Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Councillors are required to comply with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and the Council's Code of Conduct regarding Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

Councillors are also required to disclose any other interests where a Councillor is a member of an external body or organisation where that membership involves a position of control or significant influence, including bodies to which the Council has made the appointment in line with the Council's Code of Conduct.

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 15 January 2020.

The Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 15 January 2020 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Voting: Unanimous

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/documents/s2305/Public%20Items%20-%20Meeting%20Procedure%20Rules.pdf 

The deadline for the submission of public questions is Wednesday 5 February 2020.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is 12.00 noon, Tuesday 11 February 2020.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 12.00 noon, Tuesday 11 February 2020.

The Leader reported that two questions had been received and 3 statements.

Further to this the Leader advised that unfortunately one of the questionners was unable to attend the meeting and that she would be provided with a written response to her question.

Question from Conor O’Luby

The Cabinet has made numerous public statements regarding the destructive nature of Phase 2 of the A338-Wessex Fields Link proposals. Given the fact that the Council has the power to strike Phase 2 out of the planning application, will the Cabinet commit to doing so?

Response by the Leader of the Council

Thank you for your question about Phase Two of the Wessex Fields infrastructure.  This was first requested at the consultation event last month by another member of the Holdenhurst community and I have received a number of emails making the same request.

I have huge sympathy for the position of people living in Holdenhurst who feel that without positive action this project could come forward in the future, as the planning consent was submitted and approved in a single application.  I recognise that you have accepted our assurance but that your concerns rest with a future council taking a different political direction.

It is possible for the Local Planning Authority to revoke part of the planning consent but it is a lengthy and costly process and would be subject to public consultation.  There remain many individuals and groups who believe that the building of the flyover should go ahead and so it is inevitable that objections would be made.

I have been advised that objections to the scheme would then instigate referral to the Secretary of State, and I do not consider there is sufficient benefit to the community to take these steps incurring additional work and costs for officers at a time when we need to create a new local plan, speed up the planning process and deal more robustly with cases of planning enforcement.    I can offer my assurance and other portfolio holders that we have no intention of building out the second phase of the Wessex Fields infrastructure.

Statement from Conor O’Luby

The Winter Gardens development: large numbers of trees destroyed; entirely car dominated; not a single affordable, let alone council, home; culturally destructive as evidenced by Historic England's objection; sky-high carbon emissions due to associated cement production. Is this what the Council had in mind for Bournemouth when it declared a Climate Change Emergency?

Statement from Annette Brooke, Member of the Steering Group of Dorset Equality Group

1.    DEG welcomes BCP taking a unified approach to CIL across the three previous separate councils.

2.    We broadly support Option 2 which provides opportunities for bids to be submitted to the ‘central pot’ from community groups in wards with deprivation and needs but perhaps without the level of development experienced in more advantaged wards.

3.    However, we do feel it is important that all the processes of allocating CIL accord with fundamental principles of fairness, openness, transparency, accessibility, good  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

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

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

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

To set out for cabinet consideration and recommendation to council the proposed 2020/21 budget and council tax.

The budget as presented;

a)  has been drafted on a base 3.99 per cent increase in council tax as adjusted in each of the predecessor areas by the application of the policy to achieve harmonisation from 1 April 2021 onwards.

b)  Includes provision to mitigate the deficit that is accumulating in the high needs budget of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

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 were requested to consider and recommend to Council the proposed 2020/21 budget and council tax.

Cabinet were advised that the budget as presented had been drafted on a base 3.99 per cent increase in council tax as adjusted in each of the predecessor areas by the application of the policy to achieve harmonisation from 1 April 2021 onwards. It included provision to mitigate the deficit in the high needs budget of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

The Leader outlined an amendment to recommendation ‘d’ and an additional recommendation at ‘gi’. The revision to recommendation ‘d’ was to reduce the transfer from early years funding to the high needs block to nil. The reduction would increase the predicted accumulated deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant as at 31 March 2021 to £8.5 million. With the in-year deficit assessed at £3million based on a £4million transfer from the schools block. The additional recommendation at ‘gi’ proposed a further £0.2million one-off contribution to the Financial Liability Reserve to bring the balance to £8.5million as at the 31 March 2021. This had been identified as £0.2million of principle repayments on assumed acquisitions were not due to commence until the 2021/22 financial year.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board outlined its recommendation to request that the Leader write to the Minister of Education to express Councillors concerns over the funding formula applied to BCP giving rise to the pressure on the Dedicated Schools Grant and the growing deficit to the High Needs Block. The Leader confirmed that the local MPs had already been written to on this subject and she confirmed she would also write to the Secretary of State for Education. The Chairman and Leader of the Conservative Group advised that they would like to co-sign the letter and this was welcomed.

