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 4 March 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 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 Friday 20 March 2026 [12 noon, 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day Wednesday 25 March 2026 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Thursday 12 March 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 two recommendations had been received from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on items not otherwise on the agenda.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Kate Salmon presented the recommendations 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.

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

O&S Board agenda item 7 – Parking Around Schools

The Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet:

1.    That the parking enforcement team be asked to circulate information to all educational settings and councillors with general guidance around the limitations and responsibilities of parking enforcement officers and the police including suitable contact details.

2.    That a Communications campaign be organised through the ‘safer routes to schools’ team regarding an emphasis on enforcement going forwards and that consideration be given to using specific information related to educational settings, e.g. levels of fines withing a specific area in order to encourage a decrease in the instances of parking infringements to reduce the overall amount of fines.

3.    That the relevant Portfolio Holder write to the DfT emphasising the need to increase fines to help with dangerous parking outside schools.

4.    That the ‘safer routes to schools’ team be asked to review if any free resources are available for educational settings, to share with parents to help create a shift in parent driving behaviour including exploring whether Op Relentless Community Funding from Dorset Police could be used for this.

5.    That it notes the Board’s support for the good work already underway from the Parking Team to look at funding options for camera parking enforcement on school zigzags and the Board’s support for the Parking Team’s work to increase availability of enforcement officers at key times for school parking issues.

6.    That it supports the current review by the Transport Team of road markings at educational settings to ensure that the most appropriate markings are in place.

7.    That it agrees that when planning applications are submitted for schools the ‘safer routes to schools’ team be informed.

Voting: Nem. Con.

O&S Board Agenda Item 8 - Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) relating to parking pressure in high season

The Overview and Scrutiny Board Recommend to Cabinet:

1.    That, in the development of the Local Plan and/or parking strategy, consideration is given to the provision of parking spaces for people to park overnight and sleep, including travellers, van lifers and holiday makers, ensuring that the communities affected are appropriately consulted.

2.    That, in the development of the local plan consideration is given to the provision of camp sites within BCP.

3.    That within the Local Transport Plan the provision of park and ride options are given full consideration.

Voting: Nem. Con.

The Leader thanked Councillor Salmon for their discussion and debate on this item and for bringing the recommendations to Cabinet. In relation to this the Leader advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 161.

To seek adoption of a BCP Council Public Waste Bin Provision Policy which establishes a consistent, evidence?based approach to the provision, management and servicing of litter and dog?waste bins across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)            approves the adoption of a BCP Council Public Waste Bin Provision Policy. Noting the operational and financial implications associated with implementing the Policy;

(b)           approves the allocation of a phased annual capital replacement programme of £200k in 2026/27, followed by a future annual amount of £25k accommodated within the existing bin/ skip purchasing and maintenance budget;

(c)            approves the allocation of £60k from the waste   infrastructure grant to support project delivery; and

(d)           delegates responsibility for implementation to the Director of Environment in consultation with the portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment & Energy including:

                       I.           decisions relating to installation, relocation or removal of bins, and for these operational decisions to be communicated to ward councillors in advance and on-site temporary signage installed directing users to the nearest locations.

                     II.           adoption of consistent bin design and colour scheme.

                   III.           phasing out of standalone dog-waste bins to be replaced with multi-purpose bins.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Adoption of this Policy will enable the Council to modernise public waste-bin provision, improve environmental quality, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure a consistent, transparent, evidence-based approach across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

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 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet approval was sought for the adoption of a BCP Council Public Waste Bin Provision Policy which establishes a consistent, evidence?based approach to the provision, management and servicing of litter and dog?waste bins across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Kate Salmon addressed the Cabinet to express her keen interest in the report. Councillor Salmon highlighted the importance of involving ward councillors proactively from the earliest stages, enabling them to remain informed about any changes and to support the process effectively.

