Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

There were no apologies for absence on this occasion.

Councillors are required to comply with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 regarding disclosable pecuniary interests. 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 11 September 2019.

The Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 11 September 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

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 Monday 23 September 2019.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is 12.00 noon, Friday 27 September 2019.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 12.00 noon, Friday 27 September 2019.

The Leader reported that two public questions had been submitted.

Public Question from Conor O’Luby, local resident:

"Whilst Friends of Riverside give a cautious welcome to the Cabinet's proposed revision to the A338-Wessex Fields scheme, can the Cabinet please explain how members of the public are expected to trust in the objectivity of a review carried out in its entirety by officers of the application team, whilst ignoring the voice of those officers who vigorously objected?"

Response by Councillor Vikki Slade (Leader of the Council):

“Thank you for your question. I can confirm that the decision to review the project was taken by Cabinet members.  The evidence provided by officers was reviewed and tested by Cabinet members.  (AMEND) The new proposals as outlined in the Cabinet Report were suggested and agreed by Cabinet members, and support the priorities of the new Council.  I would like to remind you that officers are apolitical and objective, and provide recommendations to Council members for their consideration when making their decisions”.

Public Question from Pauline Riggs, local resident:

“There is a distinct lack of public toilets in the Bournemouth area and considering that it is a tourist destination, it is detrimental to visitors who are not familiar with the area.

My question is:  Why haven't our public toilets be reinstated and improved and why isn't more provision being made for the visitors and residents comfort.

Toilets in shops and restaurants are not sufficient and visitors who are unfamiliar with the town have to find them.  They are particularly lacking around the Bournemouth gardens and have been closed at, for example, Cemetery Junction, Winton and other minor shopping areas causing residents discomfort.”

Response by Councillor Dr Felicity Rice (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change)

BCP Council has a commitment to making the area welcoming to all. In Bournemouth town centre we have a key facility in Lower Gardens which is attended at peak times and also stays open later to accommodate events such as the Air Festival and Christmas Tree Wonderland.

It also houses a  ‘Changing Places’ facility as it was recognised that people with learning disabilities, as well as people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra amenities to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

The Lower Gardens site is complemented by facilities at Glen Fern Road car park, Richmond Gardens Car Park and the many cafes, shops and restaurants that have facilities for their customers. Outside of the town centre there are facilities at Boscombe Bus Station, Leslie Road Car Park (Winton), Seabourne Road (opposite Pokesdown for Boscombe station), Millhams Road (Kinson), Southbourne Crossroads and in the parks at Redhill, Fisherman’s Walk and Wick. There are also sites in Westbourne (Milburn Road), Hengistbury Head, and across the overcliff areas (West Overcliff, East Overcliff and Fisherman’s Overcliff).

Seafront Services manage 24 sites along the Poole and Bournemouth seafront, all serviced and cleaned by in-house staff. The number of sites has not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

Happyland is a prime beachfront site that is in need of extensive repair or redevelopment in order to comply with the Council’s obligations under the lease and to ensure the future stability of the cliff. As a result of comprehensive legal and procurement advice, entering into a licence with the Meyrick Estate to allow development of the site is considered the most appropriate course of action. This Cabinet Report sets out the proposed option and seeks approval for the recommendation set out below to enable the redevelopment of the site.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         The Council issues a Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency (VEAT) Notice advertising the Council’s intention to enter into an agreement for lease of the Happyland site, shown edged red on the attached plan, with a special purpose vehicle established by the Meyrick Estate (the SPV) to grant a lease to a nominee of that SPV;

(b)        The Council enters into an agreement for  lease with the SPV to grant a 150 year lease at an initial rent of £1,001 per annum and an initial premium that reflects the uplift in value arising from the grant of the planning consent, after deduction of the costs of obtaining the consent.  This Agreement for Lease to be conditional upon the grant of planning consent for the redevelopment of the site;

(c)         The Council enters into a licence to alter and sublet with the Meyrick Estate, as freeholder, to permit the future development of the site.  In consideration, the Estate will receive an appropriate share of the rent under this lease and a share of any additional capital value accruing to the Council; and

(d)        authority be delegated to agree terms for all the relevant legal documentation and the content of the VEAT Notice to the Corporate Property Officer in consultation with the S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

Reason

The Happyland site is a leasehold site earmarked for redevelopment under the Seafront Strategy. The existing building is in poor condition and will require significant expenditure in order for the Council to meet its repairing obligations under the lease.

