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 Meetings held on 4 February 2026 and 11 February 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2026 and the budget meeting held on 11 February 2026 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

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

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1

The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day on Thursday 26 February 2026 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 3 March 2026 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Wednesday 18 February 2026 [10 working days before the meeting].

Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions, questions or statements submitted by members of the public on this occasion.

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

Cabinet was advised that one recommendation had been received from the Overview and Scrutiny Board and one from the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on items not otherwise on the agenda.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Kate Salmon presented the recommendations from the Board 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. In presenting the recommendations Councillor Salmon highlighted that an underlying issue is that of trust and that the recommendations sought to address this issue.

Recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 23 February 2026

O&S Board agenda item 7 – Consultation Framework Working Group Report 

1.       That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that it adopts the Code of Good Practice – see the following link to the draft document: Code of Good Practice 

2.       That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that all members should be notified of consultations at least 1 week in advance of going live, providing summary detail of the topic for consultation. 

3.       That the Overview and Scrutiny Board endorse the ongoing work to produce an internal consultation toolkit, which should provide clear guidance on confidentiality. 

4.       That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that it endorses an approach to every consultation which clearly outlines that it is not a referendum. 

5.       That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that funding for the establishment of a citizens panel is built into future budgets for Consultations. 

(Unanimous Decision) 

Additional comments from O&S Board 

Cabinet is also asked to note the following recommendations to officers:  

1.      That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend that the Chief Executive bring the Consultation Forward Plan to Group Leaders Meetings on a quarterly basis in order to raise awareness with members. As well as informing of forthcoming consultations the update should provide guidance on confidentiality and expectations for member engagement. 

2.      That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to officers that greater clarity be provided around why particular consultation methods were chosen and also clarity on the reason why a consultation is taking place and how the results of the consultation will be used. 

3.      That the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend that officers give consideration to the most robust consultation process available, recognising that sample surveys tend to be more robust and consider the additional costs involved with this 

The Board also asked officers to review whether the framework (Code of Good Practice) should more explicitly reference the need for meaningful, decision relevant consultation questions. Officers agreed to thoroughly check through the Code and to make adjustments if required. 

The Leader thanked Councillor Salmon and the committee for all their work and for bringing their recommendations to Cabinet and further to this advised that a response would be provided directly to the Board once Cabinet had had the opportunity to consider the recommendations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139.

In line with the requirements of statutory guidance Making significant changes to maintained schools, the purpose of this report is to set out the proposal to establish a new Resourced Provision at Somerford Primary School. The proposal forms part of the council’s work to provide access to sufficient, specialist school places and is one a number of projects that will provide local places for local children in line with our statutory responsibilities to strengthen and expand high?quality SEND provision to meet growing demand.

The proposal aims to address increasing pressure on school places resulting from the rising number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). A lack of sufficient local capacity has led to a higher number of placements in independent and non?maintained special schools (INMSS).

By expanding provision within Somerford Primary School, the council seeks to build on the strengths of local settings and enable more children and young people to access appropriate education closer to home. Increasing local capacity in Christchurch will reduce reliance on costly out?of?area placements, which typically involve higher fees and significant transport costs. This approach not only supports better outcomes for pupils by allowing them to remain within their communities but also delivers long?term financial efficiencies for the Council.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed with the proposal to establish a new Resourced Provision for primary aged school children with SEND at Somerford Primary School with effect from 1 April 2026.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To ensure sufficient school places for children with special educational needs in the Somerford and wider Christchurch area. Establishing a new 16-place Resourced Provision on the Somerford Primary School site will strengthen the Council’s strategy of supporting children with additional needs within mainstream education. This provision will combine the benefits of a mainstream school environment with tailored specialist support, enabling children with Education, Health and Care Plans to access high-quality learning and achieve their full potential.

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 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that in line with the requirements of statutory guidance Making significant changes to maintained schools, the report sought to set out the proposal to establish a new Resourced Provision at Somerford Primary School, and that the proposal formed part of the council’s work to provide access to sufficient, specialist school places and is one a number of projects that will provide local places for local children in line with our statutory responsibilities to strengthen and expand high?quality SEND provision to meet growing demand.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the proposal aimed to address increasing pressure on school places resulting from the rising number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and that a lack of sufficient local capacity has led to a higher number of placements in independent and non?maintained special schools (INMSS).

Further to this Cabinet was advised that by expanding provision within Somerford Primary School, the council sought to build on the strengths of local settings and enable more children and young people to access appropriate education closer to home, and that increasing local capacity in Christchurch would reduce reliance on costly out?of?area placements, which typically involve higher fees and significant transport costs.

Cabinet was informed that this approach not only supported better outcomes for pupils by allowing them to remain within their communities but also delivered long?term financial efficiencies for the Council.

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Sharon Carr-Brown addressed the Cabinet advising that whilst the report hadn’t been formally brought before the Committee that the Committee would certainly have endorsed the report and highlighted that this was the direction of travel which needed to be taken.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed with the proposal to establish a new Resourced Provision for primary aged school children with SEND at Somerford Primary School with effect from 1 April 2026.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To ensure sufficient school places for children with special educational needs in the Somerford and wider Christchurch area. Establishing a new 16-place Resourced Provision on the Somerford Primary School site will strengthen the Council’s strategy of supporting children with additional needs within mainstream education. This provision will combine the benefits of a mainstream school environment with tailored specialist support, enabling children with Education, Health and Care Plans to access high-quality learning and achieve their full potential.