Cabinet members welcomed the work in each of their portfolio areas that had been undertaken to produce a balanced budget which also delivered on the Council’s priorities and harmonised Council Tax in the authority more quickly than that proposed by the Shadow Authority. The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance thanked the Chief Financial Officer and all of the finance staff for their support in production of the budget, a process which had been underway since July 2019 and noted that the process for setting the following year’s budget would be starting soon. 

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

1)         a recorded vote be undertaken in relation to the following items as required by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendments) Regulations 2014 which came into force on the 25 February 2014;

a)         A net budget of £283m, resulting in a total Council Tax Requirement of £217.1m, is set for 2020/21 based on the settlement figures published by Government in December 2019. This is based upon:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

The council  is required to set funding formulae for:

•           Early education and childcare for those aged 2 and 3&4

•           Mainstream schools for reception to year 11

Consultation has taken place with all relevant providers, schools and the Schools Forum. This report includes the recommendations of the Schools Forum for approval.

To support councillor consideration, the Schools Forum Papers can be accessed by the link below:

BCP Schools Forum

The impact of the proposed funding changes is included in the report at summary level. The  early yearssector is largely comprised of private, voluntary and independent settings.   The mainstream formula allocates funding only to public sector schools with the full details shown in Schools Forum papers.

The 2020/21 Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) report on the Cabinet agenda includes the decision to support the DSG High Needs budget with a transfer of £4.0 million from Schools Block and £0.2 million from Early Years Block.

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 were advised that the Council is required to set funding formulae for:

• Early education and childcare for those aged 2 and 3 & 4
• Mainstream schools for reception to year 11

In relation to this Members were advised that consultation had taken place with all relevant providers, schools and the Schools Forum.

This report and recommendations were considered by the Cabinet at the same time as the Medium Term Financial Plan Budget report.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)        the early years formula set out in Table 2 of paragraph 21 be approved;

(b)        the mainstream school’s formula set out in Table 6 of Appendix 2 of the report be approved allowing for a £4 million (1.91%) transfer of Schools Block funding to High Needs;

(c)        if DfE approval is given for a transfer up to only £1.8m, the local formula is to adopt the NFF funding values and mechanisms;

(d)        delegation of the final decision on the mainstream school’s formula, when all DfE decisions are known, be given to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services, in consultation with the Children’s Services Cabinet Member, taking into account the methodology recommended by the Schools Forum in Table 8 of Appendix 3 of the report; and

(e)        the Minimum Funding Guarantee for specialist providers is set at 0 per cent to allow maximum budget flexibility.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

This report presents the council’s performance against budget for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 December 2019.

In summary, the general fund revenue projected outturn for 2019/20 is a pressure within net expenditure of £5.3 million(compared with £4.5 million previously reported at September).  These pressures can be met from the additional resources (£2.5 million revenue budget contingency and £6.5 million service-specific Financial Resilience earmarked reserves) set aside to manage the additional level of uncertainty in this first year of the new council.

At this stage the contingency within the budget is projected to be fully used with a recommendation to the Council to release up to £2.7 million of the Financial Resilience earmarked reserves to support the annual budget. This will allow services to maintain their projected level of activity and related spending plans to deliver on agreed priorities. 

In the appendices included with the end of September report and in appendices C and D in this report, the Corporate Directors have provided details of the service pressures and actions they are taking in mitigation.

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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were advised of the council’s performance against budget for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 December 2019.

In relation to this the Portfolio Holder confirmed that savings had been made from each directorate.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          the report contents and the projected outturn position be noted;

(b)          the reports from the Corporate Directors of Adult Social Care and Resources in the appendices to the report be noted; and

(c)          the forecast year end outturn positions for capital, reserves and Housing Revenue Account neighbourhood accounts be noted.

RECOMMENDED that Council agree to release up to £2.7 million of the Financial Resilience earmarked reserves to support the 2019/20 annual budget as detailed in paragraph 47 of the associated report.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is a separate account within the Council that ring-fences the income and expenditure associated with BCP Council’s housing stock. The HRA does not therefore directly impact on the Council’s wider General Fund budget or on the level of council tax. Income to the HRA is primarily received through the rents and other charges paid by tenants and leaseholders.

