Agenda item

The Resident Card is a commitment to residents across the conurbation to support household incomes at a time when cost of living is increasing. The Council intends to introduce a scheme which gives residents access to become “Resident Card” holders, offering a free hour of parking in council-owned car parks, discounts at our seaside kiosks and one swim per month at our BCP Leisure centres, to support the wellbeing of local people. Additionally, work is underway with our leisure partners and local businesses across our high streets to build an offer which gives residents more for their money and supports the growth of our economy. The scheme is intended to be accessed digitally and with a physical card and making it truly accessible for all from Summer 2026.

This report details the BCP Resident Card offer, what the benefits are to residents and the opportunity to phase in offers or services as the scheme matures. This approach also means the scheme remains flexible and adaptable in line with financial forecasts.

Subject to Cabinet approval, the intention is that the offer outlined in this report will set out the requirements for a technology provider. This will form the basis of a detailed specification and contract terms to enable the Council to progress to call off a supplier by direct award.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet agrees the introduction of a Resident Card scheme, the initial offer as described in paragraph 13 onwards and the associated financial assessment.  

(b)         Cabinet approves to delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with Director of Finance and Portfolio Holders Councillor Herrett and Councillor Cox to direct award and associated contracts for the technical solution, in readiness for a summer 2026 go live.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

Key activity in the Corporate Strategy to deliver for residents. Supports key aims in the Corporate Strategy including our inclusive, vibrant and sustainable economy supports our communities to thrive. Supports the Council’s UKSPF Investment Plan and existing interventions.

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial 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 Resident Card is a commitment to residents across the conurbation to support household incomes at a time when cost of living is increasing, and that the Council intends to introduce a scheme which gives residents access to become “Resident Card” holders, offering a free hour of parking in council-owned car parks, discounts at our seaside kiosks and one swim per month at our BCP Leisure centres, to support the wellbeing of local people.

Cabinet was informed that additionally, work is underway with our leisure partners and local businesses across our high streets to build an offer which gives residents more for their money and supports the growth of our economy.

Cabinet was advised that the scheme is intended to be accessed digitally and with a physical card and making it truly accessible for all from Summer 2026.

Cabinet was informed that the report detailed the BCP Resident Card offer, what the benefits are to residents and the opportunity to phase in offers or services as the scheme matures, and that this approach also means the scheme remains flexible and adaptable in line with financial forecasts.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that subject to Cabinet approval, the intention is that the offer outlined in this report will set out the requirements for a technology provider, and that this will form the basis of a detailed specification and contract terms to enable the Council to progress to call off a supplier by direct award.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder referenced the recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, thanked the Board for their discussion and advised that as a result of this an additional appendix had been included within the report to help address the request for financial details and that recommendation (b) had been amended to include consultation with himself and the Portfolio Holder for Finance which had also been requested by the Board during their meeting.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Kate Salmon addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Board had discussed this report in detail but that the Board did not support the recommendations due to what was felt to be a lack of financial information.

Councillor Salmon advised that the Board had proposed the following recommendation: -

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Board do not support the recommendation as outlined in the report as the Board did not feel that the Cabinet report included sufficient financial details and details of the scheme offers to enable it to make an informed decision. The Board recommend to Cabinet that the report is deferred to allow details of the financial modelling that has been done to be added, including a cost/benefit analysis and a sensitivity analysis. Once this additional information is included in the report, it should then be brought back to the O&S Board before being taken to Cabinet for decision.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet highlighting that there had been a good discussion at the Overview and Scrutiny Board and questioned how this fitted within the budget. In addition, Councillor Canavan advised that he felt this was being rushed.

Councillor Chris Rigby addressed the Cabinet advising that he also felt this was being rushed and that it should involve as many businesses across the conurbation as possible. In addition, Councillor Rigby highlighted that there should in addition be a separate card for visitors.

Councillor Judy Butt addressed the Cabinet questioning whether this should be progressed given the financial situation and advising that she felt there had been scant information and an incomplete business case provided.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been amended to reflect the discussion from the Overview and Scrutiny Board and addressed the comments raised by members.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report highlighting that this wasn’t the finished product and that there was potential to develop the card and that additional benefits could be added as the card was developed.

In addition, it was highlighted that whilst a request to delay had been suggested by the Overview and Scrutiny Board that there was a risk that funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund would be lost should there be a delay.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet agreed the introduction of a Resident Card scheme, the initial offer as described in paragraph 13 onwards and the associated financial assessment; and  

(b)         Cabinet approved to delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with Director of Finance and Portfolio Holders Councillor Herrett and Councillor Cox to direct award and associated contracts for the technical solution, in readiness for a summer 2026 go live.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

Key activity in the Corporate Strategy to deliver for residents. Supports key aims in the Corporate Strategy including our inclusive, vibrant and sustainable economy supports our communities to thrive. Supports the Council’s UKSPF Investment Plan and existing interventions.

Councillors Andy Hadley and Richard Herrett declared non-pecuniary interests in this item in relation to their involvement with the BIDs and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.