This decision means that the freeholder of the site is able to progress development proposals in accordance with planning policy in order to add to the range of facilities for visitors to Bournemouth beach. This proposal is motivated by place-shaping, rather than financial gain, as it is unlikely to generate a significant financial return for the Council.

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 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were asked to consider entering in to a licence with the Meyrick Estate to allow development of the Happyland site which is in need of extensive repair or redevelopment in order to comply with the Council’s obligations under the lease and to ensure the future stability of the cliff.

The Vice Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board on behalf of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board reported that although no formal recommendations were submitted by the Board in relation to this item that the Committee had been supportive in principle, but that some concern had been expressed with regards to the use of the special purpose vehicle, and there no longer being the ability to vito any inappropriate proposals.

In relation to this Cabinet were advised that the legal advice is such that the Council would be unable to have that sort of control.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         The Council issues a Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency (VEAT) Notice advertising the Council’s intention to enter into an agreement for lease of the Happyland site, shown edged red on the attached plan, with a special purpose vehicle established by the Meyrick Estate (the SPV) to grant a lease to a nominee of that SPV;

(b)        The Council enters into an agreement for  lease with the SPV to grant a 150 year lease at an initial rent of £1,001 per annum and an initial premium that reflects the uplift in value arising from the grant of the planning consent, after deduction of the costs of obtaining the consent.  This Agreement for Lease to be conditional upon the grant of planning consent for the redevelopment of the site;

(c)         The Council enters into a licence to alter and sublet with the Meyrick Estate, as freeholder, to permit the future development of the site.  In consideration, the Estate will receive an appropriate share of the rent under this lease and a share of any additional capital value accruing to the Council; and

(d)        authority be delegated to agree terms for all the relevant legal documentation and the content of the VEAT Notice to the Corporate Property Officer in consultation with the S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

In 2017 Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP) awarded Bournemouth Borough Council £8.5 million to deliver fundamental changes to Lansdowne Business District and the Lansdowne Programme was created. DLEP grant conditions require the £8.5m funding to be spent by 31 March 2021. In addition, the Lansdowne Programme requires £2.89m Council  match funding local contribution, increasing the total budget to £11.39m.

The Lansdowne area has been in need of major capital investment for over 30 years.  Investment of £11.39m public funds will help to deliver the Lansdowne Vision where Lansdowne Bournemouth will become an exciting and attractive place to live, work, study and enjoy. Over £200m of private funds have already been invested in the area creating new university facilities, accommodation and offices. The £11.39m will also facilitate increased sustainable travel networks and community/cultural spaces.

 A Lansdowne Programme Update (Appendix 1) outlines the work completed to date as well as key future milestones required to complete all works by 2021/22.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)         Supports the Vision for Lansdowne which includes promoting sustainable travel, creating a sustainable public realm and facilitating the development of new  office spaces and accommodation; 

(b)        Approves the continued accrual of £2.89m of match funding towards the Lansdowne Programme;

(c)         Approves the continuation of the Lansdowne Programme in accordance with the attached Lansdowne Programme Update; and

(d)        Agrees that no expenditure of match funds is incurred post exhaustion of DLEP funds, unless sufficient local contribution has been received.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Regeneration and Culture

Transport and Infrastructure

REASON

The Lansdowne Programme helps to deliver a number of Council priorities such as vibrant communities with outstanding quality of life where everyone plays an active role.

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were asked to support the Lansdowne Programme which would help to deliver a number of Council priorities. In relation to this Cabinet discussed the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP) funding, and the benefits the Lansdowne Vision will have in making the Lansdowne area an attractive place to live, work, study and enjoy.

The Vice Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board on behalf of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board reported that although no formal recommendations were submitted by the Board in relation to this item that the Committee had been supportive of the scheme and Members had discussed the importance of public facilities which were felt should be part of the consideration.