Poole Housing Partnership continues to manage the Poole Neighbourhood stock on behalf of BCP Council while the stock in the Bournemouth Neighbourhood is directly managed. Although there can only one HRA, BCP Council maintains two separate accounts for each neighbourhood within it.

This report seeks approval for the proposed budget for the HRA for 2020/21 and the key principles on which it is based.

This report sets out the proposals regarding the rents, service charges and other charges to tenants as well as the expenditure plans for the 2020/21 rent year. These proposals and the actions within the delivery plans for each neighbourhood all support the priorities set out in the Council’s new Corporate Strategy.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing 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 approval and recommendation was sought for the proposed budget for the HRA for 2020/21 and the key principles on which it based.

Cabinet were informed that the report set out the proposals regarding the rents, service charges and other charges to tenants as well as the expenditure plans for the 2020/21 rent year. These proposals and the actions within the delivery plans for each neighbourhood all support the priorities set out in the Council’s new Corporate Strategy.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board outlined concerns raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Board regarding the recommendation ‘2x’ relating to the £2 million to be contributed from the HRA towards BCP Council’s transformation programme and the benefit that this would bring for residents. The Portfolio Holder advised that the HRA was not a separate fund but a ring-fenced account of certain defined transactions, relating to local authority housing, within the Councils General Fund. The HRA was governed by a statute as to what could be charged to and credited against the account. Including proportionate costs of a corporate nature borne by the Council.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends that Full Council approves the following:-

1.      The set of key principles proposed for the HRA operating in both Bournemouth and Poole neighbourhoods for 2020/21 be approved as follows:-

(i)        Deliver strong financial management of the HRA which maximises the ability to collect income, gain efficiencies and service outstanding debt

(ii)      Ensure HRA stock is adequately and efficiently maintained particularly in relation to the Council’s legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its tenants

(iii)     Focus on the delivery of effective housing management services to support successful tenancies and strong and sustainable communities 

(iv)     Continue to secure funding opportunities to deliver additional social rented and affordable housing through new build and acquisitions

These principles, and the actions that will be linked to them in the Delivery Plans, support the newly agreed themes within the Council’s Corporate Strategy.

Note that these objectives are broadly stated in order of priority. As a landlord, it is important that debt is serviced in the first instance, followed by ensuring the effective and efficient maintenance and management of the properties and support for tenants. Subsequent surpluses and borrowing will then be maximised to bring forward additional affordable housing.

2.     That revenue budgets for 2020/21 and provisionally for 2021/22 and 2022/23 are set using the following principles: -

(i)        That dwelling rents are increased by 2.7 per cent (CPI for September 2019 + 1 per cent) in line with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Policy statement on rents for social housing published in February 2019.  

(ii)      That garage rental charges are increased by RPI which for September 2019 was 2.4 per cent across both the Bournemouth and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

To seek approval for the governance of BCP Council CIL receipts. The report covers proposed governance for both strategic and neighbourhood portion CIL monies.

The first part of the report sets out the proposed arrangements for the strategic element of CIL (which can be used to fund major infrastructure projects such as strategic transport, school places, flood defences, Dorset Heathlands mitigation and open spaces).

This includes seeking approval to progress the Council’s first Infrastructure Funding Statement, which once published will set out the strategic infrastructure needs across the BCP area, costs and expected delivery timescales. As part of this it is recognised that work needs to start on adopting a new, single CIL Charging Schedule for BCP in order to provide a consistent approach to charging and related collection policy.

The second part of the report focuses on the CIL Neighbourhood Portion, which requires 15% to 25% of CIL to be set aside for local projects. The report highlights that BCP Council inherited different systems for this from the legacy Councils. Moving forward, CIL Neighbourhood Portion in Christchurch is now a matter of transferring the monies to the Town and Parish Councils in accordance with the statutory requirements. However, a decision is also required to transfer the 15% neighbourhood proportion collected in the previously unparished area of Christchurch to Christchurch Town Council and Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council. A consistent approach is needed in Bournemouth and Poole.

The options for this are to either adopt the system of collecting the Neighbourhood Portion on a ward basis or pooling the monies into a single pot to which any community across Bournemouth and Poole can bid into. The relative merits of both these options are reviewed in the report with the recommendation being to introduce Option 2 as a consistent approach across the Bournemouth and Poole parts of the BCP Council area. 

