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 Richard Herrett declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 86 (Pay and Reward progress update) and left the room for the discussion and voting thereon. 

Councillor Millie Earl declared an interest in Minute No. 88 (BCP Council Libraries – Update on Library Strategy Development) and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 30 October 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 October 2024 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 mid-day on Wednesday 4 December 2024 [12 noon, 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Monday 9 December 2024 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Monday 25 November 2024 [10 working days before the meeting].

Public Statement from Andrew Emery (East Cliff Community Group) on Agenda Item 13 – East Cliff and Springbourne Neighbourhood Plan

Dear Cabinet, on behalf of the East Cliff community group I appeal to you to postpone decision to approve the Springbourne and East Cliff Neighbourhood Plan Area and Forum which excludes over 700 East Cliff residents west of Meyrick Road until alternative overlapping proposals, acknowledged in paragraph 22 of the report before you, for an East Cliff only Neighbourhood Area which has been registered with BCP Council but has yet to be consulted upon.

To do otherwise risks the Council being vulnerable to a likely successful application for permission for judicial review as paragraph 16 of the Cabinet Report contravenes Regulation 9A(3) of the Neighbourhood Planning regulations 2012.

The Ward based proposals before you today do not reflect the boundaries of the two sustainable communities of the East Cliff and Springbourne with their very different demographics, built environments and social challenges.  These communities deserve independent neighbourhood plans.  

Public Statement from Mark Elkins (East Cliff and Springbourne Residents Group) on Agenda Item 13 – East Cliff and Springbourne Neighbourhood Plan

This proposed deferral is really unfair. The East Cliff and Springbourne Neighbourhood Plan (NP) application has been delayed by over a year. Original documentation was approved in 2023 by one member of staff and then required changes sought by a new member of staff in August 2024. Numerous progress follow ups were made from 2023 and I was told various reasons for the delay. Yet this recent East Cliff one is experiencing no such delay and was not even officially proposed until November 2024.

Please decline this deferral. If not I request a new East Cliff and Springbourne NP consultation to include the rest of East Cliff in Bournemouth Central Ward and then delay a decision on the East Cliff NP until that consultation is complete. The East Cliff and Springbourne NP report explains we wanted to accommodate boundary change requests and it now seems advice given was misleading.

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

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the following recommendations had been agreed by the Board for submission to Cabinet for consideration: -

1.    That the principle of an inflationary increase across all parking charges be endorsed for the 2025/26 budget.

2.    That it requests Officers to take into account the suggestion that an assessment be made on using a proportion of surplus income to accelerate the parking charging machine replacement programme prioritising the best value machines in order to reduce future costs (subject to the necessary procurement processes).

3.    That it requests that Officers evaluate the retention and recruitment of Civil Enforcement Officers to ensure a robust and resilient workforce to provide an appropriate level of resource and promote safe and appropriate parking.

4.    That Officers be requested to explore options to reduce costs for the Council and make the process easier for the public to pay for car parking, in particular an option to be able to pay in advance/on Council website.

5.     That Officers be requested to ensure adequate resourcing of parking enforcement to reduce inappropriate parking around schools.

6.     That any Resident Card offering is made fully accessible to all those who are not digitally enabled.

7.     That there should be an application process for the Resident Card with a small financial contribution for the cost of processing and that the card should be a valuable offer that residents are willing to pay a small cost for, so that it can be sustainable in terms of administrative costs.

8.    That any charge levied for the Resident Card should be the same regardless of the format and that consideration should be given to concessions for disadvantaged groups.

9.     That Cabinet be recommended to put in place as a matter of urgency a corporate approach to financial decision making that would enable it to meet its net zero targets by 2030, to include a gap analysis of the estimated total amount of spend required to reach net zero targets against the work already underway within departments to reach these targets.

10.That following receipt of the Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) report and the work suggested at recommendation 9 above, Cabinet be recommended to consider a mechanism for including the full costs associated with reaching net zero by 2030 alongside the Medium Term Financial Plan, by consulting best practice used in other authorities to date for the same purpose.

11.That Cabinet notes that the O&S working group members are assured that, within the difficult financial position that the council is in, officers have explored options to maximise budget and to change the direction of travel in relation to temporary accommodation.

12.That the O&S working group members record their concern at the level of Homelessness Prevention Grant and the government subsidy for temporary accommodation placements and request that the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Regulatory Services explore all possible mechanisms to lobby government for increases in this respect.

13.That,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Neighbourhood Planning gives local people the opportunity to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. BCP Council as the Local Planning Authority has a legal duty to support and advise town/parish councils and neighbourhood forums through the process to prepare neighbourhood plans, following statutory legislation, regulations and procedure.

