Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

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.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 24 February 2026.

Bournemouth Town Council will be established on 1 April 2026 and must have key governance arrangements in place to operate effectively from vesting day. This report seeks approval to adopt an initial set of governance and policy documents: Standing Orders (to govern how meetings are convened and decisions are made), Financial Regulations (to provide financial control and accountability, supported by the Responsible Finance Officer), the LGA Model Councillor Code of Conduct (aligned with BCP Council to provide clarity for dual-hatted Members and a consistent approach to standards complaints), and a Scheme of Delegation.

The proposed Scheme provides proportionate officer delegation from day one, including authority for the Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer to take necessary operational actions and to enter into Service Level Agreements with BCP Council for support services relating to allotments and civic support.

The recommended option is to adopt the appended documents, with subsequent adoption alongside other policies at the first Annual Bournemouth Town Council meeting in May, and a review during the first year to reflect the Council’s agreed committee structure and ways of working.