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

Cabinet approval was sought for the governance of BCP Council CIL receipts. Cabinet were advised that the report covered proposed governance for both strategic and neighbourhood portion CIL monies.

Cabinet were further advised that the second part of the report focused on the CIL Neighbourhood Portion, which requires 15% to 25% of CIL to be set aside for local projects. Cabinet were informed that the options for this were to either adopt the system of collecting the Neighbourhood Portion on a ward basis or pooling the monies into a single pot. Whilst both options had merits the pooling option seemed to be a fair and equitable way of distributing CIL.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board outlined the recommendations from the Board which requested the Cabinet agree to the ward-based option whilst recognising the opportunity to pool resources should they wish to. The reasons for the Boards recommendation was that the neighbourhood portion should be used for the communities directly impacted by developments. It was also noted that many areas did not have community groups who could put forward bids for the monies and ward councillors had a good knowledge of their local areas and what was needed.

A Councillor present at the meeting raised issues regarding the distinction between the strategic portion of the CIL and the use for local neighbourhoods and improvements for the whole community which were not necessarily strategic issues.

The Cabinet were requested by another Councillor that whatever decision it takes is kept under review and questioned the information provided on the number of schemes supported within each of the legacy Councils and the date that this pertained to. The Portfolio Holder undertook to provide this information.

Further to this Cabinet were also asked to consider a more inclusive panel to consider the distribution of the fund than that which was outlined in the report at paragraph 28. The Portfolio Holder agreed that there was a need for the Panel to be more inclusive.

Cabinet members outlined their support for option 2, noting that neighbourhoods were not necessarily defined by wards and there were areas which were nil rated for CIL who wouldn’t have access to CIL despite developments taking place. It was also felt that there was still a strong role for Ward Councillors.

The Leader requested that there should be some evaluation on what success looked like for use of CIL and its impact on communities.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)        the Director for Growth & Infrastructure  be authorised to lead production of the BCP Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) by December 2020. The IFS will outline the allocation of strategic CIL proportionately across the BCP area once published;

(b)        the Director for Growth & Infrastructure  be authorised to commence work on a consolidated BCP Charging Schedule that will replace the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

Cabinet has adopted the principle of a single council hub to support the future operating model and ways of working described in the Organisational Design Programme. This Report sets out the current Estates context, the options for achieving a single council hub and the evaluation criteria to be applied to the options, and the recommended way forward for the delivery of a single council hub for BCP Council.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          the findings and recommendations as outlined in this Report be endorsed and adopted;

(b)         the refurbishment of the current Bournemouth Town Hall complex be adopted as the preferred model to deliver the BCP Council Civic Centre;

(c)          an exercise to Pre-Engage the market in order to assess and test the potential supplier relationship options and costs to support the implementation of the BCP Council Civic Centre be approved;

(d)         the S151 Officer be authorised to consider the potential impact of the costs and benefits of the BCP Council Civic Centre project on future versions of the BCP Council Financial Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan;

(e)          the Cabinet agree to receive a further paper in June 2020 setting out the delivery plan and funding arrangements for the BCP Council Civic Centre project.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To adopt the current Bournemouth Town Hall complex as the preferred site for the future BCP Council Civic Centre and to authorise Officers to undertake pre-market engagement with potential suppliers to assess delivery and cost options.

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

Cabinet were advised that the principle of adopting a single council hub to support the future operating model and ways of working described in the Organisational Design Programme, had already been agreed. In relation to this Cabinet were informed that the report outlined the current Estates position and, the options for achieving a single council hub.

It was noted that recycling one of the existing buildings was the preferred option. Neither of the main office accommodation in Christchurch or Poole was of sufficient size to accommodate the requirements of BCP Council.

Cabinet were informed that the Overview and Scrutiny Board had established a working group to look into this issue. The Leader requested that staff were fully engaged in the process moving forward. It was noted that there would be a Member/ Officer working group looking at issues around decanting and staff concerns. Cabinet Members raised concerns about how the venues not identified as the main hub would be redeveloped and it was noted that this would be given careful consideration in future.