This report sets out the Education and Skills Capital Programme for the period 2026/27– 2028/29. The report summarises available capital funding totalling £34.9 million and provides an indicative programme of investment of £33.5 million set against key budget headings aligned to improvement priorities across the service.  The planned expenditure of available capital is set out in this report and shows a balanced budget. 

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report set out the Education and Skills Capital Programme for the period 2026/27– 2028/29, and summarised available capital funding totalling £34.9 million and provides an indicative programme of investment of £33.5 million set against key budget headings aligned to improvement priorities across the service. 

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the planned expenditure of available capital was set out in the report and showed a balanced budget. 

RECOMMENDED that Council agrees the capital programme as set out in the report, including the budget allocations set against the capital funding available for the period 2026/27.  

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

Utilising investment in the school estate to discharge the council’s statutory duties to deliver good estate management and secure sufficiency of places aligned to the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment, SEND Sufficiency Strategy, Belonging and Improvement Strategy and DSG Recovery Plan.

This report updates Cabinet on the development of BCP’s Best Start in Life Local Plan, which delivers the Government’s strategy for improving outcomes from pregnancy to age five and meets the requirement to publish a local plan by 31 March 2026. Key issues include achieving the Government-set Good Level of Development (GLD) targets (79.9% of children overall; 60.1% of children receiving Free School Meals) through whole system collaboration and establishing Best Start Family Hubs to provide integrated health, education and family support in areas of highest deprivation. Programme governance, project management, stakeholder engagement and a readiness survey are in place.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted: -

(a)          the continued development and publication of BCP Council’s Best Start in Life Local Plan to meet the statutory requirement for all local authorities to publish a plan by 31 March 2026;

(b)          the use of the Best Start Family Hub delivery grant and associated external funding streams to build workforce capacity, strengthen evidence-based interventions and enable consistent delivery of the expanded Best Start offer;

(c)          the establishment and phased implementation of Best Start Family Hubs, beginning with Boscombe as the first site and a second site in the west locality; and

(d)          the continued partnership governance arrangements, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, to ensure coordinated delivery across Children’s Services, Health, Early Years, Public Health and wider partners.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

1.    To meet statutory duties and national policy requirements. All local authorities must publish a Best Start in Life Local Plan by 31 March 2026, setting out their approach to improving outcomes from pregnancy to age five. The plan also supports multiple statutory responsibilities, including duties under the Childcare Act 2006, Children and Families Act 2014, and safeguarding frameworks.

2. To deliver improved child development outcomes and meet Government-set GLD targets. The Government has set ambitious targets for GLD achievement, and BCP Council must demonstrate a whole-system approach to reaching them. The Local Plan sets out how Health, Early Years, Education and Family Support Services will contribute collectively.
3. To maximise use of available funding and ensure financial sustainability. The Best Start Family Hub delivery grant and aligned funding streams (e.g., Public Health, Children’s Services early intervention grant) provide a time-limited opportunity to build capacity, develop workforce skills, and embed a sustainable delivery model.
4. To ensure effective oversight, risk management and timely delivery. Clear governance structures, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, are essential to meet tight Government timelines, deliver transformation at scale and ensure risks are monitored and mitigated appropriately.

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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report updated on the development of BCP’s Best Start in Life Local Plan, which delivered the Government’s strategy for improving outcomes from pregnancy to age five and meets the requirement to publish a local plan by 31 March 2026.

Cabinet was informed that key issues included achieving the Government-set Good Level of Development (GLD) targets (79.9% of children overall; 60.1% of children receiving Free School Meals) through whole system collaboration and establishing Best Start Family Hubs to provide integrated health, education and family support in areas of highest deprivation, and that programme governance, project management, stakeholder engagement and a readiness survey are in place.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted: -

(a)          the continued development and publication of BCP Council’s Best Start in Life Local Plan to meet the statutory requirement for all local authorities to publish a plan by 31 March 2026;

(b)          the use of the Best Start Family Hub delivery grant and associated external funding streams to build workforce capacity, strengthen evidence-based interventions and enable consistent delivery of the expanded Best Start offer;

(c)          the establishment and phased implementation of Best Start Family Hubs, beginning with Boscombe as the first site and a second site in the west locality; and

(d)          the continued partnership governance arrangements, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, to ensure coordinated delivery across Children’s Services, Health, Early Years, Public Health and wider partners.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

1.    To meet statutory duties and national policy requirements. All local authorities must publish a Best Start in Life Local Plan by 31 March 2026, setting out their approach to improving outcomes from pregnancy to age five. The plan also supports multiple statutory responsibilities, including duties under the Childcare Act 2006, Children and Families Act 2014, and safeguarding frameworks.

