Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made on this occasion.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 30 October 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 29 October 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record subject to Minute No.59 being amended to read:-

Cllr S Moore declared another interest in agenda item 8, BCP Council Libraries – Draft Library Strategy as a member of the friends of Branksome Library Canford Heath.

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 Thursday 20 November 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 25 November 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Wednesday 12 November 2025 [10 working days before the meeting].

Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that three statements had been received in relation to Agenda Items 7 by members of the public.

Public Statement from Susan Stockwell on Agenda Items 7 (Individual Performance Framework Update, 8 (Vitality Stadium land – draft heads of terms and 9 (BCP Homes Asset Management Plan Housing Revenue Account 30 Year Business Plan)

Could the following points be considered:

Item 7 exit interviews for staff offered on leaving and five years later

Item 8 lease plan include secure cycle storage and bin storage locations, item 9 identities of all social housing providers to be published and

Item 9 s278 Highway Act agreements including protection by third party warranty, in building/alteration of stock, which is exempt from CIL but discretionary s278 improvements will allow the council to meet its "wider social and environmental objectives"? 

Public Statement from Nick Douch on Agenda Item 10 (Poole Crematorium – update and next stage opportunity). Read by Democratic Services

I speak on behalf of local funeral professionals and families we support across BCP & Dorset. We are here once again discussing the future of Poole Crematorium almost six years after cremations ceased. The report before you has been shaped by external advisers, yet it overlooks the knowledge and experience of those who work in this field every day. The decline of this service is not the result of unavoidable pressures but the outcome of poor management and repeated failures to act. Residents, businesses and staff have carried the burden of this decline. Whatever decision you make today must place the needs of our community first. Poole deserves a reliable and accessible crematorium that restores public confidence and protects local jobs. Local families deserve a commitment to restore this service, rebuild trust and ensure mistakes of the last six years are never repeated.

Public Statement from Emma Regan on Agenda Item 10 (Poole Crematorium – update and next stage opportunity). Read by Democratic Services

I want to highlight the impact that the closure of Poole Crematorium has had on our community. I have seen first-hand the distress it has caused to bereaved families and to colleagues supporting them. We have had to explain that the crematorium was first closed entirely, then reopened without a cremator—despite around £600,000 of taxpayers’ money being spent on the site.

Although we reassure families that their loved ones are treated with dignity, they must still be taken to Bournemouth for cremation. This has forced difficult choices between the funeral director they trust and the location where the cremation actually happens. Elderly residents, in particular, have struggled with longer journeys, with some choosing not to attend services at all.

This situation has been deeply disappointing for many. I urge the council to reconsider its position and restore cremation services at Poole Crematorium—an essential, valued service our community deserves.

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

Cabinet was advised that two recommendations had been received from the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on items not otherwise indicated on the Cabinet agenda, and that one recommendation had been received from the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair of the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Chris Rigby presented the recommendations from the Committee as set out below, copies of which had been circulated to Members of the Cabinet and published on the Councils website prior to the meeting.

Recommendation from the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting held on 2 April 2025

Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Agenda Item 8 – Recommendations from the Safer Accommodation Strategy Working Group.

The Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed the following recommendation to Cabinet on this item:

RESOLVED that the Environment and Place O&S Committee recommend to Cabinet

1.       That as part of the Safe Accommodation Strategy development, officers consider an awareness campaign and/or guidance materials on the different types of financial support that are available to support those fleeing domestic abuse, in particular in relation to different types of housing tenure (e.g. shared tenancies, joint mortgages), in order to break down a potentially significant barrier to survivors accessing support to end their abuse.

2.       That the engagement plan for the Safe Accommodation Strategy should ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard and reflected within the Strategy.

3.       That an all councillor briefing session be added to the Safe Accommodation Strategy engagement plan, to ensure members are adequately informed about the strategy and able to contribute views, and to enable them to fulfil their role within the community by communicating the benefits of the Safe Accommodation Strategy to residents.

4.       a) that the provision of safe accommodation and associated  commissioning process be reviewed, 

b)         that scrutiny members be invited to review and input into this   review, prior to the commencement of commissioning, through an additional meeting of this working group.

c)       That the use of temporary accommodation be continuously reviewed and specific KPIs be established for monitoring the success of the new safe accommodation model, including occupancy rates, length of stay, outcomes for survivors (e.g., successful move-on to permanent housing), and survivor satisfaction. These KPIs should be reviewed regularly by the relevant scrutiny committee to ensure accountability and transparency.

d)       That Cabinet, with the support of the council’s Corporate Management Board, be requested to take a view on forthcoming decisions that may be of significant or contentious public impact, regardless of decision-making thresholds, and an all councillor briefing be held before any such decisions are made, to enable all councillors, and particularly ward councillors, to be properly informed.