Councillor Butler requested that the future of the buildings not being used as the main centre for the Council be opened up to public consultation.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the findings and recommendations as outlined in this Report be endorsed and adopted;

(b)        the refurbishment of the current Bournemouth Town Hall complex be adopted as the preferred model to deliver the BCP Council Civic Centre;

(c)        an exercise to Pre-Engage the market in order to assess and test the potential supplier relationship options and costs to support the implementation of the BCP Council Civic Centre be approved;

(d)        the S151 Officer be authorised to consider the potential impact of the costs and benefits of the BCP Council Civic Centre project on future versions of the BCP Council Financial Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan;

(e)        the Cabinet agree to receive a further paper in June 2020 setting out the delivery plan and funding arrangements for the BCP Council Civic Centre project.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

BCP Council’s Corporate Strategy was adopted by Council in November 2019.

The strategy sets out the Council’s vision, ambition and priorities, and the values which underpin the way the council will work as it develops and delivers its services. 

Delivery plans have now been prepared in consultation with Cabinet Members, Members of the Directors Strategy Group and Council officers to show how the priorities will be achieved.

These high-level plans explain some of the journey so far, the current and future planned activity under each individual objective, and how success will be monitored and measured.

The delivery plans will be a key component of a Corporate Performance Management Framework.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         the delivery plans be approved; and

(b)         the development of a Corporate Performance Framework to provide a mechanism for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability for delivery be supported.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

A corporate strategy is vital for identifying and gaining visibility of the Council’s key priorities. These represent the objectives and outcomes that the Council’s performance will be judged against.

The strategy’s objectives are the beginning of a golden thread that links personal, team and service performance to the things that matter most to the organisation and as such will be a vital component of the Council’s performance management framework.

The strategy will influence the allocation and distribution of resources ensuring that the organisation commits its limited resources in accordance with its stated priorities.

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

Cabinet were requested to approve the delivery plan and to support the development of a Corporate Performance Framework to provide a mechanism for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability for delivery.

In relation to this Cabinet were reminded that BCP Council’s Corporate Strategy was adopted by Council in November 2019, and that the strategy set out the Council’s vision, ambition and priorities, and the values which underpin the way the council will work as it develops and delivers its services.

Further to this Cabinet were advised that the delivery plans had now been prepared in consultation with Cabinet Members, Members of the Directors Strategy Group and Council officers to show how the priorities will be achieved. In relation to this Cabinet were informed that these high-level plans explain some of the journey so far, the current and future planned activity under each individual objective, and how success will be monitored and measured.

Cabinet were advised that delivery plans will be a key component of a Corporate Performance Management Framework.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the delivery plans be approved; and

(b)        the development of a Corporate Performance Framework to provide a mechanism for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability for delivery be supported.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

This report seeks to update Cabinet on the partnership arrangements that are proposed to enable the Carter Community School expansion project to progress  It also recommends a financial package, requiring contributions from the Council and ULT, to facilitate the completion of the project to an acceptable standard to enable the statutory function of pupil place planning to be delivered.

United Learning Academy Trust have issued the following statement in respect of the proposed financial strategy within this report

“United Learning are wholly supportive of the strategy mapped out by BCP and shared with us prior to the Project Board meeting on 17^th December 2019. We have reallocated funding from our 2019-20 and 20-21 funding streams to undertake the elements of work identified as being outside of the BCP funding plan and hope that the entire project can be completed in a reasonable timescale from here.”

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        Cabinet note that ULT have committed £379k to complete works to refurbish science rooms and toilet facilities;

(b)        Cabinet approve the allocation of £224k from the unallocated Basic Need Contingency to part fund the completion of the Technology Block;

(c)       Cabinet approve the application in principle to access early draw down of future Basic Needs capital resources from the ESFA of up to £0.55M to facilitate the completion funding of the Technology Block.  This £0.55M being part of the formulaic £4.1M that is due to be allocated to BCP in the financial year 2020/21;

(d)        Cabinet noted ULT will seek to identify further available capital resources from their annual formulaic allocation to complete outstanding works over the course of the next three financial years;

(e)        Cabinet approve the revised financial strategy for this project as set out at Appendix B of the report;

(f)          Cabinet agreed that a formal legal agreement be drawn up between the parties committing to the financial strategy and commitment of both parties ahead of any monies being released to ULT in respect of the Technology Block.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

Reason

The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet of the key financial issues relating to this project. Further, to seek approval for the proposed financial strategy to enable this project to be completed to an appropriate standard. This will enable the required increase in capacity at the school in order to accommodate an additional 300 pupil places to meet pupil place planning projections.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families 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.