Cabinet is asked to agree the first stage of the Neighbourhood Plan making process, which is to designate a Neighbourhood Forum and boundary.

Consultation has shown support for establishment of a Neighbourhood Plan for East Cliff and Springbourne. Differences of opinion on the boundary, however have also been raised. Potential amendments and extensions to the boundary have been explored, however, agreement has not been reached. Consequently, no change to the boundary is recommended.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred.

Voting: Unanimous

The Leader of the Council introduced the item, a copy of the report for which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

In introducing the item, the Leader proposed that the item be deferred following the receipt of legal advice in relation to the neighbourhood plan.

Ward Councillors addressed the Cabinet in support of the proposed deferral.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred.

Voting: Unanimous

This report provides the quarter two 2024/25 projected financial outturn information for the general fund and housing revenue account (HRA).

The February 2024 approved general fund budget for 2024/25 was balanced on the assumption of £38m in savings, efficiencies, and additional resources.

Consistent with the position being reported by other upper tier authorities, the relentless demand for services and ever-increasing costs is a continual financial challenge. The 2024/25 quarter two budget monitoring position for BCP Council is a net forecast overspend for the year of £3m. In line with the previous year, this is after the release of the corporate contingencies in support the overall position.

Officers are committed to working tirelessly to bring the forecast back into balance. The intention is that Portfolio Holder, Directors, and Budget Holders will be able to demonstrate the impact of this effort as part of the quarter three budget monitoring report. This work will include the implementation of mitigation strategies and a tightening of controls on expenditure. It is critical they do so to maintain the council’s financial health as the medium-term financial plan makes no allowance for the current forecast overspend.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Note the budget monitoring position for quarter two 2024/25.

(b)           Request Corporate Directors to implement mitigation strategies to reduce their budget pressures alongside tightening their implementation of the expenditure controls in place. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to regularly monitor the annual budget position and take any action to support the sustainability of the council’s financial position.

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 quarter two 2024/25 projected financial outturn information for the general fund and housing revenue account (HRA).

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the February 2024 approved general fund budget for 2024/25 was balanced on the assumption of £38m in savings, efficiencies, and additional resources.

Cabinet was advised that consistent with the position being reported by other upper tier authorities, the relentless demand for services and ever-increasing costs is a continual financial challenge.

Cabinet was informed that the 2024/25 quarter two budget monitoring position for BCP Council was a net forecast overspend for the year of £3m, and that in line with the previous year, this is after the release of the corporate contingencies in support the overall position.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that officers are committed to working tirelessly to bring the forecast back into balance, and that the intention was that the Portfolio Holder, Directors, and Budget Holders will be able to demonstrate the impact of this effort as part of the quarter three budget monitoring report.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that this work will include the implementation of mitigation strategies and a tightening of controls on expenditure, and that it was critical they do so to maintain the council’s financial health as the medium-term financial plan makes no allowance for the current forecast overspend.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the meeting the previous evening the Board had supported the recommendations within the report.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Note the budget monitoring position for quarter two 2024/25.

(b)           Request Corporate Directors to implement mitigation strategies to reduce their budget pressures alongside tightening their implementation of the expenditure controls in place. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to regularly monitor the annual budget position and take any action to support the sustainability of the council’s financial position.

This report:

·       Aims to ensure the council continues to maintain a balanced 2025/26 budget forecast by considering the impact that changes to the previous assumptions will have on the underlying approved position and taking mitigating action where necessary. This includes the announcements relevant to local government in the Chancellors 30 October Budget statement.

·       Should be considered alongside the “Assessing the serious cashflow issue caused by ever-increasing demand and cost outstripping High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant government funding” report on the 10 December 2024 Cabinet agenda. That separate report provides an update on the ongoing conversation with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) further to the letter of the Director of Finance issued on the 22 May 2024. This letter outlined concerns about the impact the ever-increasing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) will have on the council’s ability to set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

In addition, the report proposes not to change the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) for 2025/26 and therefore continue with the same scheme the council has operated since April 2019.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Acknowledges the ongoing progress being made to maintain a balanced budget position for 2025/26 and MTFP.

(b)           Endorses the latest position regarding the developing 2025/26 Budget and MTFP position.

(c)           Approve the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) into 2025/26.

(d)           Request Portfolio Holders, Corporate Directors and Budget Holders bring forward the necessary additional savings, efficiencies and additional income proposals to enable the 2025/26 Budget to be balanced.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

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 development of the 2025/26 Budget and 3-year medium-term financial plan with reference to the ongoing conversation with DfE, MHCLG and CIPFA regarding the difficulties presented by the accumulating DSG deficit.

