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.

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 5 March 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2025 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 27 March 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 1 April 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 18 March 2025 [10 working days before the meeting].

Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that 7 statements had been received in relation to Agenda Item 9 (Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2024-25).

Public Statements all relating to Agenda Item 9 (Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2024-25)

Public Statement from a concerned parent (read by Charlottee Moore)

Mudeford Wood Preschool has been instrumental in helping myself and my son, survive and integrate back into community life. We moved back to the UK last year with nothing, having been forced to leave an abusive marriage.

It wouldn't have been possible for me as a single mum to work, in order to support myself and my son. The preschool has gone above and beyond to emotionally support us and help us both feel safe, through one of the most life changing journeys we have ever had to face. I trust them with the most precious person in my life and they are part of the reason why he is now thriving!

The support cannot be measured or compared, and it frightens me to think about how we would have coped financially and emotionally without them. The thought of their closure is an extremely worrying time for parents like me.

Public Statement from Casey Burke

Two years ago, our world was turned upside down when we almost lost our beautiful daughter, to meningitis and sepsis. She made a full recovery, but the journey that followed was anything but easy. Her illness had a huge impact on her development, and it left us deeply shaken. For six months, we could hardly leave her side. When the time came to let her go to preschool, it was one of the hardest things we had to do.

But we found Mudeford Wood Preschool.

I don’t have the words to express how incredible they have been. Staff go above and beyond with extra support —helping Maggie catch up with speech, language, and social skills.

Now, Maggie walks into preschool with confidence, excitement, and huge smiles - she loves it. We will never be able to thank them enough for the life-changing impact they have had on our little girl.

Public Statement from Emma Hayes

Mudeford Wood Preschool is at the heart of our community, shaping children’s futures and supporting families. When looking at preschools, we chose it for our daughter Hayley, now 5, because of its dedicated staff, affordability, and strong reputation. She thrived, and her infant school praised how well-prepared its children are. Her sister Lily, 7 months, is on the waiting list for 2026, but the pre-school’s future is uncertain.

This pre-school is more than a place of learning—it brings families together. Its welcoming community, inclusive events, and unwavering support have helped countless families, including our own. If it closes or moves, working parents will face higher costs, limited options, and children will lose an exceptional early education.

With more young families moving to Mudeford, this pre-school is needed now more than ever.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139.

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

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Carr-Brown addressed the Cabinet advising that the following recommendations in relation to the SEND Improvement Update report had been agreed by the Committee for submission to Cabinet for consideration:-

Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee Agenda Item 10 – SEND Improvement Update

The Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed the following recommendation to Cabinet on this item:

To better assess the impact on children, young people and families of any potential budget overspend in the SEND service budget, the Committee recommends that Cabinet requests a report be provided to Cabinet by June 2025 which outlines:

·      the likely overspend in the budget

·      which areas have been identified to overspend

·      the options to ensure the budget limit is met

·      an appraisal of the impact on children and families of these factors.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills thanked the Chair and the committee for their recommendations and in relation to this advised that he was content with the recommendations but requested that the report come to the July Cabinet meeting rather than the June meeting as set out within the recommendations.

In relation to this the Chair advised that she was happy for the date the report comes to Cabinet to be amended to July.

RESOLVED that a report be brought to the July Cabinet meeting as requested.

To seek approval for a modification to the BCP Council’s Cemetery Rules and Regulations approved by Cabinet in June 2022 with wider updates approved in April 2024.

Following notification by a religious faith group of a typing omission relating specifically to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 an amendment is proposed to ensure BCP Council adopts legally compliant and fair rules and regulations.

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approved the amendment to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 – Proposed Modification Single or bulk purchase of graves by funeral director s/arrangers or religious or non-religious faith group representatives to their group members or families they represent will not be permitted.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Communities and Partnerships

Reason

To provide correct and updated guidance to users of our cemeteries that align with legislative requirements and general industry practice.

Cemetery Rules and Regulations are a statutory requirement governed by the Local Authority Cemetery Order (LACO) 1977, in which guidance on their content is issued on a regular basis. The adopted Cemetery Rules and Regulations with the proposed modification aim to remove some customs and practices that have developed over time that would not comply with current LACO guidance.

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

Cabinet approval was sought for a modification to the BCP Council’s Cemetery Rules and Regulations approved by Cabinet in June 2022 with wider updates approved in April 2024.

Cabinet was advised that following notification by a religious faith group of a typing omission relating specifically to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 an amendment is proposed to ensure BCP Council adopts legally compliant and fair rules and regulations.