The report updated Cabinet on the partnership arrangements that are proposed to enable the Carter Community School expansion project to progress. In addition the report recommended the financial package, requiring contributions from the Council and ULT, to facilitate the completion of the project to an acceptable standard to enable the statutory function of pupil place planning to be delivered.

Cabinet were advised that the United Learning Academy had issued a statement in respect of the proposed financial strategy within the report wholly supporting the strategy.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)       Cabinet note that ULT have committed £379k to complete works to refurbish science rooms and toilet facilities;

(b)       Cabinet approve the allocation of £224k from the unallocated Basic Need Contingency to part fund the completion of the Technology Block;

(c)      Cabinet approve the application in principle to access early draw down of future Basic Needs capital resources from the ESFA of up to £0.55M to facilitate the completion funding of the Technology Block.  This £0.55M being part of the formulaic £4.1M that is due to be allocated to BCP in the financial year 2020/21;

(d)       Cabinet noted ULT will seek to identify further available capital resources from their annual formulaic allocation to complete outstanding works over the course of the next three financial years;

(e)        Cabinet approve the revised financial strategy for this project as set out at Appendix B of the report;

(f)         Cabinet agreed that a formal legal agreement be drawn up between the parties committing to the financial strategy and commitment of both parties ahead of any monies being released to ULT in respect of the Technology Block.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

To advise Cabinet on the completed consultation for School Admission Arrangements for schools that BCP Council is the admission authority for and the single coordinated scheme to be used during school place application processes.

To seek determination on proposed admission arrangements and coordinated scheme.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the admission arrangements for maintained community and voluntary controlled schools in accordance with Part III, Chapter I, Section 89 of the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act and Section 1 of the School Admissions Code 2014 be approved; and

(b)        the Coordinated Admissions Scheme for the administration of the 2021/22 year in accordance with Part III, Chapter I, Section 89 of the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act and paragraphs 2.20-2.22 of the School Admissions Code 2014 be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

Reasons

BCP Council is legally required to determine admission arrangements for the 2021/22 academic year for all maintained schools for which it is an admission authority and to agree co-ordinated admission arrangements for all admission authorities in the area.

Arrangements must be determined by BCP Council by 28 February 2020.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families 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 were advised that BCP Council is legally required to determine admission arrangements for the 2021/22 academic year for all maintained schools for which it is an admission authority and to agree co-ordinated admission arrangements for all admission authorities in the area.

In relation to this Cabinet were informed that arrangements must be determined by BCP Council by 28 February 2020.

Cabinet were requested to consider and approve the admission arrangements and coordinated admissions scheme.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the admission arrangements for maintained community and voluntary controlled schools in accordance with Part III, Chapter I, Section 89 of the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act and Section 1 of the School Admissions Code 2014 be approved; and

(b)        the Coordinated Admissions Scheme for the administration of the 2021/22 year in accordance with Part III, Chapter I, Section 89 of the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act and paragraphs 2.20-2.22 of the School Admissions Code 2014 be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

BCP is committed to delivering effective services that ensure children and young people feel safe and secure within a stable family.

While much has been achieved in such a brief period, it is recognised that there remain several key challenges and areas for improvement to become an outstanding place for all children and young people to thrive, have the brightest futures and fulfilled lives where they are supported by the whole community to succeed.

This document outlines a range of initiatives, either new, in development or established, which collectively represent BCP’s Family Support, Early Help and Young People’s Strategic Framework (2020-2023) and outlines how we will deliver the ambitions within the BCP Corporate Strategy.

RESOLVED that the draft principles contained within Appendix 1 of the report “BCP Family Support, Early Help and Young Peoples Services, 2020-2023” be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

Reason

Cabinet are recommended to approve the proposed development and future delivery of a BCP Family Support, Early Help and Young people’s Services.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families 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 were requested to consider and approve the draft principles contained with Appendix 1 of the report.

In relation to this Cabinet were advised that the document outlined a range of initiatives, either new, in development or established, which collectively represent BCP’s Family Support, Early Help and Young People’s Strategic Framework (2020-2023) and outlines how we will deliver the ambitions within the BCP Corporate Strategy.