2. To deliver improved child development outcomes and meet Government-set GLD targets. The Government has set ambitious targets for GLD achievement, and BCP Council must demonstrate a whole-system approach to reaching them. The Local Plan sets out how Health, Early Years, Education and Family Support Services will contribute collectively.
3. To maximise use of available funding and ensure financial sustainability. The Best Start Family Hub delivery grant and aligned funding streams (e.g., Public Health, Children’s Services early intervention grant) provide a time-limited opportunity to build capacity, develop workforce skills, and embed a sustainable delivery model.
4. To ensure effective oversight, risk management and timely delivery. Clear governance structures, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, are essential to meet tight Government timelines, deliver transformation at scale and ensure risks are monitored and mitigated appropriately.

This report presents a proposal to dispose of the following assets:

1.    12-14 Commercial Road, Poole, BH14 0JW

2.    Queensmead Care Home, Bronte Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 2NP

3.    Penn Hill Car Park, Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, BH14 9LZ

The proposal to dispose of the above assets was considered by the cross-party strategic asset disposal working group on the 12 February 2026. The draft minutes of this meeting are presented as a confidential appendix to this report (Appendix 3). The approved recommendation of the cross-party working group was to endorse the proposal.

[PLEASE NOTE: Should Cabinet wish to discuss the detail of the confidential appendix at Appendix 2 the meeting will be required to move into Confidential (Exempt) Session].

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

Cabinet was advised that the report presented a proposal to dispose of the following assets:

1.    12-14 Commercial Road, Poole, BH14 0JW

2.    Queensmead Care Home, Bronte Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 2NP

3.    Penn Hill Car Park, Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, BH14 9LZ

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the proposal to dispose of the above assets was considered by the cross-party strategic asset disposal working group on the 12 February 2026, and that the draft minutes of this meeting were presented as a confidential appendix to this report (Appendix 3), and that the approved recommendation of the cross-party working group was to endorse the proposal.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           note the confidential minutes and the recommendations of the Cross-Party Strategic Asset Disposal Working Group meeting held on the 12 February 2026; and

(b)           approve the disposal on an open market basis of; 12-14 Commercial Road, Queensmead Care Home and Penn Hill Car Park on such terms to be approved by the Director of Finance, acting in his capacity as Corporate Property Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To seek Cabinet approval for the disposal of the identified surplus and under-utilised assets to secure capital receipts in support of the Council’s financial strategy.

BCP Council adopted ‘A shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 2024-28’ in May 2024. 

The shared vision is the corporate strategy which sets out the council’s vision, priorities and ambitions as well as the principles which underpin the way the council works as it develops and delivers its services. 

Incorporated in the vision is a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions. 

This is the performance monitoring report for Quarter Three 25-26, presenting an update on the progress measures. 

The council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through the performance dashboardwhich is available on the council’s website providing up-to-date real time information on the progress measures.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)            considered the Quarter Three performance;

(b)           noted that work continues to expand the data available on the interactive performance dashboard;

(c)           noted the positive activities highlighted in the report; and

(d)           noted the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance and task the corporate directors to take action to improve performance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Our shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole sets out the priorities and ambitions against which the council’s performance will be judged, and as such is a vital component of the council’s performance management framework.

An understanding of performance against targets, goals and objectives helps the council to assess and manage service delivery and identify emerging business risks.

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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that BCP Council had adopted ‘A shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 2024-28’ in May 2024, and that the shared vision was the corporate strategy which sets out the council’s vision, priorities and ambitions as well as the principles which underpin the way the council works as it develops and delivers its services. 

Cabinet was informed that incorporated in the vision was a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions, and that this was the performance monitoring report for Quarter Three 25-26, presenting an update on the progress measures. 

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through the performance dashboardwhich was available on the council’s website providing up-to-date real time information on the progress measures.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)            considered the Quarter Three performance;

(b)           noted that work continues to expand the data available on the interactive performance dashboard;

(c)           noted the positive activities highlighted in the report; and

(d)           noted the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance and task the corporate directors to take action to improve performance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Our shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole sets out the priorities and ambitions against which the council’s performance will be judged, and as such is a vital component of the council’s performance management framework.

An understanding of performance against targets, goals and objectives helps the council to assess and manage service delivery and identify emerging business risks.

This report presents the sixth annual update to Cabinet on progress towards commitments made in the BCP Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration, made on the 16 of July 2019.

In the 2024-2025 year, progress against the main commitments is:

·       Make BCP Council and its operations carbon neutral by 2030 - scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduced by 20.9% from the 2019 baseline

·       Work with the wider community to make the region carbon neutral before 2045 – according to data released in 2025, total area-wide emissions for 2024 had reduced by 17.7% from the 2019 baseline.

Overall, both the Council and the wider BCP area have made progress since 2019, supported by clearer roadmaps, better data, strengthened governance and growing collaboration across sectors.