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 aimed to ensure the council continued to maintain a balanced 2025/26 budget forecast by considering the impact that changes to the previous assumptions will have on the underlying approved position and taking mitigating action where necessary, and that this included the announcements relevant to local government in the Chancellors 30 October Budget statement.

Cabinet was informed that the report should be considered alongside the “Assessing the serious cashflow issue caused by ever-increasing demand and cost outstripping High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant government funding” report on the 10 December 2024 Cabinet agenda, and that the separate report provided an update on the ongoing conversation with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) further to the letter of the Director of Finance issued on the 22 May 2024, and that this letter outlined concerns about the impact the ever-increasing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) will have on the council’s ability to set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

Cabinet was advised that in addition, the report proposed not to change the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) for 2025/26 and therefore continue with the same scheme the council has operated since April 2019.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the meeting the previous evening the Board had supported the recommendations within the report.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Acknowledges the ongoing progress being made to maintain a balanced budget position for 2025/26 and MTFP.

(b)           Endorses the latest position regarding the developing 2025/26 Budget and MTFP position.

(c)           Approve the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) into 2025/26.

(d)           Request Portfolio Holders, Corporate Directors and Budget Holders bring forward the necessary additional savings, efficiencies and additional income proposals to enable the 2025/26 Budget to be balanced.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

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 development of the 2025/26 Budget and 3-year medium-term financial plan with reference to the ongoing conversation with DfE, MHCLG and CIPFA regarding the difficulties presented by the accumulating DSG deficit.

This report provides performance information setting out how the council meets its responsibilities in ensuring that all council housing within the Housing Revenue Account is managed in a way that meets compliance with current health and safety legislation, best practice and regulatory standards to ensure the health and safety of residents. It also sets out issues concerning compliance and demonstrates how these are being managed.

The report also provides details of the annual self-assessment carried out against the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code.

Over the last 12 months significant progress has been made in aligning approach to compliance specifically around gas and electrical safety which is now all driven from a single system with the work undertaken by the councils in house team of engineers.

The Housing Quality Network, (HQN) will shortly be undertaking an independent inspection of our services in line with the Consumer Standards which will help to support areas of improvement and provide wider assurance in areas where enhancements to the service have been made. 

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet noted the compliance information provided which details how the council is performing against statutory building compliance relating to its council housing;

(b)           Cabinet agreed to continue to receive annual performance reporting on Compliance, Complaints Performance and Service Improvement; and

(c)           Cabinet agreed that the recommendations into the review of the Housing Ombudsman Case are overseen by the BCP Homes Advisory Board and a further update provided to Cabinet.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

The council, as a landlord, has many legal obligations it must satisfy to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its tenants and leaseholders. It must also adhere to the regulatory standards as set out by the Regulator of Social Housing, particularly the Safety and Quality Standard.

Councillors should also have oversight and assurance of compliance against the legal and regulatory requirements that are placed upon it through this annual report to Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services 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 provided performance information setting out how the council meets its responsibilities in ensuring that all council housing within the Housing Revenue Account is managed in a way that meets compliance with current health and safety legislation, best practice and regulatory standards to ensure the health and safety of residents. It also sets out issues concerning compliance and demonstrates how these are being managed.

Cabinet was informed that the report also provided details of the annual self-assessment carried out against the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code, and that over the last 12 months significant progress had been made in aligning approach to compliance specifically around gas and electrical safety which is now all driven from a single system with the work undertaken by the councils in house team of engineers.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the Housing Quality Network, (HQN) will shortly be undertaking an independent inspection of our services in line with the Consumer Standards which will help to support areas of improvement and provide wider assurance in areas where enhancements to the service have been made. 

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet noted the compliance information provided which details how the council is performing against statutory building compliance relating to its council housing;

(b)           Cabinet agreed to continue to receive annual performance reporting on Compliance, Complaints Performance and Service Improvement; and

(c)           Cabinet agreed that the recommendations into the review of the Housing Ombudsman Case are overseen by the BCP Homes Advisory Board and a further update provided to Cabinet.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

The council, as a landlord, has many legal obligations it must satisfy to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its tenants and leaseholders. It must also adhere to the regulatory standards as set out by the Regulator of Social Housing, particularly the Safety and Quality Standard.

Councillors should also have oversight and assurance of compliance against the legal and regulatory requirements that are placed upon it through this annual report to Cabinet.