RESOLVED that the draft principles contained within Appendix 1 of the report “BCP Family Support, Early Help and Young Peoples Services, 2020-2023” be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Families

This covering report asks the Cabinet to consider representations made in response to the advertisement of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders

Additionally, Cabinet is asked to approve the sealing and advertisement of a number of other Traffic Regulation Orders.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Stourbank Road as set out in TRO sub-report A, be approved;

(b)        that the Orders relating to Disabled Parking Bays as set out in TRO sub-report B, be approved;

(c)        that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Beresford Road as set out in TRO sub-report C, be approved;

(d)        that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Alipore Claose and the junction with Birchwood Road as set out in TRO sub-report D, be approved;

(e)        that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Doyne Road as set out in TRO sub-report F, be approved;

(f)         that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Dunford Road as set out in TRO sub-report G, be approved;

(g)        that the advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders as set out in TRO sub-report G, be approved; and

(h)        that the advertisement of Disabled Parking Space changes as set out in TRO sub-report H, be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transport and Infrastructure

Reason

To confirm and approve various Traffic Regulation Orders as set out within the individual reports.

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure 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 were requested to consider representations made in response to the advertisement of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders. In addition Cabinet were requested to approve the sealing and advertisement of a number of other Traffic Regulation Orders.

Cabinet were advised that the reports had been considered by the Transportation Advisory Group at their recent meeting, and that the minutes of the meeting had been appended to the report for Cabinets consideration.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Stourbank Road as set out in TRO sub-report A, be approved;

(b)        that the Orders relating to Disabled Parking Bays as set out in TRO sub-report B, be approved;

(c)        that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Beresford Road as set out in TRO sub-report C, be approved;

(d)        that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Alipore Claose and the junction with Birchwood Road as set out in TRO sub-report D, be approved;

(e)        that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Doyne Road as set out in TRO sub-report F, be approved;

(f)         that the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised in Dunford Road as set out in TRO sub-report G, be approved;

(g)        that the advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders as set out in TRO sub-report G, be approved; and

(h)        that the advertisement of Disabled Parking Space changes as set out in TRO sub-report H, be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transport and Infrastructure

The purpose of this report is to update Members on the progress of this £150 million project and to seek approval for a number of decisions which have an impact on the ability to secure third party funding for the scheme.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the amendment of the existing £3.4m loan for the purchase of the Exeter Road site to an “Additional Council Finance loan note” be approved;

(b)        the increase in the long lease term from 150 years to 250 years (or whatever is market appropriate) be approved;

(c)        the increase to “Advance Sum” budget to the sums set out in the Advances Sum’s table in the report be approved; and

(d)        a change to the “Option Execute Date” to 3 years after the date of planning consent be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

Reason

To enable this exciting and reputationally important scheme to go ahead, helping to deliver high quality homes and increased footfall in Bournemouth Town Centre.

To contribute to the Council’s vision, specifically helping to create dynamic places, investing and re-investing our high streets and local centes.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture 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 were updated on the progress of this £150 million project and in relation to this were requested to consider approval of a number of decisions which have an impact on the ability to secure third party funding for the scheme.

Cabinet were advised that approval would enable this exciting and reputationally important scheme to go ahead, helping to deliver high quality homes and increased footfall in Bournemouth Town Centre.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)        the amendment of the existing £3.4m loan for the purchase of the Exeter Road site to an “Additional Council Finance loan note” be approved;

(b)        the increase in the long lease term from 150 years to 250 years (or whatever is market appropriate) be approved;

(c)        the increase to “Advance Sum” budget to the sums set out in the Advances Sum’s table in the report be approved; and

(d)        a change to the “Option Execute Date” to 3 years after the date of planning consent be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

In February 2019, Bournemouth Borough Council Cabinet approved the Site Development Plan (SDP) for the Cotlands Road and York Road car park sites. This report highlighted the requirement to include the two Council owned car parks at York Road within the BDC option agreement to facilitate the overall development of Cotlands Road and clarified why they were added to the SDP.

At that time the Cabinet report did not detail the proposed land values for the York Road car park sites or set out the proposed delivery model. Therefore it is appropriate that approval is now sought with the benefit of this additional information and the corresponding legal and financial implications.

The delivery of a new public multi storey car park (MSCP) on one of the York Road car park sites is a key piece of enabling development to unlock the Cotlands Road site, which will generate significant economic regeneration and financial benefits and meet the key objectives of the Lansdowne Delivery Plan, however this development cannot be progressed until a new public MSCP is operational.