Continued acceleration, investment and partnership working will be essential to stay on track for the 2030 and 2045 targets.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the Climate Progress Report 2024-25

Voting: Unanimous

Reason

This report informs on progress made to date and proposes a draft Roadmap of climate actions that the Council can consider in order to deliver on the ambitions of a carbon neutral Council by 2030. These are clear and achievable but require resources and timely decision-making if significant emissions reductions are to be made.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report presented the sixth annual update to Cabinet on progress towards commitments made in the BCP Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration, made on the 16 of July 2019.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that in the 2024-2025 year, progress against the main commitments was:

·       Make BCP Council and its operations carbon neutral by 2030 - scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduced by 20.9% from the 2019 baseline

·       Work with the wider community to make the region carbon neutral before 2045 – according to data released in 2025, total area-wide emissions for 2024 had reduced by 17.7% from the 2019 baseline.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that overall, both the Council and the wider BCP area had made progress since 2019, supported by clearer roadmaps, better data, strengthened governance and growing collaboration across sectors, and that continued acceleration, investment and partnership working was essential to stay on track for the 2030 and 2045 targets.

The Chair of the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Chris Rigby addressed the Cabinet urging the Cabinet to find ways in which we can meet these targets.

In addition, thanks were expressed to officers for all their hard work.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the Climate Progress Report 2024-25

Voting: Unanimous

Reason

This report informs on progress made to date and proposes a draft Roadmap of climate actions that the Council can consider in order to deliver on the ambitions of a carbon neutral Council by 2030. These are clear and achievable but require resources and timely decision-making if significant emissions reductions are to be made.

BCP Council conducted a Department for Transport (DfT)authorised trial in August 2025 to test whether increasing Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) levels and associated charges to London?equivalent rates would improve compliance and reduce illegal parking in the coastal area from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. The trial showed a reversal of the expected rise in contraventions, with overall PCNs decreasing against forecast models, alongside reductions in serious on?street breaches and improvements in bus punctuality. No negative impact on visitor numbers was identified, and parking capacity remained consistently available, suggesting most illegal parking had been by choice rather than necessity. Some behavioural displacement occurred into lower?level car park contraventions, and peak?pressure days still presented challenges. Overall, the trial demonstrated that higher PCN levels can effectively improve compliance, with BCP Council recommending either a national review of PCN rates outside London or a wider, longer?term follow?up trial.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the content of the report and its appendix.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

This report is for information only and so no recommendations are required.

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 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that BCP Council had conducted a Department for Transport (DfT) authorised trial in August 2025 to test whether increasing Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) levels and associated charges to London?equivalent rates would improve compliance and reduce illegal parking in the coastal area from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the trial had shown a reversal of the expected rise in contraventions, with overall PCNs decreasing against forecast models, alongside reductions in serious on?street breaches and improvements in bus punctuality.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that no negative impact on visitor numbers had been identified, and parking capacity remained consistently available, suggesting most illegal parking had been by choice rather than necessity.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that some behavioural displacement occurred into lower?level car park contraventions, and peak?pressure days still presented challenges.

Cabinet was advised that overall, the trial had demonstrated that higher PCN levels can effectively improve compliance, with BCP Council recommending either a national review of PCN rates outside London or a wider, longer?term follow?up trial.

Councillor George Farquhar addressed the Cabinet echoing the praise of officers for their extremely quick work on this. In addition, Councillor Farquhar welcomed the responses from the MPs across the area and highlighted the useful signage.

Cabinet spoke in support of the report highlighting the longstanding problems associated with illegal parking in the coastal areas.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the content of the report and its appendix.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

This report is for information only and so no recommendations are required.

Through the implementation of Pay and Reward, BCP Council has further enhanced the employee benefits package.

This report sets out the option for colleagues to access Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions in addition to their normal LGPS pension. These are paid via salary sacrifice arrangement.

RESOLVED that the changes to the Pensions Discretion Policy relating to Regulation 17 & 15(2A) [TP] as set out on Page 7 of the Policy be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

LGPS discretions are the Council’s agreed choices on how certain pension rules are applied, so decisions are fair, consistent, and lawful.

We must have a written policy so that:

·      Everyone is treated consistently

·      Decisions are fair, lawful, and transparent

·      Managers and officers don’t make ad-hoc or contradictory decisions

·      Employees know what the Council will and won’t do

The policy sets out:

·      What discretion applies

·      What the Council’s position is

·      Who makes the decision

·      Any limits or conditions

What’s changed/changing

1. Section: Regulation 17 & 15(2A) [TP] – Shared-Cost AVCs (SCAVC) as set out on Page 7 of the policy (Appendix 1).

Effective from 1 December 2025:

The Council will pay shared-cost additional voluntary contributions (SCAVCs) where an employee has elected to pay AVCs via the Council’s salary sacrifice AVC scheme.

·      The amount of the employer SCAVC will not exceed the amount of salary sacrificed by the employee.

• Participation is subject to the employee meeting the scheme’s eligibility conditions.

The Council may withdraw or amend the SCAVC arrangement at any time, following appropriate consultation and notice.

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 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that through the implementation of Pay and Reward, BCP Council has further enhanced the employee benefits package, and that the report set out the option for colleagues to access Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions in addition to their normal LGPS pension which would be paid via salary sacrifice arrangement.

RESOLVED that the changes to the Pensions Discretion Policy relating to Regulation 17 & 15(2A) [TP] as set out on Page 7 of the Policy be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

LGPS discretions are the Council’s agreed choices on how certain pension rules are applied, so decisions are fair, consistent, and lawful.