This report presents the background to and an update on the ongoing conversation with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) further to the letter from the Director of Finance issued on the 22 May 2024. This letter outlined concerns about the impact the ever-increasing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), caused by increasing demand and cost outstripping government funding, will have on the council’s ability to set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Noted the actions taken to date to seek government advice, support, and guidance as to how the Council can set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

(b)           Noted the work undertaken by Children’s Services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the SEND service to manage demand and cost.

(c)           Agreed that the Leader should write again to the Deputy Prime Minister requesting an urgent meeting and a solution to the cashflow challenge that the Council faces.

(d)           Agreed that the Chief Executive and Director of Finance should write formally to the Permanent Secretary, MHCLG, drawing her specific attention to the cashflow challenge and potential solutions.

(e)           Request officers to bring forward details of which of the options listed in section 28 of the report will need to be enacted to ensure the Council can set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To ensure that Cabinet are kept abreast of a potential existential threat to the financial viability and sustainability of the council.

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 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report presented the background to and an update on the ongoing conversation with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) further to the letter from the Director of Finance issued on the 22 May 2024, and that this letter outlined concerns about the impact the ever-increasing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), caused by increasing demand and cost outstripping government funding, will have on the council’s ability to set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the meeting the previous evening and following comprehensive discussion the Board had supported the recommendations within the report but had raised concerns in regard to the options contained within the paper.

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet stressing the importance of the SEND services provided and of the need to retain these.

The Leader of the Labour Group addressed the Cabinet thanking officers for their hard work, and stressed that there were significant discussions going on regarding this matter and of the work going on behind the scenes to try and bring a resolution to this matter.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Noted the actions taken to date to seek government advice, support, and guidance as to how the Council can set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

(b)           Noted the work undertaken by Children’s Services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the SEND service to manage demand and cost.

(c)           Agreed that the Leader should write again to the Deputy Prime Minister requesting an urgent meeting and a solution to the cashflow challenge that the Council faces.

(d)           Agreed that the Chief Executive and Director of Finance should write formally to the Permanent Secretary, MHCLG, drawing her specific attention to the cashflow challenge and potential solutions.

(e)           Request officers to bring forward details of which of the options listed in section 28 of the report will need to be enacted to ensure the Council can set a legally balanced budget for 2025/26.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To ensure that Cabinet are kept abreast of a potential existential threat to the financial viability and sustainability of the council.

Since the creation of BCP Council through the merger of the four preceding councils in April 2019 we have been working with the trade unions to negotiate a new Pay and Reward package which aligns pay and conditions across all colleagues. 

This report sets out the results of the recent trade union ballot process and outlines next steps.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet noted the trade union ballot outcome; and

(b)           Cabinet approve option 2 of the proposed process flowchart (Appendix 1) and the commencement of collective consultation under s188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (‘TULRCA’), which is a statutory obligation where an employer is proposing to dismiss 20 or more employees

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation and Resources

Reason

BCP Council has sought to reach a collective agreement with its recognised trade unions since February 2023 but currently such an agreement has not been achieved. BCP Council therefore now seeks to commence collective consultation under s188 to progress its proposals.

Councillor Richard Herrett declared a pecuniary interest in this item and left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

Councillor David Brown joined the meeting at 11.45am part way through the debate on this item and therefore did not participate in the vote.

The Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Resources 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 since the creation of BCP Council through the merger of the four preceding councils in April 2019 the Council had been working with the trade unions to negotiate a new Pay and Reward package which aligns pay and conditions across all colleagues. 

Cabinet was informed that this report sets out the results of the recent trade union ballot process and outlines next steps.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board had thoroughly debated the report at the previous evenings meeting where the Board whilst largely divided had supported the recommendation to Cabinet. In addition, the Chair advised that there was a motion proposed at the meeting to support option 1 of the flowchart at Appendix 1 but that this was not carried.

Councillors addressed the Cabinet stressing the importance of a collective agreement with the unions.

Cabinet members emphasised the importance of the staff, acknowledging the length of time it has taken to align pay and conditions across all colleagues and of the importance of moving forwards.

In relation to this the Portfolio Holder advised that discussions with the trade unions would continue and that the report put plans in place should an agreement not be reached.

In addition, Cabinet was advised that should dismissal and reengagement be necessary that a further report would be brought to Cabinet and Council for approval.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet noted the trade union ballot outcome; and

(b)           Cabinet approve option 2 of the proposed process flowchart (Appendix 1) and the commencement of collective consultation under s188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (‘TULRCA’), which is a statutory obligation where an employer is proposing to dismiss 20 or more employees

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation and Resources

Reason

BCP Council has sought to reach a collective agreement with its recognised trade unions since February 2023 but currently such an agreement has not been achieved. BCP Council therefore now seeks to commence collective consultation under s188 to progress its proposals.