Cabinet members discussed the report in detail and praised the volunteer groups and members of the public who assist with litter picking across the conurbation.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)            approves the adoption of a BCP Council Public Waste Bin Provision Policy. Noting the operational and financial implications associated with implementing the Policy;

(b)           approves the allocation of a phased annual capital replacement programme of £200k in 2026/27, followed by a future annual amount of £25k accommodated within the existing bin/ skip purchasing and maintenance budget;

(c)            approves the allocation of £60k from the waste   infrastructure grant to support project delivery; and

(d)           delegates responsibility for implementation to the Director of Environment in consultation with the portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment & Energy including:

                       I.           decisions relating to installation, relocation or removal of bins, and for these operational decisions to be communicated to ward councillors in advance and on-site temporary signage installed directing users to the nearest locations.

                     II.           adoption of consistent bin design and colour scheme.

                   III.           phasing out of standalone dog-waste bins to be replaced with multi-purpose bins.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Adoption of this Policy will enable the Council to modernise public waste-bin provision, improve environmental quality, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure a consistent, transparent, evidence-based approach across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Asset Management Strategy sets out BCP Homes’ approach to managing approximately 9,600 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) properties, including dwellings, leasehold properties, garages, communal areas and associated assets. The strategy outlines how the Council will maintain, invest in and improve its housing stock over the next five years (2025/26–2030/31), while aligning with wider corporate objectives and preparing for long-term sustainability challenges.

RESOLVED that the Asset Management Strategy is adopted and implemented in full, with ongoing oversight to ensure investment remains aligned to stock condition data, regulatory requirements and resident priorities.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

Approval of the Asset Management Strategy is recommended because it provides a clear, evidence-based framework for maintaining safe, decent and sustainable homes, supported by robust stock condition data and a fully funded £121.8m five-year investment programme. The strategy is essential to ensure continued compliance with statutory housing and building safety requirements, deliver EPC Band C by 2030, and address tenant priorities for well-maintained, energy-efficient homes. It also strengthens long-term financial planning through a 30-year investment model and introduces improved asset intelligence, enabling informed decisions on future investment, sustainability and value for money.

The Leader of the Council presented a report on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, 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 Asset Management Strategy sets out BCP Homes’ approach to managing approximately 9,600 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) properties, including dwellings, leasehold properties, garages, communal areas and associated assets, and that the strategy outlined how the Council will maintain, invest in and improve its housing stock over the next five years (2025/26–2030/31), while aligning with wider corporate objectives and preparing for long-term sustainability challenges.

The Chair of the Health and Adult Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet expressing thanks to officers for their work with the report and the commitment to putting the funding behind the strategy. Further to this Councillor Canavan highlighted the link between the strategy and health and wellbeing, and of the constant challenge to ensure that there is sufficient recognition that suitable decent housing is a real issue. 

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report citing the importance of decent homes and welcoming the investment programme along with the importance of sustainability.

RESOLVED that the Asset Management Strategy is adopted and implemented in full, with ongoing oversight to ensure investment remains aligned to stock condition data, regulatory requirements and resident priorities.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

Approval of the Asset Management Strategy is recommended because it provides a clear, evidence-based framework for maintaining safe, decent and sustainable homes, supported by robust stock condition data and a fully funded £121.8m five-year investment programme. The strategy is essential to ensure continued compliance with statutory housing and building safety requirements, deliver EPC Band C by 2030, and address tenant priorities for well-maintained, energy-efficient homes. It also strengthens long-term financial planning through a 30-year investment model and introduces improved asset intelligence, enabling informed decisions on future investment, sustainability and value for money.

The Council has a statutory duty to provide working families of children aged 0-14 (18 with SEND) enough childcare places in its area, where reasonably practicable.  Each year Research and Children’s Services colleagues assess the position of the market, providing parents, councillors, schools and private businesses ward level information as a planning tool to support access or expansion of places, while highlighting areas of focus or concern.