We must have a written policy so that:

·      Everyone is treated consistently

·      Decisions are fair, lawful, and transparent

·      Managers and officers don’t make ad-hoc or contradictory decisions

·      Employees know what the Council will and won’t do

The policy sets out:

·      What discretion applies

·      What the Council’s position is

·      Who makes the decision

·      Any limits or conditions

What’s changed/changing

1. Section: Regulation 17 & 15(2A) [TP] – Shared-Cost AVCs (SCAVC) as set out on Page 7 of the policy (Appendix 1).

Effective from 1 December 2025:

The Council will pay shared-cost additional voluntary contributions (SCAVCs) where an employee has elected to pay AVCs via the Council’s salary sacrifice AVC scheme.

·      The amount of the employer SCAVC will not exceed the amount of salary sacrificed by the employee.

• Participation is subject to the employee meeting the scheme’s eligibility conditions.

The Council may withdraw or amend the SCAVC arrangement at any time, following appropriate consultation and notice.

This Supported & Specialist Housing Strategy (Appendix1) sets out BCP Council’s ten?year commitment to developing specialist housing and commissioning appropriate support services to meet the needs of residents. The strategy is required under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, which mandates all local authorities to publish a supported housing strategy by May 2027.

This is the first such strategy for BCP Council and outlines the projected requirements of the following resident groups, ensuring access to appropriate accommodation and support models that promote independence and community integration.

·       Older people (over 65 years)

·       Working age adults with physical disabilities, long term conditions and/or sensory impairments

·       Adults with severe and enduring mental illness

·       Adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic people

·       People with complex housing histories and/or experiencing homelessness

·       Young people

RESOLVED that the proposed Supported & Specialist Housing Strategy at Appendix 1 be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

• To meet statutory obligations under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, ensuring a published strategy is in place.
• Sets out BCP Council’s commitment to developing supported and specialist housing in line with projected resident needs over the coming decade and ensure that both the Council’s Newbuild Housing & Acquisition Strategy and the Local Plan reflect this.
• To reduce pressures on health and social care services through the provision of good quality housing which improves health and wellbeing and promotes independence and choice
• To provide guidance to private developers and social housing providers in shaping development plans for the area.

·      To maximise opportunities for central government capital and revenue funding by putting in place a strategy that sets out the specialist housing

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

Cabinet was advised that the Supported & Specialist Housing Strategy (Appendix1) set out BCP Council’s ten?year commitment to developing specialist housing and commissioning appropriate support services to meet the needs of residents.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the strategy was required under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, which mandated all local authorities to publish a supported housing strategy by May 2027.

Cabinet was advised that this was the first such strategy for BCP Council and outlined the projected requirements of the following resident groups, ensuring access to appropriate accommodation and support models that promote independence and community integration.

·       Older people (over 65 years)

·       Working age adults with physical disabilities, long term conditions and/or sensory impairments       

·       Adults with severe and enduring mental illness

·       Adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic people

·       People with complex housing histories and/or experiencing homelessness

·       Young people

The Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee had not yet had the opportunity to consider the report but was sure that the Committee would welcome the strategy and that he was supportive of the recommendations.

Councillor George Farquhar addressed the Cabinet advising that in his role as the councils appointed armed forces champion he would welcome the opportunity to feed into the strategy with his experiences to see how this area could be best supported.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report highlighting the importance of the strategy.

In summing up the Portfolio Holder advised that he would be happy to work with Councillor Farquhar and for him to feed in any comments he would like to make.

RESOLVED that the proposed Supported & Specialist Housing Strategy at Appendix 1 be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

• To meet statutory obligations under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, ensuring a published strategy is in place.
• Sets out BCP Council’s commitment to developing supported and specialist housing in line with projected resident needs over the coming decade and ensure that both the Council’s Newbuild Housing & Acquisition Strategy and the Local Plan reflect this.
• To reduce pressures on health and social care services through the provision of good quality housing which improves health and wellbeing and promotes independence and choice
• To provide guidance to private developers and social housing providers in shaping development plans for the area.

·      To maximise opportunities for central government capital and revenue funding by putting in place a strategy that sets out the specialist housing

The Framework for keeping safe in and around water aims to provide BCP Council with a clear overarching approach to water safety and a working action plan which aligns to the corporate strategy.  It aims to promote safety around our coastal and inland waters for the prevention of drowning. Following the National Water Safety Forum’s principles, it provides a practical plan using data and insights to assess our water spaces and provide communication and education to support safe access to our blue spaces.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the contents of the framework and agreed the framework process; and

(b)          delegates to the Director of Commercial Operations in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations the implementation of the framework.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

The development of the framework supports the corporate strategy to ensure that working together, everyone feels safe and secure and that people can be active and healthy with the positive impact blue spaces can bring.

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 'J' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the framework for keeping safe in and around water aimed to provide BCP Council with a clear overarching approach to water safety and a working action plan which aligned to the corporate strategy. 

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that it aimed to promote safety around our coastal and inland waters for the prevention of drowning.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that following the National Water Safety Forum’s principles, it provided a practical plan using data and insights to assess our water spaces and provide communication and education to support safe access to our blue spaces.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the contents of the framework and agreed the framework process; and

(b)          delegates to the Director of Commercial Operations in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations the implementation of the framework.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

The development of the framework supports the corporate strategy to ensure that working together, everyone feels safe and secure and that people can be active and healthy with the positive impact blue spaces can bring.

