Agenda item

Please refer to the recommendations detailed below.

7a – Audit and Governance Committee 26 November 20201 – Minute No. 47 Report of the Constitution Review Working Group – Changes to the Council’s Constitution – Procedure Rule 36

 

The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, Councillor Beesley reported that these recommendations had stood adjourned from the Council meeting held on 5 January 2021.  Councillor Beesley outlined the current effect of Procedure Rule 36 and the impact of the proposed recommendations as set out on the agenda including the re-positioning of the Rule from the General Provisions to the section of the Constitution relating to Council meetings. Councillor Beesley moved the following recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Williams.

 

Procedure Rule 36

(a) That Procedure Rule 36 be amended to read “Any motion under Procedure Rule 12 (Motions on Notice), to vary or revoke these Rules shall, when proposed and seconded, stand adjourned without discussion to the next ordinary meeting of the Council”;

 

(b) That Procedure Rule 36 (as amended) be moved from Sub Part C (General Provisions) to Sub Part A (Council Meetings).

 

The above recommendations were approved.

 

Voting: Unanimously agreed.

 

7b – Cabinet 13 January 2021 – Minute No. 284 – Council Tax Base 2021/22

 

The Leader of the Council presented the report on the Council Tax Base as set out on the agenda.  He explained that this was a technical requirement prior to submission and consideration of the Budget.  Councillor Broadhead seconded the recommendations.

 

Councillor Butler asked if this meant that different tax bands were being set for each Town. She was advised that was not the case.

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 13 January 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

Voting: Unanimously agreed.

 

7c – Cabinet 13 January 2021 – Minute 286 – Concessionary Fares Bus Operator Reimbursement

 

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability presented the report on Concessionary Fares Bus Operator Reimbursement as set out on the agenda.  He reported on the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme and advised that this was the arrangement whereby Local Authorities reimbursed bus companies for the journeys that were taken by bus pass holders.  He highlighted that Covid had meant that the number of journeys had dropped dramatically.  Members were informed that if the payment was reduced it would have an effect on the bus companies’ viability and the ability to run particular bus routes.  As a result, the Department of Transport had made it clear to all Local Authorities that they expected them to reimburse the bus companies at the same level as pre covid. The Cabinet Member reported that there were a couple of adjustments relating to the overall bus patronage and the number of miles that were travelled by the buses where they may have reduced or increased services. He advised Council that the report had been discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Board and approved by Cabinet but due to the amount being paid over the year of £7.83m it required full Council approval.  The proposals were seconded by the Councillor Broadhead.

 

Councillors considered the recommendations including commenting on paragraph 13 of the report relating to the recovery partnership with the bus companies, the use of integrated ticketing, reducing fares to encourage people back on to the buses and that it seemed unfair if the bus companies were reimbursed to pre-covid levels and therefore could the amount be reduced.

 

The Cabinet Member in summing up responded to the issues raised.  He indicated that as part of the partnership that integrated ticketing would be looked at explaining that the funding would come from the Department of Transport to the bus companies.  In respect of reduced fares, it would be up to the Council to ensure that the overall routes were profitable and a reduction in fares was not likely to bring bus companies back to viability.  The Cabinet Member explained if the reimbursement arrangements were not in place there may have been a collapse in bus companies.  He reported that the bus companies had looked to reduce the frequency on some routes resulting in the percentage paid reduced due to frequency.  He highlighted that the Council wished to encourage usage of the buses.

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 13 January 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

Voting: Unanimously agreed

 

7d – Cabinet 13 January – Minute No. 287 – Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality Strategy

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council presented the report on the Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality Strategy as set out on the agenda. He explained that this was a short-term plan working in conjunction with Dorset Council to address the issue that we have on some of our heathlands.  He reported that Natural England had objected to several planning applications because of the airborne nitrogen and ammonia which comes from multiple sources including agriculture but mainly vehicle omissions which was settling on some of our heathlands and the damage to the soil and the ecology.  The Cabinet Member explained that with the rapid uptake of electrical vehicles, it was likely that vehicle omissions would have dropped significantly enough by 2025 to mitigate some of the damage.  In the meantime, it was necessary to protect the environment and tackle the ecological and climate change emergency but ensure that there was a consolidated approach so that development was not affected.  Councillor Mike Greene seconded the recommendations and commented on bringing forward measures over the next year on the use of electric vehicles.