With significant government expansion of early years childcare now fully embedded this information and data is vital for private businesses seeking to enter the market and help the Council fulfil its ongoing statutory duties and the content of the assessment concludes that the Council is meeting its statutory duties.

In addition to a briefing report (appendix 1) the data that helped form the assessment is accessible here.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the content of the annual review and the priorities (areas of focus) as set out in the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2025-26 Briefing Report.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To fulfil the Council’s statutory duty to annually assess and publish the position of its childcare market.

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 Council has a statutory duty to provide working families of children aged 0-14 (18 with SEND) enough childcare places in its area, where reasonably practicable, and that each year Research and Children’s Services colleagues assess the position of the market, providing parents, councillors, schools and private businesses ward level information as a planning tool to support access or expansion of places, while highlighting areas of focus or concern.

Cabinet was informed that with significant government expansion of early years childcare now fully embedded this information and data was vital for private businesses seeking to enter the market and help the Council fulfil its ongoing statutory duties and the content of the assessment concludes that the Council is meeting its statutory duties.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the content of the annual review and the priorities (areas of focus) as set out in the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2025-26 Briefing Report.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To fulfil the Council’s statutory duty to annually assess and publish the position of its childcare market.

This report presents the Children in Care (CiC) Invest to Save Proposal, a targeted programme to deliver savings against the 2026/27 Children in Care budget of £54.84m by reducing the number of children in care and lowering the overall cost of placements, while maintaining strong outcomes and stability for children and young people.

The programme will accelerate delivery of strategic and operational actions to safely manage demand and secure sustainable cost reductions. It provides a structured approach to delivering both immediate savings and longer-term financial resilience within Children’s Services.

Approval is sought to procure specialist support over a six-month period to support implementation of a phased delivery strategy. An investment of £0.561m is required. The programme is expected to deliver at least £2.0m savings by 2027/28 and establish a sustainable platform for the continued reduction in demand and cost.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the procurement of an external transformation partner to support the delivery of Phase one of the Children in Care Transformation Programme over a period of 6 months with a total cost of £0.561m, funded from Children’s Services revenue budget to deliver service improvements and Children in Care savings projected at £2million by the end of 2027/28.

Voting: Nem.Con (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

The recommended option supports the identification and delivery of sustainable reductions in Children in Care numbers and costs, while ensuring value for money and positive outcomes for children. Commissioning specialist external support through a formal tendering process provides the Authority with the capacity and expertise required to implement a Children in Care Transformation Programme.

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 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report presented the Children in Care (CiC) Invest to Save Proposal, a targeted programme to deliver savings against the 2026/27 Children in Care budget of £54.84m by reducing the number of children in care and lowering the overall cost of placements, while maintaining strong outcomes and stability for children and young people.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the programme would accelerate delivery of strategic and operational actions to safely manage demand and secure sustainable cost reductions, and that it provided a structured approach to delivering both immediate savings and longer-term financial resilience within Children’s Services.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that approval was sought to procure specialist support over a six-month period to support implementation of a phased delivery strategy, and that an investment of £0.561m was required.

Cabinet was informed that the programme was expected to deliver at least £2.0m savings by 2027/28 and establish a sustainable platform for the continued reduction in demand and cost.

Cabinet comprehensively discussed the report, and whilst largely supportive of the report itself some members expressed concern with regards to going to one particular supplier and felt that this should be subject to a formal tendering process.

The Portfolio Holder stressed the additional time and resources that would be necessary in order to go to tender within what was a very specialist area.

The Leader emphasised that the Cabinet needed strong oversight of this and stressed the importance of remaining fully briefed as this moved forward.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the procurement of an external transformation partner to support the delivery of Phase one of the Children in Care Transformation Programme over a period of 6 months with a total cost of £0.561m, funded from Children’s Services revenue budget to deliver service improvements and Children in Care savings projected at £2million by the end of 2027/28.