BCP Council receives around 1,000 written highway search enquiries each year, requiring specialist officer time to interpret statutory highway records, verify adoption status, and prepare formal written responses. The Council currently absorbs all associated costs, unlike most local authorities that operate cost?recovery charging frameworks. This places financial pressure on core budgets and creates inconsistency for customers working across authority boundaries.

This report proposes the introduction of a Highway Searches Charging Policy and accompanying Schedule of Fees and Charges, enabling the Council to recover the reasonable cost of delivering these enquiries in line with the Local Authorities (England) (Charges for Property Searches) Regulations 2008. The policy also supports improved data governance, workflow efficiency, and alignment with regional and national practice.

Options considered include:

1.    Maintaining the current unfunded model—which is financially unsustainable; or

2.    Introducing a full cost?recovery charging framework—bringing BCP in line with other councils and ensuring service resilience.

The recommended option is to adopt the charging policy and fee schedule, delegate authority for minor operational amendments, and publish the updated information.

Conclusion: Implementing the charging policy ensures legal compliance, financial sustainability, improved transparency, and continued high?quality service delivery.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved and noted the recommendations described in Section 1, specifically:

(a)           The Highway Searches Charging Policy and schedule of fees (Appendix 1);

(b)          The introduction of a full cost?recovery model for the provision of written highway search enquiries, in accordance with the Local Authorities (England) (Charges for Property Searches) Regulations 2008;  

(c)           Delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Transport, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy (Cllr Andy Hadley);  

(d)          Agree that the Charging Policy be reviewed annually; 

(e)           Authorise publication of the Policy, fee schedule, guidance materials and updated web content, and instruct officers to implement the required communications and operational changes to enable the charging framework to go live; and

(f)            Note that the Policy will be delivered within existing staffing resources, with no requirement for additional posts and that the income generated will support service sustainability and statutory data maintenance. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This policy aligns BCP with neighbouring authorities and most local authorities in England, who charge for this service.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'K' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that BCP Council receives around 1,000 written highway search enquiries each year, requiring specialist officer time to interpret statutory highway records, verify adoption status, and prepare formal written responses.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the Council currently absorbs all associated costs, unlike most local authorities that operate cost?recovery charging frameworks, and that this placed financial pressure on core budgets and created inconsistency for customers working across authority boundaries.

Cabinet was advised that the report proposed the introduction of a Highway Searches Charging Policy and accompanying Schedule of Fees and Charges, enabling the Council to recover the reasonable cost of delivering these enquiries in line with the Local Authorities (England) (Charges for Property Searches) Regulations 2008, and that the policy also supported improved data governance, workflow efficiency, and alignment with regional and national practice.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the options considered included:

1.    Maintaining the current unfunded model—which is financially unsustainable; or

2.    Introducing a full cost?recovery charging framework—bringing BCP in line with other councils and ensuring service resilience.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the recommended option was to adopt the charging policy and fee schedule, delegate authority for minor operational amendments, and publish the updated information, which would ensure legal compliance, financial sustainability, improved transparency, and continued high?quality service delivery.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved and noted the recommendations described in Section 1, specifically:

(a)           The Highway Searches Charging Policy and schedule of fees (Appendix 1);

(b)          The introduction of a full cost?recovery model for the provision of written highway search enquiries, in accordance with the Local Authorities (England) (Charges for Property Searches) Regulations 2008;  

(c)           Delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Transport, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy (Cllr Andy Hadley);  

(d)          Agree that the Charging Policy be reviewed annually; 

(e)           Authorise publication of the Policy, fee schedule, guidance materials and updated web content, and instruct officers to implement the required communications and operational changes to enable the charging framework to go live; and

(f)            Note that the Policy will be delivered within existing staffing resources, with no requirement for additional posts and that the income generated will support service sustainability and statutory data maintenance. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This policy aligns BCP with neighbouring authorities and most local authorities in England, who charge for this service.

This report considers the outcome of the statutory public consultation for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which is required to implement the proposed 20mph Winton / Moordown Neighbourhood as consulted upon in Spring 2025.

The aim is to improve safety for all road users by reducing the number of collisions within the proposed area thereby creating a safer environment, the proposal should also encourage more sustainable travel.   

The report recommends full consideration of the consultation outputs and recommends implementation of the advertised speed limit changes. 

RESOLVED that the scheme (as per Appendix 1) is implemented as advertised.

Voting: Nem. Con. (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

Feedback from the public consultation has been fully considered. It is recommended that the scheme is delivered as proposed.

The recommended scheme shall:

·       improve safety for all road users, especially children, senior citizens, pedestrians and cyclists.

·       reduce the number of personal and seriously injured collisions

·       reduce congestion and emissions

·       Support improved air quality and the public realm

The meeting adjourned at 12.10 pm

The meeting reconvened at 12.25 pm

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 'L' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report considered the outcome of the statutory public consultation for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which was required to implement the proposed 20mph Winton / Moordown Neighbourhood as consulted upon in Spring 2025.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the aim was to improve safety for all road users by reducing the number of collisions within the proposed area thereby creating a safer environment, the proposal should also encourage more sustainable travel.   