Councillor Richard Herrett declared a pecuniary interest in this item and left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

Councillor David Brown joined the meeting at 11.45am part way through the debate on this item and therefore did not participate in the vote.

The BCP Council Plan for Play brings forward a strategy that sets out how our play infrastructure should be managed, designed and improved.

This strategy directly aligns and supports many of the Council’s key ambitions. This report highlights the detail contained in the strategy, most notably how our stock of play facilities – play equipment, cycle and BMX facilities – is in severe decline and in need of significant investment.

The Plan for Play includes an Improvement Plan for a phased approach to investing in the equipment that is crucial to our young people and their physical and mental well-being. This investment will make an immediate impact that ensures play areas stay open and create a pathway to work with communities, local business and funders to support our play needs.

Adopting the Plan for Play creates a vision and priorities for future provision across BCP and can be applied as funds become available or decisions are made.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)         The strategy is formally adopted, comprised of:

                        i.         Plan for Play

                      ii.         Design guide

                     iii.         Improvement Plan

                     iv.         Evidence base and appendices;

(b)          The Consultation plan for phase one of the Improvement Plan is approved to ensure it is developed with our communities and partners;

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(c)          The allocation of £548,047 of capital funds from various planning obligations and reserves to the Improvement Plan;

(d)          The allocation of £3,390,609 from Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to the Improvement Plan; and

(e)        Both (c) and (d) are subject to receiving the subsequent endorsement of the Director of Finance based on the availability of the necessary cash.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Environment

                             Communities and Partnerships

Reason

Supports the Corporate Strategy in improving our environment and play spaces, making a difference for people and communities.

Supports the aims and principles of the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Provides an opportunity to invest in new play spaces, modernise our provision and enable future generations to have access to exciting, challenging and contemporary play equipment, fit for future generations.

Supports service improvement in managing our ageing play stock, supports pressures on revenue budgets. The Plan for Play and suite of strategic documents will provide a sounds base for any future investment and funding bids, internally or externally with community partners and funders.

The strategy is required to be able to prioritise improvements and any financial investment, ensuring those areas that need improved spaces the most have first consideration, moving away from an ad hoc, scatter-gun approach to repairs and funding.

Supports Public Health commitments as set out in Dorset’s physical activity strategy, ‘A Movement for Movement’ and a range of health and well-bring drivers seeking to reduce inpatient admissions related to physical and mental health conditions that can be mitigated by time in green space and being more active.

Works to create accessible and inclusive spaces supported by the Equalities Impact assessment.

Supports Planning Policy and the forthcoming Local plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships 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 BCP Council Plan for Play brings forward a strategy that sets out how our play infrastructure should be managed, designed and improved.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the strategy directly aligns and supports many of the Council’s key ambitions, and that the report highlights the detail contained in the strategy, most notably how our stock of play facilities – play equipment, cycle and BMX facilities – is in severe decline and in need of significant investment.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the Plan for Play included an Improvement Plan for a phased approach to investing in the equipment that is crucial to our young people and their physical and mental well-being, and that this investment will make an immediate impact that ensures play areas stay open and create a pathway to work with communities, local business and funders to support our play needs.

Cabinet was informed that adopting the Plan for Play creates a vision and priorities for future provision across BCP and can be applied as funds become available or decisions are made.

The Chair of the Environment and Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet acknowledging appreciation for the work which had gone into the report and highlighting the briefings the committee had received.

Councillors addressed the Cabinet raising the following points: -

-       Concern was expressed with regards to their being no mention of paddling pools, a fundamental part of some play areas.

-       The acceleration of projects where there is match funding and the lack of opportunity to apply for CIL funding.

In relation to this the Leader advised that applications for CIL funding would be opening again in the new year with the announcement detailing the dates anticipated to be made early next year.

The Portfolio Holder advised that paddling pools were outside of the scope of the plan.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)         The strategy is formally adopted, comprised of:

                        i.         Plan for Play

                      ii.         Design guide

                     iii.         Improvement Plan

                     iv.         Evidence base and appendices;

(b)          The Consultation plan for phase one of the Improvement Plan is approved to ensure it is developed with our communities and partners;

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(c)          The allocation of £548,047 of capital funds from various planning obligations and reserves to the Improvement Plan;

(d)          The allocation of £3,390,609 from Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to the Improvement Plan; and

(e)        Both (c) and (d) are subject to receiving the subsequent endorsement of the Director of Finance based on the availability of the necessary cash.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Environment

                             Communities and Partnerships

Reason

Supports the Corporate Strategy in improving our environment and play spaces, making a difference for people and communities.

