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” holder, 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 Spring 2026.

This report details the BCP Residents 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.

The 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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Board was advised that the Resident Card was a commitment to residents across the conurbation to support household incomes at a time when cost of living is increasing. The Council intended to introduce a scheme offering a free hour of parking in council-owned car parks, discounts at seaside kiosks and one swim per month at BCP Leisure centres, to support the wellbeing of local people. Additionally, work is underway with leisure partners and local businesses to build an offer which gives residents more for their money and supports the growth of the local economy. The scheme was intended to be accessed digitally and with a physical card and making it truly accessible for all from Spring 2026.

The report detailed the benefits 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.  A number of issues were raised by the Board in the subsequent discussion including:

Equity and Accessibility - Concerns were raised that the scheme disproportionately benefited drivers and excluded residents who did not have access to smartphones or parking apps. The lack of alternative payment methods, such as cash or card integration, was highlighted as a barrier for those with limited digital access. This was difficult to address due to the current parking infrastructure. The need for clear communication and confirmation of eligibility and usage was emphasised to avoid confusion and potential penalties.

Public Transport and Sustainable Travel - Members questioned the absence of incentives for public transport users in light of the Council’s commitment to reducing car dependency and promoting modal shift. The Board made suggestions to explore partnerships with bus operators and other sustainable travel providers such as Beryl Bikes in future phases of the scheme.

Exemptions and Affordability - Concern was raised regarding the lack of detail regarding exemptions for low-income residents.It was proposed that families eligible for free school meals and other vulnerable groups be considered for free or reduced-cost access to the scheme and the Board stressed the importance of ensuring the scheme did not inadvertently exclude those most in need.

Geographic Coverage and Leisure Access - It was noted that the leisure benefit was limited to BCP Leisure Centres, which were not located in Bournemouth, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility for residents in that area.The exclusion of BH Live facilities was questioned, and members requested that gym access also be given consideration.

Financial Transparency - Members expressed concern over the lack of detailed financial modelling within the report.The absence of a value for money analysis and sensitivity testing was highlighted as a significant gap.It was requested that full financial details, including projected uptake scenarios and cost implications, be provided before any decision was made.

Political Process – There were concerns raised that the final details and decisions were to be delegated to officers without any involvement from Councillors and it didn’t feel this was a finished piece of work for Councillors to make a decision on. The Board suggested it needed further information in order to make a decision.

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.

Voting: 8 in favour, 1 against, 0 abstentions