In relation to this Cabinet discussed the issue of public facilities and in particular felt that these should be at ground level and not underground. Cabinet were advised that the matter of public toilets would be considered as part of the general toilet review.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)         Supports the Vision for Lansdowne which includes promoting sustainable travel, creating a sustainable public realm and facilitating the development of new  office spaces and accommodation; 

(b)        Approves the continued accrual of £2.89m of match funding towards the Lansdowne Programme;

(c)         Approves the continuation of the Lansdowne Programme in accordance with the attached Lansdowne Programme Update; and

(d)        Agrees that no expenditure of match funds is incurred post exhaustion of DLEP funds, unless sufficient local contribution has been received.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Regeneration and Culture

Transport and Infrastructure

This paper informs the Cabinet of the current status of the Wessex Fields programme which aims to create and retain high quality jobs, reduce congestion and support the re-development of Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital.  It sets out the reasons for taking this opportunity forward, the key milestones to date and the reasons for the proposed changes. The paper recommends an agreed way forward to ensure progress towards unlocking the employment site for development, and to ensure the retention of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP) funding.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)         Note that Phase 1.1 (of Phase 1), as previously agreed with DLEP, is progressing to meet the current programme and funding requirements;

(b)        Agree that Phase 1.2 (of Phase 1) will only progress to the boundary of the development site at this time, and not through the site as previously proposed;

(c)         Agree that Phase 2 will not progress at this stage, until the future use of the site is determined

(d)        Agree that a public consultation event is held in the coming months to consider views on how the site could be developed, including potential use of the site and access to and from it;

(e)         Use the information from the consultation to evolve the current master plan for the development site.

Voting: (a) and (b) : 8:1 (1 Abstention)

(c) – (f)  : Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Regeneration

Transport and Infrastructure

REASON

The recommendations support the Council’s drive to respond to the climate emergency, to recognise that new roads induce further traffic, and to listen to the public’s concerns and take appropriate action. The recommendations also support the Council’s key priorities to encourage well-being, sustainability and investment.

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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were advised of the current status of the Wessex Fields programme which aimed to create and retain high quality jobs, reduce congestion and support the re-development of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital, and further to this were asked to consider an agreed way forward to ensure progress towards unlocking the employment site for development, and to ensure the retention of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP) Funding.

Cabinet discussed the phases of the project and agreed that it didn’t seem appropriate to continue the road through the site until further site details were known.

The Vice Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board on behalf of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board voiced concerns in respect of costs associated with halting Phase 2 and then recommencing at a later stage and of how the scheme would lead to better traffic flow and benefits to the Emergency Services.

A Councillor present at the meeting expressed concerns with regards to holding back the connection to the hospital, and urged that the decision be taken by Full Council.

Other Councillors present at the meeting advised that they were pleased that the road was not to be continued through the site and highlighted that it seemed appropriate to pause and then consider the site as a whole.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)         Note that Phase 1.1 (of Phase 1), as previously agreed with DLEP, is progressing to meet the current programme and funding requirements;

(b)        Agree that Phase 1.2 (of Phase 1) will only progress to the boundary of the development site at this time, and not through the site as previously proposed;

(c)         Agree that Phase 2 will not progress at this stage, until the future use of the site is determined;

(d)        Agree that a public consultation event is held in the coming months to consider views on how the site could be developed, including potential use of the site and access to and from it; and

(e)         Use the information from the consultation to evolve the current master plan for the development site.

Voting: (a) and (b) : 8:1 (1 Abstention)

(c) – (f)  : Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Regeneration

Transport and Infrastructure

Refuse and recycling waste collections are a statutory function which local authorities are required to by law provide. Separate garden waste collections are a discretionary service that Councils can legally charge householders a reasonable fee for. Chargeable garden waste collections have been operated by the legacy Councils since 2012.

The service is popular with 49,681 subscribers for 2019, collecting 14,250 tonnes of garden waste across BCP in 2018/19.

There are several variations in the service across BCP which over time need to be reviewed and aligned to ensure parity.

