Agenda, decisions and 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.

Councillor Millie Earl declared an interest in Minute No. 103 (Dorset Enterprise Partnership) as a Director of the LEP on behalf of the Council and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 10 December 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 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 9 January 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 14 January 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Monday 30 December 2025 [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 there were no additional recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees on items not otherwise indicated on the Cabinet agenda on this occasion.

This report calculates and presents the proposed council tax base for council tax setting purposes in line with current legislation and guidance.

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

Cabinet was advised that the report calculated and presented the proposed council tax base for council tax setting purposes in line with current legislation and guidance.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)          Cabinet approves the report for the calculation of the council’s tax base for the year 2025/26 and recommends the tax base to Full Council.

(b)         Pursuant to the report, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended, the amount calculated as the council tax base for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for 2025/26 is 151,574.2.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

The Council is required by the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended, to calculate the council tax base for the financial year 2025/26.

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 are a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions.

This is the second quarterly performance monitoring report, presenting an update on the progress measures.

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

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

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

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that incorporated in the vision are a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions.

Cabinet was advised that this is the second quarterly performance monitoring report, presenting an update on the progress measures, and that the council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through a performance dashboard which 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 two performance; and

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

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

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

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that incorporated in the vision are a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions.

Cabinet was advised that this is the second quarterly performance monitoring report, presenting an update on the progress measures, and that the council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through a performance dashboard which 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 two performance; and

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

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.

Government has set out its expectation that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will receive no further funding and provided guidance as to how their remaining functions should be integrated into Local Authorities.  Council officers from BCP Council and Dorset Council (the accountable body for Dorset LEP) have worked through the detail, implications and necessary actions to support integration of functions where possible from Dorset LEP (DLEP).

The DLEP board unanimously supported a report outlining this on 28th November 2024.  Further work is now needed to ensure the actions identified in this report are completed on or before the end of March 2025, including the allocation of any remaining funds and how these will be split between the two Councils, facilitating the closedown of DLEP. This report sets out this work and next steps.  

The Leader of the Council/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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that government has set out its expectation that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will receive no further funding and provided guidance as to how their remaining functions should be integrated into Local Authorities, and that Council officers from BCP Council and Dorset Council (the accountable body for Dorset LEP) have worked through the detail, implications and necessary actions to support integration of functions where possible from Dorset LEP (DLEP).

Cabinet was informed that the DLEP board unanimously supported a report outlining this on 28th November 2024, and that further work is now needed to ensure the actions identified in this report are completed on or before the end of March 2025, including the allocation of any remaining funds and how these will be split between the two Councils, facilitating the closedown of DLEP.

Cabinet was advised that this report sets out this work and next steps.

A councillor addressed the Cabinet expressing his disappointment with the report and its lack of clarity. In particular concern was expressed with regards to Boscombe Skills Hub and the link with the Towns Fund. In relation to this the councillor spoke in support of bringing the work back in house. Further comments were raised around devolution.

In relation to this the Leader advised that we were in a position of limbo with the skills and growth area of governance as the government has been very clear that it wants to close down the LEPs, which has been done across the county with functions going back to local authorities with no commitment to funding these from government. Further to this the Leader advised that rather than shutting things down altogether that there will be a growth board which will bring together the voices of businesses, business leaders and stakeholders.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          Approved the steps taken to integrate relevant LEP functions to BCP Council in line with Government guidance and contractual obligations;

(b)          Approved the intent for the Council member of the LEP board to resign from it on or before end of March 2025;

(c)          Delegates responsibility to the Chief Operations Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations to ensure:

                   i)             that this work is completed on or before 31st March 2025, and that it is cost neutral to the Council;

                   ii)           BCP Council receives its share of remaining DLEP funds, and all future Government funding sent to Dorset Council as its Accountable Body;

                   iii)         the creation of a new BCP Growth Board

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Leader of the Council

Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

To follow government guidance and to establish a new BCP Growth Board to articulate and drive forward the local economic priorities and the  ...  view the full decision text for item 103.

The Leader of the Council/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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that government has set out its expectation that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will receive no further funding and provided guidance as to how their remaining functions should be integrated into Local Authorities, and that Council officers from BCP Council and Dorset Council (the accountable body for Dorset LEP) have worked through the detail, implications and necessary actions to support integration of functions where possible from Dorset LEP (DLEP).