(Unanimous Decision)

Recommendation from the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting held on 8 October 2025

Environment and Place Agenda Item 6 – Plant-based and reduced meat and dairy diets: draft position statement and action plan

The Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

This report provides the quarter two 2025/26 projected financial outturn information for the general fund, capital programme, housing revenue account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

The quarter one position was a projected overspend of £3.7m reflecting the increasing financial challenges facing local government from social care demand within both adults and children’s services.  Demand in these areas has grown further over the second quarter but with reduced expenditure in other services limiting the increase in the projected overspend to £4.2 million. 

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the budget monitoring position for quarter two 2025/26;

(b)           requested a detailed report to December Cabinet from the Corporate Director for Children’s Services on the High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant expenditure forecast and available mitigation measures in 2025/26. This report will need to seek Council approval for any additional resources over the approved 2025/26 budget; and

(c)           requested the council’s senior leadership team and portfolio holders consider what further action can now be taken to ensure the actual financial outturn is within the Council approved budget for 2025/26, including bringing forward any planned savings already approved by Council for 2026/27 that can be delivered early.

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.

To comply with the council’s financial regulation concerning approval for budget virements.

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 2025/26 projected financial outturn information for the general fund, capital programme, housing revenue account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the quarter one position was a projected overspend of £3.7m reflecting the increasing financial challenges facing local government from social care demand within both adults and children’s services, and that demand in these areas had grown further over the second quarter but with reduced expenditure in other services limiting the increase in the projected overspend to £4.2 million.

Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee had recently had a budget meeting. In addition, Councillor Canavan raised the issue of vacant properties.

Cabinet members spoke of their frustrations with the budget and of the pressures on adult social care and children’s services.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the budget monitoring position for quarter two 2025/26;

(b)           requested a detailed report to December Cabinet from the Corporate Director for Children’s Services on the High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant expenditure forecast and available mitigation measures in 2025/26. This report will need to seek Council approval for any additional resources over the approved 2025/26 budget; and

(c)           requested the council’s senior leadership team and portfolio holders consider what further action can now be taken to ensure the actual financial outturn is within the Council approved budget for 2025/26, including bringing forward any planned savings already approved by Council for 2026/27 that can be delivered early.

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.

To comply with the council’s financial regulation concerning approval for budget virements.

BCP Council's individual performance framework seeks to improve employee engagement, productivity, efficiency, and innovation. The framework emphasises career development, wellbeing, and retention to achieve better outcomes and services for communities and residents and deliver our shared vision for BCP Council.

As set out in our People and Culture Strategy 2023-2027, BCP Council aims to develop a high-performance culture, and to increase fairness and transparency in our performance decisions. 

The purpose of this report is to review the effectiveness of BCP Council’s individual performance management framework introduced in April 2024 and outline plans to enhance the framework over the next 12 months.

The Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance 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 BCP Council's individual performance framework sought to improve employee engagement, productivity, efficiency, and innovation, and that the framework emphasised career development, wellbeing, and retention to achieve better outcomes and services for communities and residents and deliver our shared vision for BCP Council.

Cabinet was informed that as set out in our People and Culture Strategy 2023-2027, BCP Council aims to develop a high-performance culture, and to increase fairness and transparency in our performance decisions. 

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the purpose of the report was to review the effectiveness of BCP Council’s individual performance management framework introduced in April 2024 and outline plans to enhance the framework over the next 12 months.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet questioning the involvement that the trade unions had had in this process.

In relation to this Councillor Canavan was advised that the trade unions had been heavily involved and engaged during this process and that various issues had been talked through with the trade unions.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the report.

This report presents the BCP Homes Asset Management Plan and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Business Plan principles for approval. The HRA Business Plan is a strategic financial framework that ensures the long-term sustainability of council housing by aligning investment in existing homes, compliance, decarbonisation, and new housing supply with prudent financial management.

The plan is underpinned by robust stock condition data, prudent financial assumptions, and a sustainable borrowing strategy. It supports the delivery of 937 new homes by 2034/35, significant investment in existing stock, and ongoing compliance with regulatory standards. The plan prioritises financial resilience, risk management, and alignment with corporate priorities such as decarbonisation and tenant engagement.

Adoption of these recommendations will ensure BCP Homes continues to provide safe, decent, and energy-efficient homes, while maintaining the financial viability of the HRA and supporting the Council’s wider social and environmental objectives.