Supports the aims and principles of the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Provides an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

This report updates Cabinet on progress being made with the future library strategy following consultation with the Public during May and June 24.  It also provides Cabinet with the Needs Assessment document which has been developed to aid the evaluation of any future proposed change.

The report sets out the next phase of work to determine recommendations in relation to the future library service model and explains the connection with the wider asset management work which is underway organisationally to seek efficiencies around the corporate estate.

It is anticipated that a further report to Cabinet will be presented after end of May 2025, to present the key elements of the proposed library strategy, including options on a site-by-site basis.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          notes the content of the report and outcomes of the Public Consultation;

(b)          notes and comments on the planned tranches of work to define the service offer and the options appraisal process regarding buildings; and

(c)          approves the timescale of no later than end of May 2025 for presenting the key elements of the future library strategy

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Customer, Communications and Culture

Reason

The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on the progress made on developing the BCP Library Strategy and to seek endorsement around the key recommendations and next steps.

The Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture 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 updates Cabinet on progress being made with the future library strategy following consultation with the Public during May and June 24, and that it also provided Cabinet with the Needs Assessment document which has been developed to aid the evaluation of any future proposed change.

Cabinet was informed that the report sets out the next phase of work to determine recommendations in relation to the future library service model and explains the connection with the wider asset management work which is underway organisationally to seek efficiencies around the corporate estate.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that it is anticipated that a further report to Cabinet will be presented after end of May 2025, to present the key elements of the proposed library strategy, including options on a site-by-site basis.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the meeting the previous evening the Board had supported the recommendations within the report.

Thanks were expressed to the officers for the comprehensive report.

Councillors addressed the Cabinet stressing the importance of the need to have a clear idea of what people want from their libraries and where they want them.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          notes the content of the report and outcomes of the Public Consultation;

(b)          notes and comments on the planned tranches of work to define the service offer and the options appraisal process regarding buildings; and

(c)          approves the timescale of no later than end of May 2025 for presenting the key elements of the future library strategy

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Customer, Communications and Culture

Reason

The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on the progress made on developing the BCP Library Strategy and to seek endorsement around the key recommendations and next steps.

Councillor Millie Earl declared an interest in this item and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.

This report sets out the redevelopment opportunity at Hawkwood Road, which is a priority project for the Boscombe Towns Fund. The report outlines two options for the delivery; either a mixed use site of residential home and a clinical facility in collaboration with the NHS (subject to contract, (Option 1)  or a 100% residential scheme (Option 2) . The report confirms we will use best endeavours to pursue Option 1 mixed-use project, however, seeks authority to retain the flexibility to deliver the 100% residential  (option 2), if necessary. The financial viability is dependent on Homes England grant for the delivery of 100% affordable homes and sufficient headroom in the Housing Revenue Account. Hawkwood Road delivers significant social and physical regeneration to the ward of Boscombe West and the associated local context. The project also contributes the delivery of much needed social homes.    

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services 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 sets out the redevelopment opportunity at Hawkwood Road, which is a priority project for the Boscombe Towns Fund. The report outlines two options for the delivery; either a mixed use site of residential home and a clinical facility in collaboration with the NHS (subject to contract, (Option 1) or a 100% residential scheme (Option 2).

Cabinet was informed that the report confirms we will use best endeavours to pursue Option 1 mixed-use project, however, seeks authority to retain the flexibility to deliver the 100% residential (option 2), if necessary, and that the financial viability is dependent on Homes England grant for the delivery of 100% affordable homes and sufficient headroom in the Housing Revenue Account.

Cabinet was advised that Hawkwood Road delivers significant social and physical regeneration to the ward of Boscombe West and the associated local context. The project also contributes the delivery of much needed social homes.

Councillors addressed the Cabinet stressing the importance of focusing all efforts on Option1.

It is RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)          approve option 1 for the Hawkwood Road development scheme for 68 units and a clinical facility at a total scheme cost of £28.7m (preferred option);

(b)           approve option 2 (fully residential) to be delivered at total scheme cost of £26.6m in the event we are unable to deliver Option 1 (the mixed-use scheme which includes the clinical facility);

(c)           approve the financial strategy for the scheme for both options inclusive of borrowing level over 50 years from both the Housing Revenue Account and the General Fund;

(d)           approve the procurement of construction works of Hawkwood Road Ph2 through an open and competitive tender for the preferred option, subject to securing Homes England Affordable Housing Grant and a viable HRA business plan;

(e)           approve of the delegation to the Chief Operations Officer in conjunction with the Director of Finance and the Director of Law & Governance authority to enter contracts for building works, the Memorandum of Understanding with the NHS Dorset and the lease for the Clinical Facility, providing all key parameters (including delivery within approved capital budget) are met;  

(f)            Approval of the appropriation of part of the main Hawkwood Road south site for housing purposes under section 19 of the Housing Act 1985 following its appropriation for planning purposes, once the required car parking area has been formally closed; and

(g)           Approval of the transfer of the land to be held for housing purposes from the General Fund (GF) to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for an appropriate certified financial consideration.