Cabinet was advised that the report recommended full consideration of the consultation outputs and recommended implementation of the advertised speed limit changes. 

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been considered at the meeting of the Transportation Advisory Group held on 25 February 2026 where the group had supported the recommendations as set out.

Councillor Chris Rigby addressed the Cabinet as Ward Member highlighting how well the initial consultation was carried out and seeking confirmation of the go live date.

Councillor Sharon Carr-Brown addressed the Cabinet as a Ward Member of an adjacent ward advising that she was keen to see the results of this and seeking confirmation as to when other areas may be consulted.

Councillor George Farquhar addressed the Cabinet welcoming the scheme but highlighting local examples with regards to the road surface being damaged when there is a change to traffic momentum.

Cabinet members largely spoke in support of the report emphasising the good and robust consultation which had been carried out and stressing the importance of not displacing the issue.

Councillor Kieron Wilson advised that whilst he supported the principle he would be abstaining from voting as he felt the scheme did slightly cross over into more major roads which he had advised residents the scheme wouldn’t do.

In summing up the Portfolio Holder advised that it was hoped that implementation would take place from early summer.

RESOLVED that the scheme (as per Appendix 1) is implemented as advertised.

Voting: Nem. Con. (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

Feedback from the public consultation has been fully considered. It is recommended that the scheme is delivered as proposed.

The recommended scheme shall:

·       improve safety for all road users, especially children, senior citizens, pedestrians and cyclists.

·       reduce the number of personal and seriously injured collisions

·       reduce congestion and emissions

·       Support improved air quality and the public realm

The meeting adjourned at 12.10 pm

The meeting reconvened at 12.25 pm

The Department for Transport (DfT) has set out details of the new Local Transport Consolidated Funding settlement for Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) and confirmed funding allocations for the next Spending Review period (2026/27 to 2028/29 for revenue funding and 2026/27 to 2029/30 for capital funding).     

The new settlement grant conditions require the council by the 20 March 2026 to submit Local Transport Delivery Plans (LTDP) setting out the planned 2026/27 investment of the funding and an indicative programme for the future year allocations covering the period 2027/28 to 2029/30. 

The council then has until the 18 September 2026 to provide greater detail on the proposed 2027/28 to 2029/30 indicative programme. 

This report sets out the recommended 2026/27 programme (refer to Appendix A) for consideration and seeks approval and delegation to deliver it and to submit indicative programmes into the future to ensure compliance with the new grant conditions.

Note 1: the recommended 2027/28 programme and future year programmes thereafter shall still be brought to Council for approval annually.  In the instance of the 2027/28 programme that shall be in February/March 2027.

Note 2: this report should be read in conjunction with the Active Travel Fund (ATF) and Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) Cabinet reports.

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

Cabinet was advised that the Department for Transport (DfT) had set out details of the new Local Transport Consolidated Funding settlement for Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) and confirmed funding allocations for the next Spending Review period (2026/27 to 2028/29 for revenue funding and 2026/27 to 2029/30 for capital funding).     

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the new settlement grant conditions required the council by the 20 March 2026 to submit Local Transport Delivery Plans (LTDP) setting out the planned 2026/27 investment of the funding and an indicative programme for the future year allocations covering the period 2027/28 to 2029/30. 

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the council then had until the 18 September 2026 to provide greater detail on the proposed 2027/28 to 2029/30 indicative programme. 

Cabinet was informed that the report set out the recommended 2026/27 programme (refer to Appendix A) for consideration and sought approval and delegation to deliver it and to submit indicative programmes into the future to ensure compliance with the new grant conditions.

Cabinet was asked to note that: -

Note 1: the recommended 2027/28 programme and future year programmes thereafter shall still be brought to Council for approval annually.  In the instance of the 2027/28 programme that shall be in February/March 2027.

Note 2: this report should be read in conjunction with the Active Travel Fund (ATF) and Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) Cabinet reports.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been considered at the meeting of the Transportation Advisory Group held on 25 February 2026 where the group had supported the recommendations as set out.

Cabinet stressed the importance of maintenance and expressed thanks to the teams who had been working in challenging conditions.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)          Cabinet recommends to Council approval of the 2026/27 Local Transport Consolidated Fund programme as set out in Appendix A and delegates delivery to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations; and

RESOLVED that: -

(b)         Cabinet delegates the development and submission of Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) programmes to meet Department for Transport grant conditions to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Enable expedient delivery/investment of the Local Transport Consolidated funded programmes for 2026/27 in line with financial regulations.

Enable the council to comply with the new grant conditions that require it to submit draft future Transport Delivery Plans for the period up to 2029/30 by 20 March 2026 and more detailed plans by 18 September 2026. 

Note: approval  ...  view the full minutes text for item 152.

Active Travel England, the government’s executive agency responsible for walking, wheeling and cycling in England, published its Active Travel Capability Ratings in December 2025.  BCP Council was uprated from a Level 2 authority to a Level 3 authority.

The council is one of only 11 local authorities in the country to achieve level 3, and one of only 5 that isn’t part of a large, combined authority or city region. 