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 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report presented the BCP Homes Asset Management Plan and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 Year Business Plan principles for approval.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the HRA Business Plan was a strategic financial framework that ensures the long-term sustainability of council housing by aligning investment in existing homes, compliance, decarbonisation, and new housing supply with prudent financial management.

Cabinet was informed that the plan was underpinned by robust stock condition data, prudent financial assumptions, and a sustainable borrowing strategy, and that it supported the delivery of 937 new homes by 2034/35, significant investment in existing stock, and ongoing compliance with regulatory standards.

Further to this Cabinet advised that the plan prioritised financial resilience, risk management, and alignment with corporate priorities such as decarbonisation and tenant engagement, and that adoption of these recommendations will ensure BCP Homes continues to provide safe, decent, and energy-efficient homes, while maintaining the financial viability of the HRA and supporting the Council’s wider social and environmental objectives.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)        approve the HRA Asset Management Plan at appendix 1;

(b)        approve the Baseline+ scenario for the HRA 30 Year Business Plan; and

(c)        note that adjustments to the HRA 30 Year Business plans will be made on an annual basis alongside annual HRA budget setting and reported to Cabinet and Council accordingly.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

The recommendations are made to secure the long-term financial sustainability and legal compliance of the Council’s housing services. By adopting this plan, the Council ensures it can continue to provide safe, decent, and energy-efficient homes, supported by robust stock condition data and prudent financial assumptions. The plan enables the delivery of 937 new homes by 2034/35 and significant investment in existing properties, all while aligning with corporate priorities such as decarbonisation and tenant engagement. Regular review and scenario testing provide resilience against risks like inflation, interest rate changes, and evolving government policy. This approach maintains transparency, accountability, and good governance, ensuring that the Council’s housing ambitions remain both affordable and achievable.

To feedback to Cabinet summary results of early market engagement completed in April 2024 and current service performance.

To seek Cabinet approval to go to market to procure a concessionaire to operate Poole Crematorium, enabling the reintroduction of cremation services at the site through a third-party provider.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the feedback from the completed Early Market Engagement exercise;

(b)           approved the procurement of a concession to operate from Poole Crematorium, Gravel Hill, Poole;

(c)           delegates authority to the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, to finalise the concession specification and undertake the procurement process; and

(d)           agreed to receive a future further report on evaluated bids, and if appropriate approve the award of contract.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Communities and Partnerships

Reason

To allow officers to take forward a market offer to inform Council decision making as to the future of the Poole Crematorium site, in light of ongoing public, business and political interest in resecuring the cremator(s) facility.

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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report provided feedback on the summary results of early market engagement completed in April 2024 and current service performance, and that the report sought Cabinet approval to go to market to procure a concessionaire to operate Poole Crematorium, enabling the reintroduction of cremation services at the site through a third-party provider.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the feedback from the completed Early Market Engagement exercise;

(b)           approved the procurement of a concession to operate from Poole Crematorium, Gravel Hill, Poole;

(c)           delegates authority to the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, to finalise the concession specification and undertake the procurement process; and

(d)           agreed to receive a future further report on evaluated bids, and if appropriate approve the award of contract.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Communities and Partnerships

Reason

To allow officers to take forward a market offer to inform Council decision making as to the future of the Poole Crematorium site, in light of ongoing public, business and political interest in resecuring the cremator(s) facility.

Along the BCP coastline there is approximately 15.5 miles of sea cliffs and chines. The responsibility for much of the management of the sea cliffs and chines falls to BCP Council (either as landowner or leaseholder). In order to address cliff slips and falls, past engineering efforts during the 20^th century have introduced various forms of cliff drainage and stabilisation works including pinning and netting, slope regrading and installation of over 700 sand drains along large sections of the BCP coast. Engineering that would cost many tens of £millions at today’s prices

Ongoing work to develop a new BCP cliff management strategy has identified that costs for cliff management along the BCP frontage over the next 20 years are currently estimated to be in excess of £41m. In order to address some of the issues being identified in the immediate term, one-off funding of £1.446m has been allocated by the finance team for cliff management over this financial year and next. It is planned to prioritise this funding on items identified through the Cliff Management Working Group.

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial presented a report on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, 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 along the BCP coastline there is approximately 15.5 miles of sea cliffs and chines, and that the responsibility for much of the management of the sea cliffs and chines falls to BCP Council (either as landowner or leaseholder).