It is RECOMMENDED Audit and Governance Committee Recommend to Council:

(h)           Approval of an increase in the authorised borrowing limit of the Council to accommodate the £6.1m in the HRA for social rent/shared ownership and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

This report provides an update on the Council Newbuild Housing and Acquisition Strategy established in 2021 and sets out the priorities for delivering more Council owned homes of all tenures.

It includes the acquisition of the Harbour Sail, a 12-storey high-rise building in Poole, under the Council's New Build Housing and Acquisition Strategy (CNHAS) Programme 4a (subject to satisfactory warranties and no incumbrance to lettings). The building comprises 32 leasehold flats currently owned by Stonewater Limited. The acquisition is intended to provide temporary accommodation as part of the Council’s broader housing strategy.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services 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 advised that the report provided an update on the Council Newbuild Housing and Acquisition Strategy established in 2021 and sets out the priorities for delivering more Council owned homes of all tenures.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the report includes the acquisition of the Harbour Sail, a 12-storey high-rise building in Poole, under the Council's New Build Housing and Acquisition Strategy (CNHAS) Programme 4a (subject to satisfactory warranties and no incumbrance to lettings), and that the building comprises 32 leasehold flats currently owned by Stonewater Limited.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the acquisition is intended to provide temporary accommodation as part of the Council’s broader housing strategy.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the meeting the previous evening the Board following robust discussion had supported the recommendations within the report.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -  

I.                  approve the Acquisition of Harbour Sail including 32 leasehold flats for temporary affordable housing in accordance with the budget outlined in the exempt report attached at Appendix 4;

II.                  approve to proceed with the acquisition and delivery of 16 homes by March 2026 under the LAHF3 programme; and 

III.                  approve the delegation to the Chief Operations Officer in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Law & Governance of authority to enter contracts related to activity set out in this report.? 

It is RECOMMENDED that Audit and Governance Committee recommend to Council:

(d)          Increasing the authorised borrowing limit of the Council to accommodate the budget set out in the exempt report at Appendix 4 for the purchase of Harbour Sail.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Travel Plan Monitoring fees are inconsistently applied across BCP. This report sets out and seeks approval to harmonise travel plan monitoring fees across BCP.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          approves the harmonisation of travel plan monitoring fees for new developments requiring planning permission across all of BCP, commencing with those registered complete from 1 April 2025

(b)          approves the introduction of annual increases tied to RPI on 31 March annually, adjusted to the nearest £5

(c)          approves that at the point of implementation of the harmonised Travel Plan Monitoring Fees, the existing Poole Travel Plans Supplementary Planning Guidance Document (2003) be withdrawn

(d)          approves the delegation to the Director of Planning & Transport the ability to undertake minor alterations to scheme band criteria in accordance with operational requirements and best practice

(e)          approves the delegation to the Director of Planning & Transport the ability to extend the monitoring time period in accordance with operational requirements and best practice.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

To allow the harmonisation of travel plan fees across BCP to occur, and to ensure the agreed fee level remains in line with inflation

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 'K' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that travel plan monitoring fees are inconsistently applied across BCP, and that the report sets out and seeks approval to harmonise travel plan monitoring fees across BCP.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          approves the harmonisation of travel plan monitoring fees for new developments requiring planning permission across all of BCP, commencing with those registered complete from 1 April 2025

(b)          approves the introduction of annual increases tied to RPI on 31 March annually, adjusted to the nearest £5

(c)          approves that at the point of implementation of the harmonised Travel Plan Monitoring Fees, the existing Poole Travel Plans Supplementary Planning Guidance Document (2003) be withdrawn

(d)          approves the delegation to the Director of Planning & Transport the ability to undertake minor alterations to scheme band criteria in accordance with operational requirements and best practice

(e)          approves the delegation to the Director of Planning & Transport the ability to extend the monitoring time period in accordance with operational requirements and best practice.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

To allow the harmonisation of travel plan fees across BCP to occur, and to ensure the agreed fee level remains in line with inflation

The council has experienced a significant increase in the number of children requiring and Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) over the last 3 years.  Sustained growth has resulted in a greater use of independent specialist school places and a shortage of specialist provision locally. This has increased unit costs of provision and intensified budget pressures in the dedicated schools grant high needs funding block.  As part of the council’s response to growth and improvement in the system, the council has developed a draft Sufficiency Strategy. The Sufficiency Strategy is a key part of the council’s work to deliver a sustainable system, working collaboratively with our partners to ensure that the needs of children and young people are met without escalating costs, and supporting delivery of the DSG Recovery Plan. A key area of focus for the strategy is to develop and expand our Post 16 offer locally. In delivering the priorities identified in the SEND Sufficiency Strategy, additional Post 16 specialist provision is being planned and commissioned working with Linwood Special School.