This report sets out the proposed delivery mechanism to enable the Council to fund the development of a new public multi-storey car park on one of the York Road surface car parks by the Bournemouth Development Company in accordance with the approved SDP and retain the asset in-house operation.

The public realm and pedestrianisation of Holdenhurst Road in 2020/21 as part of the Lansdowne Vision will assist with consolidating parking provision in the area.

The non-public part of this report considers the financial business case for proceeding with this enabling development.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)        approves the inclusion of the two Council owned York Road car parks (the Additional Sites) into the Bournemouth Development Company option agreement to support the redevelopment of Cotlands Road for the residual value detailed in the non-public report;

(b)        approves the development of one of the Additional Sites by the Bournemouth Development Company through the proposed delivery mechanism to provide the Council with a new public Multi-Storey car park at York Road;

(c)        delegates authority to the Chief Executive (and Corporate Property Officer) and the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture to agree the terms and authorise the Council to enter into;

(i)            a deed of variation to the BDC option agreement to add the two York Road car parks as Additional Sites;

(ii)           a development agreement for one of the Additional Sites;

(iii)         and to decide whether to implement the contract clarifications and/or to issue a VEAT notice and, if so, on what terms.

RECOMMENDED that Council amend the Capital Programme to include a £10.6 million provision for the construction of a Multi Storey Car Park on one of the Additional Sites to be funded by prudential borrowing.

Voting: Nem. Con. (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

Reason

On 20 February 2019, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Cabinet approved the SDP for these sites and the recommendations outlined clearly align to the purpose of the SDP.

The inclusion of the Additional Sites in the Option Agreement means that the Council can deliver a new public car park with sufficient capacity required to enable BDC to undertake a comprehensive development at the Cotlands Road site and meet the objectives of the Lansdowns Delivery plan.

The inclusion of the Additional Sites in the Option Agreement enables BDC to require the Council to grant BDC a lease of the Additional Sites (subject to certain conditions) and so to retain control over the development of the Additional Sites and the Cotlands Road Site to facilitate the development as outlined in the approved SDP.

The three development sites which total circa 1ha are currently used as a surface level car parks which is not an efficient use of land. The development proposal will consolidate and facilitate maintenance by the Council of the same quantum of public car parking provision through the Council-funded construction of a decked structure and release valuable land for development by BDC.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture 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 were informed that on 20 February 2019, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Cabinet approved the SDP for these sites and the recommendations outlined clearly align to the purpose of the SDP.

Cabinet were advised that the inclusion of the additional sites in the Option Agreement means that the Council can deliver a new public car park with sufficient capacity required to enable BDC to undertake a comprehensive development at the Cotlands Road site and meet the objectives of the Lansdowne Delivery plan.

Further to this Cabinet were advised that the inclusion of the Additional Sites in the Option Agreement enables BDC to require the Council to grant BDC a lease of the Additional Sites (subject to certain conditions) and so to retain control over the development of the Additional Sites and the Cotlands Road Site to facilitate the development as outlined in the approved SDP.

Cabinet were informed that the three development sites which total circa 1ha are currently used as surface level car parks which is not an efficient use of land. The development proposal will consolidate and facilitate maintenance by the Council of the same quantum of public car parking provision through the Council-funded construction of a decked structure and release valuable land for development by BDC.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)        approves the inclusion of the two Council owned York Road car parks (the Additional Sites) into the Bournemouth Development Company option agreement to support the redevelopment of Cotlands Road for the residual value detailed in the non-public report;

(b)        approves the development of one of the Additional Sites by the Bournemouth Development Company through the proposed delivery mechanism to provide the Council with a new public Multi-Storey car park at York Road;

(c)        delegates authority to the Chief Executive (and Corporate Property Officer) and the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture to agree the terms and authorise the Council to enter into;

(i)            a deed of variation to the BDC option agreement to add the two York Road car parks as Additional Sites;

(ii)           a development agreement for one of the Additional Sites;

(iii)         and to decide whether to implement the contract clarifications and/or to issue a VEAT notice and, if so, on what terms.

RECOMMENDED that Council amend the Capital Programme to include a £10.6 million provision for the construction of a Multi Storey Car Park on one of the Additional Sites to be funded by prudential borrowing.

Voting: Nem. Con. (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

To consider the latest version of the Cabinet Forward Plan for approval as published on the BCP Council website.

The Leader advised that the latest Cabinet Forward Plan had been published on the Council’s website.