Further to this Cabinet was informed that in order to address cliff slips and falls, past engineering efforts during the 20th century have introduced various forms of cliff drainage and stabilisation works including pinning and netting, slope regrading and installation of over 700 sand drains along large sections of the BCP coast, engineering that would cost many tens of £millions at today’s prices

Further to this Cabinet was advised that ongoing work to develop a new BCP cliff management strategy had identified that costs for cliff management along the BCP frontage over the next 20 years are currently estimated to be in excess of £41m, and that in order to address some of the issues being identified in the immediate term, one-off funding of £1.446m had been allocated by the finance team for cliff management over this financial year and next, and that it was planned to prioritise this funding on items identified through the Cliff Management Working Group.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet advising that he welcomed the report as a ward councillor covering ‘East Cliff’ and highlighted that the council at some point would need to provide some form intervention for the cliff erosion and that the cost to the authority for such works could not be underestimated.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report and thanked officers for their work on this.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           note the challenges being faced in managing BCP’s sea cliffs and chines, including the impacts of climate change and limited resources allocated to this in the recent past;

(b)           support the immediate allocation of £1.446m from reserves to support responses to current cliff management issues and mitigate the lost income from commercial services on the seafront; and

(c)           delegate to the Director of Commercial Operations in consultation with the Chief Operations Officer and Portfolio Holder the allocations of the funding.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

To support achievement of the BCP vision for where people, nature, coast and towns come together in sustainable, safe and healthy communities, by contributing the delivery of the following objectives:

·         People and places are connected by sustainable and modern infrastructure.

·         Our communities have pride in our streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces.

·         Climate change is tackled through sustainable policies and practice

·         Our green spaces flourish and support the wellbeing of both people and nature.

This report presents the findings of a strategic review undertaken by an external provider into the Local Authority’s home to school transport arrangements focussing on our arrangements and provision for children and young people pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The key objective of the review was to identify strategic and operational opportunities that support the development of independent travel options and make improvements to how home-to-school transport is delivered with a focus on potential efficiencies and service improvement.

It identifies key opportunities to introduce travel options that meet individual needs and help prepare young people for adulthood and promote long-term independence. Key issues include the complexity of transport arrangements, market capacity challenges, and the need for improved commissioning models that deliver better outcomes and value for money. The report presents a range of options and opportunities for future delivery and contained details of the investment necessary to achieve cashable savings and cost avoidance.

This report seeks approval to proceed with a formal tendering exercise to commission an external provider to implement a phased delivery of change proposals that encourage independent travel, build independence and reduce journey times for children and young people. The approach will be supportive of young people's development to help young people gain confidence and practical skills for travelling safely on their own will result in making school transport more efficient and sustainable.

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 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report presented the findings of a strategic review undertaken by an external provider into the Local Authority’s home to school transport arrangements focussing on our arrangements and provision for children and young people pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the key objective of the review was to identify strategic and operational opportunities that support the development of independent travel options and make improvements to how home-to-school transport is delivered with a focus on potential efficiencies and service improvement, and that it identified key opportunities to introduce travel options that meet individual needs and help prepare young people for adulthood and promote long-term independence.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the key issues included the complexity of transport arrangements, market capacity challenges, and the need for improved commissioning models that deliver better outcomes and value for money, and that the report presented a range of options and opportunities for future delivery and contained details of the investment necessary to achieve cashable savings and cost avoidance.  

Cabinet was informed that the report sought approval to proceed with a formal tendering exercise to commission an external provider to implement a phased delivery of change proposals that encourage independent travel, build independence and reduce journey times for children and young people, and that the approach will be supportive of young people's development to help young people gain confidence and practical skills for travelling safely on their own and will result in making school transport more efficient and sustainable. 

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Sharon Carr-Brown addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee at their meeting the previous evening had debated the item in detail following which the Committee had agreed the following recommendation: -

The Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to endorse the recommendation within the report to Cabinet, this being that Cabinet:

‘Agree to tender an external provider to deliver a transformation project over three years with a total cost of £1.5 million funded by the flexible use of capital receipts to deliver service improvements and by the end of the project on-going savings in SEND school transport projected at £3 million (net of additional resource requirement)’

(Majority Decision)

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills thanked the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their debate and discussion the previous evening.

RECOMMENDED that Council Agree to tender an external provider to deliver a transformation project over three years with a total cost of £1.5 million funded by the flexible use of capital receipts to deliver service improvements and by the end of the project on-going savings in SEND school transport projected at £3 million (net  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

To present the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26. There is a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which must provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services. This report summarises the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26, with a copy of the Plan appended. The Youth Justice Plan needs to be approved by the full Council.