This report contains a proposal to expand Linwood Special School on a satellite site hosted at the former Ted Webster Children’s Centre. The project will provide a total of 60 specialist post-16 places with a focus on supporting young people transition into an independent, healthy adulthood. Capital investment is required to refurbish and remodel the existing buildings to deliver a high quality, accessible teaching and learning space. The new facility will open in September 2025. By increasing the availability of local specialist Post 16 places, the council estimates a cost avoidance in the region of £38K - £50k per place, per annum.

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

Cabinet was advised that the council had experienced a significant increase in the number of children requiring and Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) over the last 3 years, and that sustained growth has resulted in a greater use of independent specialist school places and a shortage of specialist provision locally, which had increased unit costs of provision and intensified budget pressures in the dedicated schools grant high needs funding block. 

Cabinet was informed that as part of the council’s response to growth and improvement in the system, the council has developed a draft Sufficiency Strategy, and that the Sufficiency Strategy is a key part of the council’s work to deliver a sustainable system, working collaboratively with our partners to ensure that the needs of children and young people are met without escalating costs, and supporting delivery of the DSG Recovery Plan.

Cabinet was advised that a key area of focus for the strategy is to develop and expand our Post 16 offer locally, and in delivering the priorities identified in the SEND Sufficiency Strategy, additional Post 16 specialist provision is being planned and commissioned working with Linwood Special School.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that this report contains a proposal to expand Linwood Special School on a satellite site hosted at the former Ted Webster Children’s Centre, and that the project will provide a total of 60 specialist post-16 places with a focus on supporting young people transition into an independent, healthy adulthood. Capital investment is required to refurbish and remodel the existing buildings to deliver a high quality, accessible teaching and learning space.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the new facility will open in September 2025. By increasing the availability of local specialist Post 16 places, the council estimates a cost avoidance in the region of £38K - £50k per place, per annum.

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Committee had supported the recommendations within the Cabinet paper.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends approval of the scheme by Council to develop a satellite of Linwood Special School at the former Ted Webster Children’s Centre providing a total of 60 Post 16 places requiring a capital budget of £1.55m to develop the scheme. The scheme is fully funded from the council’s grant allocation of High Needs Provision Capital and will progress in line with the project programme set out at paragraph 12.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

In accordance with the council’s improvement agenda and priority action to reduce high needs expenditure, this project increases the availability of local SEND places and achieves cost avoidance in the high need budget.

A system-wide transformation programme to transform and improve urgent and emergency care services for Dorset residents is underway involving health and care partners. It is anticipated that the transformation programme will take 2 years to deliver and should substantially reduce the number of people admitted into hospital when better outcomes could be achieved elsewhere and should result in fewer people waiting in hospital to be discharged while ongoing care is arranged.  Work has now progressed and in parallel with other health and care organisations across Dorset the Council must now consider whether to participate in the next phase of the programme.

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

Cabinet was advised that a system-wide transformation programme to transform and improve urgent and emergency care services for Dorset residents is underway involving health and care partners, and that it is anticipated that the transformation programme will take 2 years to deliver and should substantially reduce the number of people admitted into hospital when better outcomes could be achieved elsewhere and should result in fewer people waiting in hospital to be discharged while ongoing care is arranged. 

Cabinet was informed that work has now progressed and in parallel with other health and care organisations across Dorset the Council must now consider whether to participate in the next phase of the programme.

The Chair of the Health and Adults Overview & Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Committee had supported the recommendations within the report.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)          Notes the summary of the diagnostic review, including improved outcomes for residents and financial benefits for the Council.

(b)          Notes that anticipated benefits are significantly in excess of costs to the Council.

(c)          Delegates to the Corporate Director for Wellbeing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, the Director of Law and Governance and the Director of Finance, authority to finalise and enter into the Partnership Agreement to undertake the proposed transformation programme.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

To provide authority to continue participating in the system-wide transformation programme to improve urgent and emergency care outcomes for Dorset residents.

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

Cabinet was advised that no urgent decisions had been taken in accordance with the Constitution since the last meeting of the Cabinet.

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.

Meeting ended @ 14:02