Cabinet was informed that the DLEP board unanimously supported a report outlining this on 28th November 2024, and that further work is now needed to ensure the actions identified in this report are completed on or before the end of March 2025, including the allocation of any remaining funds and how these will be split between the two Councils, facilitating the closedown of DLEP.

Cabinet was advised that this report sets out this work and next steps.

A councillor addressed the Cabinet expressing his disappointment with the report and its lack of clarity. In particular concern was expressed with regards to Boscombe Skills Hub and the link with the Towns Fund. In relation to this the councillor spoke in support of bringing the work back in house. Further comments were raised around devolution.

In relation to this the Leader advised that we were in a position of limbo with the skills and growth area of governance as the government has been very clear that it wants to close down the LEPs, which has been done across the county with functions going back to local authorities with no commitment to funding these from government. Further to this the Leader advised that rather than shutting things down altogether that there will be a growth board which will bring together the voices of businesses, business leaders and stakeholders.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          Approved the steps taken to integrate relevant LEP functions to BCP Council in line with Government guidance and contractual obligations;

(b)          Approved the intent for the Council member of the LEP board to resign from it on or before end of March 2025;

(c)          Delegates responsibility to the Chief Operations Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations to ensure:

                   i)             that this work is completed on or before 31st March 2025, and that it is cost neutral to the Council;

                   ii)           BCP Council receives its share of remaining DLEP funds, and all future Government funding sent to Dorset Council as its Accountable Body;

                   iii)         the creation of a new BCP Growth Board

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Leader of the Council

Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

To follow government guidance and to establish a new BCP Growth Board to articulate and drive forward the local economic priorities and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

In July 2024, BCP Council and Cabinet agreed to support the Adult Social Care (ASC) transformation programme and approve the release of £1.79m for the first year of the programme, to enable the programme to mobilise, complete the design and scope stage, and move into the delivery phase from January 2025.

The ASC Fulfilled Lives Programme has made significant progress in its initial stages and is set to enter the delivery phase in January 2025.

Key areas of progress since July 2024:

·       Programme governance established: A Fulfilled Lives Programme Board has been established, chaired by the Corporate Director for Wellbeing. This meets fortnightly to drive progress, approval of budget spend and management of strategic programme risks.

·       Completion of design and scope stage: The design and scope stage is nearing completion, with key documents such as Scope Documents, Project Initiation Documents, and Outline Business Cases in place for each project, ensuring clarity and detailed plans are in place to move into the delivery phase from Jan 2025.

·       Capability: There has been successful recruitment in key areas such as Programme and Project Management, Commissioning, and First Response operational capacity.

·       Alignment and next steps: The programme is aligned with the Integrated Care Partnership strategy and has identified synergies with the Urgent and Emergency Care programme. From January 2025 the delivery phase will focus on deploying resources, monitoring progress, managing change, and mitigating risks

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing 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 in July 2024, BCP Council and Cabinet agreed to support the Adult Social Care (ASC) transformation programme and approve the release of £1.79m for the first year of the programme, to enable the programme to mobilise, complete the design and scope stage, and move into the delivery phase from January 2025.

Cabinet was informed that the ASC Fulfilled Lives Programme has made significant progress in its initial stages and is set to enter the delivery phase in January 2025.

Cabinet was advised that the key areas of progress since July 2024 were:

·        Programme governance established: A Fulfilled Lives Programme Board has been established, chaired by the Corporate Director for Wellbeing. This meets fortnightly to drive progress, approval of budget spend and management of strategic programme risks.

·        Completion of design and scope stage: The design and scope stage is nearing completion, with key documents such as Scope Documents, Project Initiation Documents, and Outline Business Cases in place for each project, ensuring clarity and detailed plans are in place to move into the delivery phase from Jan 2025.

·        Capability: There has been successful recruitment in key areas such as Programme and Project Management, Commissioning, and First Response operational capacity.