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 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that there was a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which must provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services, and that the report summarised the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26, with a copy of the Plan appended.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the Youth Justice Plan needed to be approved by the full Council.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

Youth Justice Services are required to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which should be approved by the Local Authority for that Youth Justice Service. Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service is a partnership between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Dorset Council. Approval is therefore sought from both Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and from Dorset Council.

AFC Bournemouth approached BCP Council in relation to their plans to expand Vitality Stadium at Kings Park.

On 1 October 2025 and on 14 October 2025, Cabinet and Council respectively approved the recommendations that officers negotiate Heads of Terms in relation to Option C (two leases) and then return to Cabinet and Council for a decision relating to those Heads of Terms.  

This report presents the negotiated Heads of Terms and associated values (agreed in principle, without prejudice and subject to contract and Council approval) agreed with AFC Bournemouth and recommends that they are accepted. This report requests authority for officers to instruct BCP’s property legal team accordingly and progress the leases to completion.

The information in the appendices is commercially sensitive. It is requested that the appendices are treated confidentially. 

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 was advised that AFC Bournemouth had approached BCP Council in relation to their plans to expand Vitality Stadium at Kings Park, and that on 1 October 2025 and on 14 October 2025, Cabinet and Council respectively approved the recommendations that officers negotiate Heads of Terms in relation to Option C (two leases) and then return to Cabinet and Council for a decision relating to those Heads of Terms.  

Cabinet was informed that the report presented the negotiated Heads of Terms and associated values (agreed in principle, without prejudice and subject to contract and Council approval) agreed with AFC Bournemouth and recommended that they are accepted.

In addition, Cabinet was advised that the report requested authority for officers to instruct BCP’s property legal team accordingly and progress the leases to completion.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)            notes the decision of the Cabinet meeting held 1 October 2025 and Council Meeting held 14 October 2025;

(b)           approves the Heads of Terms (HOTs) recommended by officers for the Leasehold disposal of two parcels of land at Kings Park to AFC Bournemouth (Option C); and

(c)            instructs BCP officers to agree the recommended HOTs with AFC Bournemouth, instruct BCP’s legal team accordingly and progress the two leases to completion.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

This report sets out the heads of terms for the re gearing of existing agreements between BCP Council and AFC Bournemouth at Kings Park to enable expansion of the Vitality Stadium. The regear will result in two leases, the terms of which reflect Best Consideration, in line with BCP Councils constitution and financial regulations.

By approving these recommendations, it will also:

- Enable existing leases to be regeared onto more appropriate terms

- allow this significant investment to be made into the area, improving the area for fans and park visitors

- and help AFC Bournemouth achieve compliance with Premier League regulations

In relation to the item of business appearing below, the Committee is asked to consider the following resolution: -

‘That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.’

RESOLVED that under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 5 in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.

Poole Business Improvement District’s (BID) second 5-year term will finish in June 2026. The BID is currently preparing for a new ballot on 16 March 2026 for a third term. This report seeks Cabinet approval to allow Poole BID to go to ballot for a third term.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           endorsed and accepted the BID proposal submitted by the Poole Business Improvement District (Appendix 4);

(b)           delegated authority to Director of Investment and Development to complete the ballot papers on behalf of the Council in favour of the BID proposal;

(c)           delegated authority to the Director of Law and Governance with support from the internal BID working group to complete the necessary legal agreements required for the operation of the BID Levy, Ballot and service arrangements and any other necessary matters for the proposed BID in consultation with the appropriate officers; and 

(d)           noted that if the ballot was successful, the Council will pay any BID levy due in relation to the Council’s 15 hereditaments within the BID area (currently estimated to total £23,777.25 per annum) for 4years 9 months.  

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

BCP Council has been supportive of previous BID ballots and the significant benefits and investment that they bring. The BID plays a major role in bringing in investment, delivering public realm works and connecting communities. This work helps deliver the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Our place and environment’ priority:

• Vibrant places, where people and nature flourish, with a thriving economy in a healthy, natural environment
• Our communities have pride in our streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces
• Improve the cleanliness of our towns
• Revitalised high streets and regenerated key sites create new opportunities
• Create vibrant and appealing high streets for shopping, leisure, and community and cultural activities

It is therefore recommended that BCP Council supports the Poole BID ballot for a further term.

Exempt Information – Category 5 (Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings).

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations 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 Poole Business Improvement District’s (BID) second 5-year term will finish in June 2026, and that the BID was currently preparing for a new ballot on 16 March 2026 for a third term.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the report sought Cabinet approval to allow Poole BID to go to ballot for a third term.

The meeting moved back into public session at the conclusion of this exempt item.

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