In December 2018, the Government published a new Waste and Resource Strategy for England and consultations on many aspects of waste management followed in April/May 2019. These consultations included proposals on garden waste bin size, collection frequencies and whether garden waste collections should be provided free of charge by local authorities.

Full alignment of garden waste collection services across BCP must consider the Government’s new waste strategy, outcomes of subsequent consultations and associated legislation (requiring compliance by 2023).

RESOLVED that:-

(a)           The alignment of the annual garden waste collection service price across BCP for the 2020 service at £46 per household for one bin is approved;

(b)           The pro-rata of the Christchurch service collection fee 2020 at £37.65 per household  to reflect the service length from April to December 2020 is approved;

(c)           The retention of the current multiple bin options is approved:

                     i)                For Bournemouth residents at a rate of £60.00 for 2 140l bins (280l) and £80 for 3 140l bins (420l);

                   ii)                For Christchurch & Poole residents at the full one bin price (£46 per extra 240l); and

(d)           Further modelling and analysis by officers to establish full alignment of garden waste collections services across BCP with consideration to the Government’s new Waste Strategy, outcomes of subsequent consultation and associated legislation.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

REASONS

1.     BCP Council is facing a challenging efficiency agenda to deliver substantial financial savings whilst retaining frontline services that are efficient, reliable and valued by residents.

2.     Garden waste is one of the few waste materials that Councils can legally charge householders a reasonable fee for collection. Of the 326 English councils who collect garden waste, 212 (65%) now charge for this collection.

3.     Benchmarking comparing 16 of our neighbouring authorities geographically and statistically across the country, found that of the 11 that charge for garden waste collections, bin charges vary from £25 to £60, with an average of £46.62.

4.     The alignment of collection prices offers consistency, steps towards parity and future-proofs service delivery across BCP. 

5.     The Garden Waste Service in Dorset (including Christchurch) historically starts and finishes in April for Dorset residents, which will result in a shorter service year for Christchurch residents in year one from BCP Council. This can be addressed by a pro rata payment for the service in Christchurch for 2020.

6.     Retaining the multiple bin price structure in Bournemouth offers some consolation for provision of the smaller bin size for an interim period. A bin replacement programme swapping Bournemouth’s 140l for 240l would incur capital costs of £289,000, plus delivery cost. As a result, it is prudent to maintain the current bin sizes across BCP until the outcomes of the Government’s new waste strategy are better understood. 

7.     Full alignment of garden waste collections services across BCP should consider the Government’s new waste strategy, outcomes of subsequent consultations (concerning garden waste bin size, collection frequency, service charges) and associated legislation (requiring compliance by 2023).

8.     Garden waste collected through the service is diverted from the refuse stream, for composting in Open Windrows producing high quality compost, which is used locally on farmland and sold in garden centres.

9.     Residents can still dispose of garden waste for free at Household Waste & Recycling Centres.

10. BCP also encourages home composting and promotes compost bin offers.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change 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 were asked to consider the alignment of the garden waste collection service price across BCP for the 2020 service for one bin, the pro rata fee for Christchurch for 2020 and the multiple bin pricing options.

In moving the recommendation the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change proposed that the rates for the multiple bin options for Bournemouth residents remain the same as the current rates and proposed that the recommendation be amended to £60 for 2 140l bins and £80 for 3 140l bins. 

The Vice Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board on behalf of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board voiced concerns in respect of the pricing inequality and welcomed the adjusted amounts.

A Councillor present at the meeting addressed the Cabinet expressing concern with regards to the inequality in the sizes of the bins with the Bournemouth residents green bins being much smaller than those of the Christchurch and Poole residents.

In relation to this it was clarified that the council could only charge for the collection of the bin and not for the quantity of waste therein.

Another Councillor present at the meeting also expressed concerns with regards to the inequality in size of the bins, but further to this advised that he was supportive of the harmonising of the service.

