Agenda

To elect a BCP Councillor as Chair of the Shadow Council for the period up to 31 March 2026.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Shadow Council for the period up to 31 March 2026.

To receive any apologies for absence from Members of the Shadow Council.

Members 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.

Although the Shadow Council is not a meeting of the principal council, it would be appropriate to adopt meeting procedure rules similar to the meeting procedure rules which apply to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. An extracted version of the existing Part 4D Procedure Rules have been reproduced including the relevant provisions applicable to meetings of the Shadow Council.

It is RECOMMENDED that the Procedure Rules, as set out in the appended document, be adopted as the Meeting Procedure Rules for the Shadow Council.

This report updates the Shadow Broadstone Town Council on progress towards establishing Broadstone Town Council ahead of its vesting date on 1 April 2026. Key milestones have been achieved, including the approval of the Reorganisation Order, confirmation of parish and ward boundaries, and commencement of recruitment for the Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer.

Several priority issues raised by councillors and stakeholders, such as asset transfers, allotment management, civic arrangements, election preparations, and neighbourhood forum transitions, are being addressed through a structured implementation plan. Statutory allotment sites within the new parish area will transfer to the Town Council, and applicable historic and civic ceremonial assets will be formally transferred before 31 March 2026.

Workstreams covering governance, finance, assets, staffing, elections, and communications are underway, supported by an officer working group. A proposed election timetable for 7 May 2026 has been published to support prospective candidates.

The report seeks nominations for an appointments panel of three to six shadow members, with delegated authority to complete the recruitment and appointment of the Town Clerk to avoid delay.