Voting: Nem.Con (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

The recommended option supports the identification and delivery of sustainable reductions in Children in Care numbers and costs, while ensuring value for money and positive outcomes for children. Commissioning specialist external support through a formal tendering process provides the Authority with the capacity and expertise required to implement a Children in Care Transformation Programme.

BCP Council have hosted the South West Flood & Coastal (SWFaC) shared service with East Devon District Council for nearly 2 years and operate a multitude of partnership/cooperation agreements with other risk management authorities (South West Flood and Coastal). Dorset Council have confirmed (3 March Cabinet) they would like to propose joining SWFaC, entering into the shared service for all Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) activities, in recognition of the mutual benefits that will bring.

The Shared Service Agreement (SSA) will set a framework where Dorset Council can fund a proportion of the service net cost with Dorset Council staff integrating under the existing SWFaC management structure.

The proposal aligns with our SWFaC service vision, and is fully supported by the Environment Agency (EA) who have the strategic overview for national FCERM delivery. It will improve the ability of all participating Councils to make our communities more resilient to climate change.

It is RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet agree to Dorset Council entering into our SWFaC Shared Service Agreement for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management and continued discussion with Dorset council around possible TUPE requirements

(b)           Cabinet delegate authority to the Service Director for Commercial Operations (in consultation with Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Director of Finance and Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer) to authorise and sign the Shared Service Agreement.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This will support and follow the Corporate Strategy in the following areas:

The way we work to deliver our objectives

·      Work with others to make the most of all our strengths.

• Use our limited resources sustainably by transforming the way we plan, develop and deliver services.

Key Objectives

1.   Help people, nature and places to adapt to the changing climate.

The 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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that BCP Council had hosted the South West Flood & Coastal (SWFaC) shared service with East Devon District Council for nearly 2 years and operate a multitude of partnership/cooperation agreements with other risk management authorities (South West Flood and Coastal).

Further to this Cabinet was informed that Dorset Council had confirmed (3 March Cabinet) they would like to propose joining SWFaC, entering into the shared service for all Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) activities, in recognition of the mutual benefits that will bring.

Cabinet was advised that the Shared Service Agreement (SSA) will set a framework where Dorset Council can fund a proportion of the service net cost with Dorset Council staff integrating under the existing SWFaC management structure, and that in relation to this the proposal aligned with our SWFaC service vision, and is fully supported by the Environment Agency (EA) who have the strategic overview for national FCERM delivery.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that it would improve the ability of all participating Councils to make our communities more resilient to climate change.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet, raising concerns about coastal erosion across BCP and seeking assurance that the proposal would not detract from the work already being carried out in the BCP area.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted that the report confirmed there was no intention to reduce service levels for BCP and emphasised the benefits of the shared service.

It is RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet agree to Dorset Council entering into our SWFaC Shared Service Agreement for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management and continued discussion with Dorset council around possible TUPE requirements

(b)           Cabinet delegate authority to the Service Director for Commercial Operations (in consultation with Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Director of Finance and Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer) to authorise and sign the Shared Service Agreement.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This will support and follow the Corporate Strategy in the following areas:

The way we work to deliver our objectives

·      Work with others to make the most of all our strengths.

• Use our limited resources sustainably by transforming the way we plan, develop and deliver services.

Key Objectives

1.  Help people, nature and places to adapt to the changing climate.

In relation to the items 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 item 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.

To consider a report on the adjudication update.

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

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

Cabinet considered the report as set out.

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

The Chief Executive advised Cabinet that he had taken one urgent decision had been taken in accordance with the Constitution since the last meeting of the Cabinet, the details of which were published on the Council’s website, had been reported at the recent Council meeting and are summarised below: -

·      Acceptance of Local Transport Consolidation Fund Settlement 2026/27 to 2029/30

An urgent decision has been taken to accept the Local Transport Consolidation Fund Settlement 2026/27 to 2029/30 by signing and entering the council into a non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Transport (DfT).

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.