Cabinet were advised that there would be a significant cost to replacing all the bins, and that the service being provided would be the same as currently provided.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)           The alignment of the annual garden waste collection service price across BCP for the 2020 service at £46 per household for one bin is approved;

(b)           The pro-rata of the Christchurch service collection fee 2020 at £37.65 per household  to reflect the service length from April to December 2020 is approved;

(c)           The retention of the current multiple bin options is approved:

                     i)                For Bournemouth residents at a rate of £60.00 for 2 140l bins (280l) and £80 for 3 140l bins (420l);

                   ii)                For Christchurch & Poole residents at the full one bin price (£46 per extra 240l); and

(d)           Further modelling and analysis by officers to establish full alignment of garden waste collections services across BCP with consideration to the Government’s new Waste Strategy, outcomes of subsequent consultation and associated legislation.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

From 1 April 2020, BCP will be responsible for operating waste & cleansing services within the Christchurch area, meaning a pragmatic operating model is required to ensure sustained service delivery and a smooth transition for Christchurch residents.

A new waste strategy and uniform collection methodology for BCP will take time to develop, agree and implement across the conurbation. Alignment of waste & cleansing services will provide parity across BCP, greater flexibility operationally, financial efficiencies and environmental improvements.

In December 2018, the Government released a new Waste Strategy, ‘Our Waste, Our Resources: A strategy for England’. The strategy sets out proposals for how the Government’s ambitious aims will be achieved. These proposals have recently been consulted on and are likely to significantly impact on the tonnage, composition and value of waste that BCP is required to manage. BCP will be required to comply with new legislation resulting from the National Waste Strategy by 2023.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         Christchurch’s waste & cleansing services are managed by BCP directly from 1 April 2020

(b)        An interim solution (Option 3) is introduced from 1 April 2020 where by BCP operate Christchurch’s waste & collection services in line with the current Dorset Council collection model, except for mixing glass with other dry recyclables in the recycling bin.

(c)         Officers are authorised to complete a strategic review of existing waste & cleansing services across BCP to develop our future waste strategy and uniform collection methodology in line with the Government’s Waste Strategy, ‘Our Waste, Our Resources: A strategy for England’ and subsequence legislation scheduled for 2023.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

REASON

From 1 April 2020, waste & cleansing services in Christchurch must continue with minimal disruption for residents.

It is therefore recommended to continue a fortnightly collection of residual waste, weekly collection of food waste and a fortnightly collection of garden waste. However, in line with recycling collections in Poole and Bournemouth, residents in Christchurch would present all mixed recycling (including glass) in their recycling bin for fortnightly collection rather than sorting glass in a separate kerbside box.

This collection methodology offers a simpler collection with fewer containers, less lifting and an enhanced recycling offer for Christchurch residents as additional materials such as foil and cartons can also be included in the recycling bin, aligning with the recycling service in Bournemouth and Poole. To ensure a smooth transition, the current Dorset Council operational staff will be transferred to BCP on 1 April 2020 and will continue to operate their current collection rounds.

This interim solution offers consistency, steps towards parity for Christchurch residents and future-proofs service delivery, allowing sufficient time for the development of the Government’s new waste strategy, subsequent consultations and legislation (requiring compliance by 2023), which will influence BCP’s local waste strategy and uniform collection methodology.

The net financial benefit of operating a mixed recycling collection service in Christchurch (Option 3) is £342k per annum, £2.39m over 7 years (vehicle lifespan).

In all options considered, the collected glass is recycled in the UK, usually as an aggregate that replaces sand in road or building construction.

With Option 3, fewer waste collection vehicles will be used as glass and other recyclables will be collected on the same vehicle. New collection vehicles will contain more efficient Euro 6 engines. Both these factors will reduce emissions of carbon and other pollutants that contribute to local air pollution and climate change globally.

Both Bournemouth & Poole Councils have operated comingled recycling collections since 2006. The collected recycling is sorted at a highly technical Material Recovery Facility (MRF), using the latest separation technology to ensure the quality of the end materials.

Comingled recycling collections provide a safer working environment for staff. A recent study by University of Greenwich and Glasgow Caledonian University published by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) advises that Local Authorities should discontinue ‘box type’ collections for waste and recycling as a matter of urgency, in favour  ...  view the full decision text for item 52.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change 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 were requested to consider the management of waste and cleansing services in Christchurch from April 2020 for which BCP Council will be responsible for from 1 April 2020.

