Agenda item - Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP) Closure

Government set out its expectation that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will receive no further funding and provided guidance as to how their remaining functions should be integrated into Local Authorities. Council officers from BCP Council and Dorset Council (the accountable body for Dorset LEP) have worked through the detail, implications and necessary actions to support integration of functions where possible from Dorset LEP (DLEP) and the closure of the LEP.

This Cabinet report seeks approval for the acceptance of the £4,640,160.06 of funds from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership for the purpose of achieving a benefit to the community in the BCP region, in line with the aims and objectives of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

The newly formed BCP Growth Board will play an advisory role in how funding is allocated and a further Cabinet report will be brought for consideration of its recommendations as part of the BCP Growth Plan required for delivery in March 2026.

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

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a) In its capacity as a Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (CIC) company member, to ratify the decision to transfer and accept the following funds to BCP Council, subject to approval of the 24-25 DLEP accounts by the DLEP board. (Please note, that interest continues to be applied until the payment is made to BCP upon agreement. The figures below include interest up to 31^st March 2025.)

£866,951.68 revenue

£2,498,208.50 capital

£1,275,000 capital loan repayments due

(b) Agrees to ringfence funds for the benefit of the community and to delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations to allocate funding in consultation with the BCP Growth Board.

(c) Notes the resignation of the Leader of the Council from the DLEP Board on successful transfer of the above funds.

(d) Notes that Dorset Council will formally close the DLEP following successful transfer of the above funds.

(e) Delegates authority to the Director of Law and Governance to finalise any legal documentation required

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reason

The acceptance of the revenue and capital funding for community benefits in the BCP Council area will help deliver the Council’s Corporate Strategy and wider economic and social objectives:

Our inclusive, vibrant and sustainable economy supports our communities to thrive
Revitalised high streets and regenerated key sites create new opportunities Employment is available for everyone and helps create value in our communities
Skills are continually developed, and people can access lifelong learning

The order of business was varied to take this item next. The Leader left the meeting for the duration of this item and the Cabinet was chaired by the Vice-Chair. 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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that Government had set out its expectation that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will receive no further funding and provided guidance as to how their remaining functions should be integrated into Local Authorities.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that Council officers from BCP Council and Dorset Council (the accountable body for Dorset LEP) had worked through the detail, implications and necessary actions to support integration of functions where possible from Dorset LEP (DLEP) and the closure of the LEP.

Cabinet was advised that the report sought approval for the acceptance of the £4,640,160.06 of funds from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership for the purpose of achieving a benefit to the community in the BCP region, in line with the aims and objectives of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the newly formed BCP Growth Board would play an advisory role in how funding is allocated, and a further Cabinet report would be brought for consideration of its recommendations as part of the BCP Growth Plan required for delivery in March 2026.

The Portfolio Holder set out a number of minor amendments to the recommendations as set out in the report and also noted a minor recommendation that paragraph 29 should refer to paragraph 28.