·        Alignment and next steps: The programme is aligned with the Integrated Care Partnership strategy and has identified synergies with the Urgent and Emergency Care programme. From January 2025 the delivery phase will focus on deploying resources, monitoring progress, managing change, and mitigating risks

The Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet in support of the report and of the work which had been carried out to date.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the work currently underway with the ASC Fulfilled Lives Programme.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

For Cabinet to be sighted on the progress made during the ‘design and scope’ stage of the Fulfilled Lives programme and awareness of the delivery stage from January 2024.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing 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 in July 2024, BCP Council and Cabinet agreed to support the Adult Social Care (ASC) transformation programme and approve the release of £1.79m for the first year of the programme, to enable the programme to mobilise, complete the design and scope stage, and move into the delivery phase from January 2025.

Cabinet was informed that the ASC Fulfilled Lives Programme has made significant progress in its initial stages and is set to enter the delivery phase in January 2025.

Cabinet was advised that the key areas of progress since July 2024 were:

·        Programme governance established: A Fulfilled Lives Programme Board has been established, chaired by the Corporate Director for Wellbeing. This meets fortnightly to drive progress, approval of budget spend and management of strategic programme risks.

·        Completion of design and scope stage: The design and scope stage is nearing completion, with key documents such as Scope Documents, Project Initiation Documents, and Outline Business Cases in place for each project, ensuring clarity and detailed plans are in place to move into the delivery phase from Jan 2025.

·        Capability: There has been successful recruitment in key areas such as Programme and Project Management, Commissioning, and First Response operational capacity.

·        Alignment and next steps: The programme is aligned with the Integrated Care Partnership strategy and has identified synergies with the Urgent and Emergency Care programme. From January 2025 the delivery phase will focus on deploying resources, monitoring progress, managing change, and mitigating risks

The Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet in support of the report and of the work which had been carried out to date.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the work currently underway with the ASC Fulfilled Lives Programme.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

For Cabinet to be sighted on the progress made during the ‘design and scope’ stage of the Fulfilled Lives programme and awareness of the delivery stage from January 2024.

This report:

Provides a summary of the Council’s Transformation Programme and achievement against its original aims and objectives.

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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report provided a summary of the Council’s Transformation Programme and achievement against its original aims and objectives.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the recent meeting of the Board the Board had considered the report and supported the recommendations therein. Further to this the Chair expressed thanks for the success of the transformation programme whilst recognising that there was further work to be carried out including the completion of pay and reward.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

a)             Acknowledged that the Council has significantly transformed its ways of working and successfully consolidated and modernised its infrastructure since the beginning of its transformation journey in 2019;

b)             Noted the achievements of the Transformation Programme, and the outstanding objectives in relation to the implementation of pay and reward and a new housing management system;

c)             Noted the ongoing operational delivery of the People Strategy and Estates & Accommodation Programme beyond completion of the Transformation Programme; and

d)           Approved completion of the Transformation Programme by the end of March 2025, with future governance of transformation, innovation and improvement initiatives to be undertaken by the Corporate Strategy Delivery Board

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

To enable the programme to be closed in line with its original business case and funding arrangements.

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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report provided a summary of the Council’s Transformation Programme and achievement against its original aims and objectives.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at the recent meeting of the Board the Board had considered the report and supported the recommendations therein. Further to this the Chair expressed thanks for the success of the transformation programme whilst recognising that there was further work to be carried out including the completion of pay and reward.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

a)             Acknowledged that the Council has significantly transformed its ways of working and successfully consolidated and modernised its infrastructure since the beginning of its transformation journey in 2019;

b)             Noted the achievements of the Transformation Programme, and the outstanding objectives in relation to the implementation of pay and reward and a new housing management system;

c)             Noted the ongoing operational delivery of the People Strategy and Estates & Accommodation Programme beyond completion of the Transformation Programme; and

d)           Approved completion of the Transformation Programme by the end of March 2025, with future governance of transformation, innovation and improvement initiatives to be undertaken by the Corporate Strategy Delivery Board

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

To enable the programme to be closed in line with its original business case and funding arrangements.

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

Cabinet was advised that the Chief Executive had taken one urgent decision in accordance with the Constitution in relation to the appointment of the Director for Public Health. Cabinet was informed that this decision was yet to be published pending the ongoing discussions relating to the appointees notice period in their current role, and that it would be published as soon as possible.

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 and urged Portfolio Holders to review the Forward Plan.