The increased grading has resulted in the council being allocated a larger Active Travel settlement.  The council has been allocated £2,249,725 of capital funding for walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, per year up to and including 2029/30.  Alongside this, a revenue allocation of £705,869 per year up to and including 2028/29.  This represents a significant increase from the 2025/26 allocations of £1,128,857 (capital) and £330,685 (revenue).

This report recommends how the grant award should be invested and seeks delegated authority to facilitate the delivery.  The recommended proposals are aligned with the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) approved by Council in May 2022.

This report should be read in conjunction with the Local Transport Consolidated Funding Programme 2026/27 Cabinet report.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'N' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that Active Travel England, the government’s executive agency responsible for walking, wheeling and cycling in England, published its Active Travel Capability Ratings in December 2025.  BCP Council was uprated from a Level 2 authority to a Level 3 authority.

Cabinet was informed that the council was one of only 11 local authorities in the country to achieve level 3, and one of only 5 that isn’t part of a large, combined authority or city region. 

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the increased grading had resulted in the council being allocated a larger Active Travel settlement, and that the council had been allocated £2,249,725 of capital funding for walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, per year up to and including 2029/30.  Alongside this, a revenue allocation of £705,869 per year up to and including 2028/29 which represented a significant increase from the 2025/26 allocations of £1,128,857 (capital) and £330,685 (revenue).

Cabinet was informed that the report recommends how the grant award should be invested and seeks delegated authority to facilitate the delivery, and that the recommended proposals were aligned with the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) approved by Council in May 2022.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the report should be read in conjunction with the Local Transport Consolidated Funding Programme 2026/27 Cabinet report.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been considered at the meeting of the Transportation Advisory Group held on 25 February 2026 where the group had supported the recommendations as set out.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends to Council delegation of the investment of the £2.96m of 2026/27 active travel funding to the Service Director for Planning & Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

To expediate investment of the 2026/27 active travel funding award in line with the constitution and financial regulations delegations.

The investment of the ATF funding is aligned with the LCWIP; Council’s Corporate Strategy; and the Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

The council has been awarded £5.64m Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) by the Department for Transport (DfT) for 2026/27 to continue delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The purpose of this paper is to seek council approval to accept and invest the grant, which is a combination of both capital and revenue funding. 

A proportion of the revenue element of the grant has been allocated to support a revised subsidised bus service network in accordance with the 4 February 2026 Subsidised Bus Services Review Cabinet report.

Note: this report should be read in conjunction with the Local Transport Consolidated Funding Programme 2026/27 Cabinet report.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'O' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the council had been awarded £5.64m Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) by the Department for Transport (DfT) for 2026/27 to continue delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the purpose of the report was to seek council approval to accept and invest the grant, which is a combination of both capital and revenue funding. 

Further to this Cabinet was informed that a proportion of the revenue element of the grant had been allocated to support a revised subsidised bus service network in accordance with the 4 February 2026 Subsidised Bus Services Review Cabinet report.

In addition, Cabinet was advised that the report should be read in conjunction with the Local Transport Consolidated Funding Programme 2026/27 Cabinet report.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been considered at the meeting of the Transportation Advisory Group held on 25 February 2026 where the group had supported the recommendations as set out.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)          Cabinet recommends to Council acceptance of the £5.64m Local Authority Bus Grant funding for 2026/27 from the Department for Transport; and

(b)          Cabinet recommends to Council to Delegate delivery of the Local Authority Bus Grant funded Bus Service Improvement Plan programme set out in Appendix 2 of this report to the Service Director for Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

The council has consulted on the potential establishment of a BCP Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) which would enable the council to charge up to £2,500 per day for works on the busiest roads at the busiest times.

This report presents the outputs of the consultation and seeks approval to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport to establish a BCP Lane Rental Scheme.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'P' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the council had consulted on the potential establishment of a BCP Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) which would enable the council to charge up to £2,500 per day for works on the busiest roads at the busiest times.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the report presented the outputs of the consultation and sought approval to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport to establish a BCP Lane Rental Scheme.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been considered at the meeting of the Transportation Advisory Group held on 25 February 2026 where the group had supported the recommendations as set out.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends to Council to: -

(a)          approve the submission of an application to the Secretary of State for Transport to establish and operate a Lane Rental Scheme across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; and

(b)          subject to Secretary of State approval, delegate the establishment and operation of a BCP Lane Rental scheme to the Service Director for Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

(a)          The introduction of a Lane Rental Scheme would help to encourage:

(b)          Behaviour change to minimise the duration of road works occupation of the highway at the busiest locations at the traffic-sensitive times

(c)          Right first-time reinstatements

(d)          Minimise the number of works taking place during traffic-sensitive times

(e)          Contribute to reducing disruption to all road users

(f)           Encourage a proactive approach to planning and undertaking of works on the highway

(g)          Encourage innovations that will reduce the duration and need for roadworks

(h)          Encourage collaborative working amongst activity promotors

(i)            Ensure parity of treatment for all activity promoters

(j)            Reduce any unreasonable occupation of the Highway through efficient coordination and minimise the impact of works on the travelling public.

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

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

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

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

In closing the meeting the Leader advised that the next meeting of the Cabinet was being brought forward from the 1 April 2026 and would be held on the slightly earlier date of Thursday 26 March 2026 in order to avoid the pre-election period.