Road (E4 2022).

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders:  Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Reason

This will continue in force indefinitely the restrictions which are outlined in Appendix 1 of this report.

The prohibition of motor vehicles restriction implemented at times related to school drop-off and pick-up has been positively received by the school and local community as seen in public engagement and consultation outcomes. The School Streets have to date successfully remained in place with the support of the schools themselves and the school community.

The proposals aim is to improve safety for pupils, parents/carers, staff and residents by introducing various parking changes at key points in the Highcliffe School area. It is hoped that this will in turn encourage walking and cycling to the school meeting corporate and Local Transport Plan objectives to encourage sustainable travel choices and improve safety.

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approved the Traffic Regulation Orders as advertised to enable the order to be made, sealed and to implement the restrictions which are outlined in this report and appendices.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders:  Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Reasons

To approve the making and sealing of the Orders. This will enable the implementation of new and amended traffic restrictions on the following roads in Highcliffe:

·        Field Way

·        Forest Way

·        Parkside

·        Smugglers Lane North

·        Smugglers Lane South

·        Woodfield Gardens

The above are required to facilitate the delivery of safer routes to school access improvements and reduce conflict in the area around the school and improve walking and cycling for pupils at key locations and the wider community. In taking this decision regard has been had to the council’s duty under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Support and Objections have been received, which are outlined in

Appendix 2.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 recommendations sought to improve safety for pupils, parents/carers, staff and residents by introducing various parking changes at key points in the Highcliffe School area.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that it was hoped that this will in turn encourage walking and cycling to the school meeting corporate and Local Transport Plan objectives to encourage sustainable travel choices and improve safety.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the recommendations and urged Teachers to use the parking provided by the school to reduce the amount of road parking.

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approved the Traffic Regulation Orders as advertised to enable the order to be made, sealed and to implement the restrictions which are outlined in this report and appendices.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders:  Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Reasons

To approve the making and sealing of the Orders. This will enable the implementation of new and amended traffic restrictions on the following roads in Highcliffe:

·        Field Way

·        Forest Way

·        Parkside

·        Smugglers Lane North

·        Smugglers Lane South

·        Woodfield Gardens

The above are required to facilitate the delivery of safer routes to school access improvements and reduce conflict in the area around the school and improve walking and cycling for pupils at key locations and the wider community. In taking this decision regard has been had to the council’s duty under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Support and Objections have been received, which are outlined in Appendix 2.

The project aims to create a safer environment in the vicinity of St. Michaels school to encourage more walking and cycling thereby reducing congestion and improving health and well-being overall.  The planned improvements would also help pedestrian and cyclists in and out of Bournemouth Town Centre when travelling from the west.  The project makes up part of the Section 106 agreement from 2019 (linked to land at Durley Road Car Park), which it is primarily funded by, as well as using funds provided from the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme.

RESOLVED that: -

The Traffic Orders be made and sealed and the restrictions be implemented as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report with the exception of Item 12 (Sommerville Road) which be deferred pending further design and consultation work.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders:  Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Reasons

To approve the making and sealing of the Orders. This will enable the implementation of new and amended traffic restrictions on:

·        Commercial Road

·        Clarendon Road

·        Durley Chine Road

·        Durley Road

·        Marlborough Road

·        Poole Hill

·        Somerville Road

·        West Hill Road

The above are required to facilitate the delivery of pedestrian and cycle access improvements. In taking this decision regard has been had to the council’s duty under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Objections have been received, which are outlined in Appendix 1.

It is considered that the Traffic Order proposals will help secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians)

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 project aims to create a safer environment in the vicinity of St. Michaels school to encourage more walking and cycling thereby reducing congestion and improving health and well-being overall, and that the planned improvements would also help pedestrian and cyclists in and out of Bournemouth Town Centre when travelling from the west.  

Cabinet was informed that the project makes up part of the Section 106 agreement from 2019 (linked to land at Durley Road Car Park), which it is primarily funded by, as well as using funds provided from the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme.

In proposing the report the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy proposed an amendment to the recommendation as set out on the agenda to exclude Item 12 (Somerville Road) pending further design and consultation work, this amended recommendation became the substantive recommendation as set out below.

RESOLVED that: -

The Traffic Orders be made and sealed and the restrictions be implemented as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report with the exception of Item 12 (Sommerville Road) which be deferred pending further design and consultation work.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders:  Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Reasons

To approve the making and sealing of the Orders. This will enable the implementation of new and amended traffic restrictions on:

·        Commercial Road

·        Clarendon Road

·        Durley Chine Road

·        Durley Road

·        Marlborough Road

·        Poole Hill

·        Somerville Road

·        West Hill Road

The above are required to facilitate the delivery of pedestrian and cycle access improvements. In taking this decision regard has been had to the council’s duty under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Objections have been received, which are outlined in Appendix 1.

It is considered that the Traffic Order proposals will help secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians)

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

Cabinet was advised that there had been three urgent decisions taken since the last meeting of the Cabinet, all of which had been reported to Full Council.

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

The Leader of the Council advised that the latest Cabinet Forward Plan had been published on the Council’s website and that a copy of which had been circulated as part of the Cabinet Agenda.