Cabinet stressed the importance of the communication campaign in order to make it clear that this is an interim solution, and that the Council intends to have a uniformed aligned waste management solution for the future.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         Christchurch’s waste & cleansing services are managed by BCP directly from 1 April 2020

(b)        An interim solution (Option 3) is introduced from 1 April 2020 where by BCP operate Christchurch’s waste & collection services in line with the current Dorset Council collection model, except for mixing glass with other dry recyclables in the recycling bin.

(c)         Officers are authorised to complete a strategic review of existing waste & cleansing services across BCP to develop our future waste strategy and uniform collection methodology in line with the Government’s Waste Strategy, ‘Our Waste, Our Resources: A strategy for England’ and subsequence legislation scheduled for 2023.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

Ensuring that the Council’s Safeguarding responsibilities are fulfilled and delivered is the responsibility of all officers and Councillors.  The BCP Council Corporate Safeguarding Strategy sets out how the Council will deliver its safeguarding duties; the accountabilities of individual officers and Councillors; the training and development standards across the Council and how the Council will monitor the delivery of the framework.

RESOLVED that having had due regard to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees as detailed in Appendix 2, the Corporate Safeguarding Strategy as attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

REASON

This is a key strategy. As BCP Council has both a statutory and moral duty to make appropriate arrangements to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of harm.

The Leader 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 requested to consider the adoption of the Corporate Safeguarding Strategy having regard to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Cabinet were advised that BCP Council had both a statutory and moral duty to make appropriate arrangements to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of harm.

Further to this Cabinet Members were advised that whilst the Council could ask for all Councillors to have a DBS check that it couldn’t enforce that enhanced checks were mandatory. In addition Members were advised that Safeguarding training would be arranged for all Members.

The Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed Cabinet stressing the importance of such a strategy particularly as Councillors are often invited into people’s homes some of whom are vulnerable.

Thanks were expressed to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees for their consideration and comments on the strategy. And further to this Cabinet Members stressed the importance of the DBS checks.

RESOLVED that having had due regard to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees as detailed in Appendix 2, the Corporate Safeguarding Strategy as attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

The Dorset Business Growth Programme, run by WSX Enterprise Ltd, provides free business advice to people running or setting up small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and Dorset.  It has been very successful in helping create new businesses and new jobs in the area.

The programme receives EU funding from the European Structural Investment Fund, match funding and in-kind support from local partners and local authorities. 

At the beginning of the programme, Bournemouth Council agreed to be the Accountable Body, and subsequently agreed to guarantee the obligations of WSX Enterprise as to the delivery of the programme as set out in the funding agreement provided by the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Bournemouth Council made appropriate legal and financial provisions so as to protect the Council’s interests. These agreements have novated over to BCP Council. The original funding is coming to an end and a project extension has been applied for by WSX Enterprise Ltd.  For this to be granted, BCP Council is requested to extend the term of its commitment accordingly.

RESOLVED that:-

a)    BCP Council continues as the Accountable Body for the Dorset Business Growth Programme; and that:

b)    BCP Council continues its role in guaranteeing the obligations of WSX Enterprise Limited as to the delivery of the programme.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

REASON

The recommendations support BCP Council’s priority for a thriving, sustainable economy.

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 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were requested to consider the continuation of BCP Councils role in guaranteeing the obligations of WSX Enterprise Limited as to the delivery of the Dorset Business Growth Programme.

Cabinet questioned whether Brexit would affect the funding for the programme as it was part funded by EU funding.

In relation to this Cabinet were advised that the scheme will continue to be funded irrespective of what happens in relation to Brexit.

RESOLVED that:-

a)    BCP Council continues as the Accountable Body for the Dorset Business Growth Programme; and that:

b)    BCP Council continues its role in guaranteeing the obligations of WSX Enterprise Limited as to the delivery of the programme.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration and Culture

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 Councils website.

Further to this the Leader advised that the next meeting of the Cabinet, scheduled for 9 October in Poole was anticipated to be an all-day meeting.

In addition the Leader advised that it was necessary to reschedule the November meeting, and that the confirmed date for the November meeting would be published as soon as possible but that it was likely to be either the 18^th or 20^th November.