Councillor Farquhar addressed Cabinet querying whether the Jesuit community had been approached when drafting the report.

In relation to this Officers advised that they hadn’t spoken to the Jesuit community as part of this but that they would pick this up as a consequence of the question.

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approved the amendment to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 – Proposed Modification Single or bulk purchase of graves by funeral director s/arrangers or religious or non-religious faith group representatives to their group members or families they represent will not be permitted.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Communities and Partnerships

Reason

To provide correct and updated guidance to users of our cemeteries that align with legislative requirements and general industry practice.

Cemetery Rules and Regulations are a statutory requirement governed by the Local Authority Cemetery Order (LACO) 1977, in which guidance on their content is issued on a regular basis. The adopted Cemetery Rules and Regulations with the proposed modification aim to remove some customs and practices that have developed over time that would not comply with current LACO guidance.

Poole town centre is at considerable flood risk which will increase over time with the effects of climate change. This Scheme is the preferred option from the approved Poole Bay, Poole Harbour and Wareham, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (2014). The strategy identified that within Central Poole Cell there were 573 properties at flood risk in the present day 1% AEP event, rising to over 2,000 properties at flood risk by 2110.

Flood defence schemes have been completed from Baiter to Poole Bridge, delivered by the Environment Agency (EA) and Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC). However, the area remains at risk due to the ageing infrastructure between Poole Bridge and Hunger Hill. BCP Council is responsible for and leading on a proposal for tidal flood defences on the remaining frontage.

The current policy of flood defence delivery through regeneration and private development has not provided the required level of investment and protection. Our proposal is to deliver via a single BCP Council led scheme, working in liaison with the various landowners.

The costs to build the defences are estimated at circa £29m for delivery of all primary works in a single phase. The scheme has secured £15.95m of Flood defence Grant in Aid and has submitted a bid for a further £6.5m to the Environment Agency. Cabinet has considered the Strategic Prioritisation of CIL on 05 March 2025, of which this scheme is a principal project and £7.3m is being proposed from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that Poole town centre is at considerable flood risk which will increase over time with the effects of climate change, and that this Scheme is the preferred option from the approved Poole Bay, Poole Harbour and Wareham, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (2014).

Cabinet was informed that the strategy identified that within Central Poole Cell there were 573 properties at flood risk in the present day 1% AEP event, rising to over 2,000 properties at flood risk by 2110.

Cabinet was advised that flood defence schemes have been completed from Baiter to Poole Bridge, delivered by the Environment Agency (EA) and Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), but that the area remains at risk due to the ageing infrastructure between Poole Bridge and Hunger Hill, and that BCP Council is responsible for and leading on a proposal for tidal flood defences on the remaining frontage.

Cabinet was informed that the current policy of flood defence delivery through regeneration and private development has not provided the required level of investment and protection, and that our proposal is to deliver via a single BCP Council led scheme, working in liaison with the various landowners.

Cabinet was advised that the costs to build the defences are estimated at circa £29m for delivery of all primary works in a single phase, and that the scheme has secured £15.95m of Flood defence Grant in Aid and has submitted a bid for a further £6.5m to the Environment Agency.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that Cabinet had considered the Strategic Prioritisation of CIL on 05 March 2025, of which this scheme is a principal project and £7.3m is being proposed from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommend to Council: -

Approval of the allocation of £7.3m to the Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defence Scheme from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for the Financial Year 2025/26.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reasons

1.  Delivers on our commitment through the approved business case to meet Defra targets to protect households from flooding.

2.  Reduces the flood risk for West Quay Road, Old Town and parts of the Town Centre in Poole

3.  Essential for progressing future development in the Twin Sails Regeneration Area, contributing to delivery of the Local Plan.

4.  Positive public realm, sustainable transport, and place shaping consistency across the central area of the Poole.

5.  Ease viability issues, unlocking land for much needed housing, contributing to council targets.

6.  Present day value of damages in a ‘do-nothing’ scenario is £161m and with a proposed scheme cost of around £29m, the cost-benefit ratio is over 5.5 to 1.

The BCP Housing Strategy was produced in 2021 and set priorities to be delivered over the following five years. Given the challenges in the economy and the housing market both locally and nationally, a mid-point review has been completed to consider delivery to date, key challenges, and what has changed since 2021. The review then considers how the Delivery Plan needs to adapt to ensure delivery against the strategy objectives is maximised.

The proposed new Delivery Plan for 2025-2027 is appended to this report and Cabinet are asked to approve this.

The report also proposes a new governance structure to improve oversight and programme management of the Plan in its final stages.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Approved the Revised Housing Strategy Delivery Plan at appendix B; 

(b)          Approved the extension of the current Housing Strategy Period to 2027;

(c)           Approved the governance structure as set out in paragraphs 7-11 of the report; and

(d)          Approved that the steering group being formed be made up of 1 member of each Political group and 1 unaligned member.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

To enable the Council to maximise delivery against the Housing Strategy Vision; to provide a safe, secure and sustainable home where it is needed and thereby enabling people the opportunity to live well.

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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the BCP Housing Strategy was produced in 2021 and set priorities to be delivered over the following five years, and that given the challenges in the economy and the housing market both locally and nationally, a mid-point review has been completed to consider delivery to date, key challenges, and what has changed since 2021.

Cabinet was informed that the review then considers how the Delivery Plan needs to adapt to ensure delivery against the strategy objectives is maximised.

Cabinet was advised that the proposed new Delivery Plan for 2025-2027 was appended to the report and that Cabinet were being asked to approve this.

Further to this Cabinet were informed that the report also proposes a new governance structure to improve oversight and programme management of the Plan in its final stages.

The Chair of the Environment and Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Rigby addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee at their meeting had debated the item in detail and agreed the following recommendation: -

RESOLVED that the Environment and Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee recommend to Cabinet that the steering group being formed is made up of 1 member of each Political group and 1 unaligned member.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Environment and Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee for their through debate at the Committee and expressed support for their recommendation.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Approved the Revised Housing Strategy Delivery Plan at appendix B; 

(b)          Approved the extension of the current Housing Strategy Period to 2027;

(c)           Approved the governance structure as set out in paragraphs 7-11 of the report; and

(d)          Approved that the steering group being formed be made up of 1 member of each Political group and 1 unaligned member.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

To enable the Council to maximise delivery against the Housing Strategy Vision; to provide a safe, secure and sustainable home where it is needed and thereby enabling people the opportunity to live well.

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 business ward level information as a planning tool to support access or expansion of places, while highlighting areas of focus for the year ahead.

With significant government expansion of early years childcare and wraparound care currently taking place, this information and data is vital for private businesses seeking to enter the market and help the Council fulfil its statutory duties.

The content of the assessment concludes that the Council is meeting its statutory duties. It is also important to highlight that, at the time of writing, the quality of our providers stands at 99.2% good or outstanding (compared to 97.8% in England).

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

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approves the content of the review and the priorities (areas of focus) as set out in the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2024-25 Briefing Report.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To fulfil the Council’s statutory duty to annually assess 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 'D' 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 business ward level information as a planning tool to support access or expansion of places, while highlighting areas of focus for the year ahead.

Cabinet was informed that with significant government expansion of early years childcare and wraparound care currently taking place, this information and data is vital for private businesses seeking to enter the market and help the Council fulfil its statutory duties.

Cabinet was advised that the content of the assessment concludes that the Council is meeting its statutory duties, and that at the time of writing, the quality of our providers stands at 99.2% good or outstanding (compared to 97.8% in England).

Further to this Cabinet was advised that in addition to a briefing report (appendix 1) the data that helped form the assessment was accessible on the councils website here.

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Carr-Brown addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee at their meeting had had a good debate on this item and had supported the recommendation as set out.

Cabinet members discussed the item, and particularly the issues surrounding the Mudeford Wood Preschool.

Cabinet was advised that whilst BCP owns the building that the building is subject to a 25-year lease with a trust who currently run the building. Further to this Cabinet was advised that the lease agreement had been scrutinised, and that the council could not find a legal reason to get involved in the private dispute between the trust and the Mudeford Wood Preschool.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that officers and members had been looking at ways in which to resolve the matter and were actively trying to mediate between the Preschool and the trustees.

Thanks were expressed to officers and to Councillor Martin in particular for all their hard work in supporting the group and the families and for their tireless work in trying to resolve the issue. 

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approves the content of the review and the priorities (areas of focus) as set out in the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2024-25 Briefing Report.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To fulfil the Council’s statutory duty to annually assess its childcare market.

Having a Children and Young People’s Partnership (CYPP) Plan is a statutory requirement of Children’s Services. It is a high-level strategic plan that outlines how to support children and young people living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with the aim to improve outcomes for all children and young people. The current plan has come to an end, and this is the new plan covering 2025-2030.

It is an important statement of the partnership’s commitment to BCP’s children and young people. Not only does it set out the priorities for services that support children and young people, but it also defines how partners will work with each other to deliver those priorities effectively.

[PLEASE NOTE: Should the Cabinet wish to discuss the detail of the exempt Appendix at Appendix 2 it will be necessary to exclude the press and public and move into Confidential (Exempt) session]

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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that having a Children and Young People’s Partnership (CYPP) Plan is a statutory requirement of Children’s Services, and that it is a high-level strategic plan that outlines how to support children and young people living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with the aim to improve outcomes for all children and young people.

Cabinet was informed that the current plan has come to an end, and this is the new plan covering 2025-2030.

Cabinet was advised that it is an important statement of the partnership’s commitment to BCP’s children and young people, and not only does it set out the priorities for services that support children and young people, but it also defines how partners will work with each other to deliver those priorities effectively.

The Chair of the Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Carr-Brown addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee had considered this at their recent meeting and had praised the document. Further to this the Chair advised that the latest version of the plan had been circulated to all the Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee members for comment.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the document and endorsed the plan.

RECOMMENDED that: -

Members approve the final content and design of the plan.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

To be reviewed in advance of the final launch at the end of April.

To provide background information on the development and consultation of the new Adult Social Care Strategy 2025-28.

RESOLVED that the new ASC Strategy 2025-28 is linked to the Corporate Vision and supports corporate priorities under ‘Our People and Communities.’

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

Adult Social Care require a clear public facing strategy that encompasses our vision and ambitions for the next 4 years. Having consulted within the Directorate and completed a public consultation, we are assured that this is the right strategic approach for ASC.

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 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report provided background information on the development and consultation of the new Adult Social Care Strategy 2025-28.

The Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Committee debated the item in detail and agreed the following recommendation: -

RESOLVED that the Health and Adult Social Care O&S Committee recommend to Cabinet:

• the inclusion of some clear targets ideally linked to the Adut Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) within the Adult Social Care Strategy; and

·      the inclusion of an overview of how to better integrate performance and activity data with finance data in the Adult Social Care Strategy.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Health and Adult Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee for their through debate and recommendations which he welcomed.

RESOLVED that the new ASC Strategy 2025-28 is linked to the Corporate Vision and supports corporate priorities under ‘Our People and Communities.’

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

Adult Social Care require a clear public facing strategy that encompasses our vision and ambitions for the next 4 years. Having consulted within the Directorate and completed a public consultation, we are assured that this is the right strategic approach for ASC.

On 13 March 2025, BCP Licensing Committee considered and approved changes to licensing fees that are not statutorily set, including those applicable to Scrap Metal Licences. Relevant fees were considered on a full cost recovery basis, increasing to reflect rises to national insurance, annual local government pay award and consumer price index.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 allows the local authority to set fees to administer and issue site licences and collectors licences provided for under the legislation. Fees should be set on a cost recovery basis, in line with the statutory guidance and giving due regard to relevant case law.

The setting of fees in relation to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 is held as an executive function and therefore must be approved by BCP Cabinet.

Licensing Committee have considered the fees pertaining to licencesissued under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and have recommended that Cabinet approve these fees..

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the fees for scrap metal licensing as recommended by the Licensing Committee.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

Fees are set in line with a cost recovery basis, ensuring the fees are reflective of the actual cost of administration and compliance. Fees are increasing in line with national insurance and annual local government pay award.

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 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that on 13 March 2025, BCP Licensing Committee considered and approved changes to licensing fees that are not statutorily set, including those applicable to Scrap Metal Licences.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that relevant fees were considered on a full cost recovery basis, increasing to reflect rises to national insurance, annual local government pay award and consumer price index.

Cabinet was informed that the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 allows the local authority to set fees to administer and issue site licences and collectors licences provided for under the legislation, and that fees should be set on a cost recovery basis, in line with the statutory guidance and giving due regard to relevant case law.

Cabinet was advised that the setting of fees in relation to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 is held as an executive function and therefore must be approved by BCP Cabinet.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the Licensing Committee had considered the fees pertaining to licencesissued under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and had recommended that Cabinet approve these fees.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the fees for scrap metal licensing as recommended by the Licensing Committee.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

Fees are set in line with a cost recovery basis, ensuring the fees are reflective of the actual cost of administration and compliance. Fees are increasing in line with national insurance and annual local government pay award.

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.

Cabinet are asked to note the change of date of the next meeting which will now be held on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 10.15am and not Wednesday 21 May 2025 as originally scheduled.

The Leader advised Cabinet of the change of date of the next meeting which will now be held on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 10.15am and not Wednesday 21 May 2025 as originally scheduled.