 

A Councillor referred to the suggestion that it was mainly vehicle omissions highlighting that the report indicated that it was 38% agriculture and 8% vehicles, expressing concerns that the graphs show that this was an issue in Wimborne Road and Ashley Road and in looking at figure 4 the growth of car trips in Dorset one third of the total growth was in the BCP area but that the proposal was to bear two thirds of the cost, and objecting to the reference in the financial section relating to the use of CIL monies. A Councillor welcomed plans to due reduce air pollution for both health reasons and the effect on the environment.  She referred to paragraph 11 and the suggestion to reduce speeds next to heathlands including Gravel Hill and the A338 by Hurn explaining that that as far as she was aware there was no proof that reducing vehicle speed would reduce air pollution and as road transport accounts for only 8% of the problem suggested that the recommendations were reconsidered.  A Councillor referred to the graphs which indicated that bus usage was decreasing and car journeys continuing to increase one of the potential projects was for a modal shift but there needs to be greater emphasise on that issue than was currently being taken and more work was needed.

 

The Cabinet Member in summing up responded to the issues raised.  He indicated that there were a number of different forums where these questions could have been asked.  Councillors were advised that there was analysis on car journeys and in particular the quantum of where the journeys were coming from not just developments next to the heathlands. The Cabinet Member reported that considerable work had been undertaken on air pollution it was not just about the efficiency of car.  In conclusion he acknowledged that this was the first step and about assigning funds to create the strategy.

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 13 January 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

Voting: agreed

 

Councillor George Farquhar wished to be recorded as abstaining from the above decision.

 

Councillor Diana Butler wished to be recorded as voting against the above decision.

 

7e - Licensing Committee 4 February 2021 - Minute No. 24 - Taxi and Private Hire Driver, Vehicle and Operator Policies

 

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee presented the report on Taxi and Private Hire Driver, Vehicle and Operator Policies as set out on the agenda.  She explained the requirements of the Local Government Structural Changes General Amendment Regulations 2018 which provide that the Licensing Authority had 24 months from 1 April 2019 to prepare and publish a statement of Licensing Policy for the new Local Government area. Members were advised of the development of the taxi policies, the three taxi workshops held across BCP, the role of Member Work Groups, submissions to the Licensing Committee, the public consultation, and the detailed feedback received, the legal advice provided by a taxi licence expert on hackney carriages and a final members working party held in January 2021 to discuss the extensive feedback received in response to the taxi trade workshops and the public consultation.  The Chairman referred to the meeting of the Licensing Committee on 4 February 2021 that reheard two previously submitted petitions and received four public statements from trade representatives across the three zones and the aims of the policies to create a single hackney carriage area for BCP.  The Chairman referred to the error in paragraph 16.6 of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Policy which should read “All restrictions on numbers of Hackney Carriage vehicle licences will be removed subject to the review of this policy in 2025.”  Councillor Julie Bagwell seconded the recommendations.

 

Councillor Slade requested that the item be postponed as previously requested of the Chairman of the Licensing Committee. She explained that there had been heavy lobbying and a protest, and a postponement would allow for a Member Briefing and enable Councillors to undertake due diligence. She further explained that the Policies did not take into account issues such as the impact of covid and changes under the parking standards.

 

Councillor Slade moved the following which was seconded by Councillor Rigby:

 

“That the item be postponed, and a Member briefing be arranged and if necessary, an additional Council meeting be arranged prior to the required timeline for adoption of the Policies.” 

 

Councillors discussed the above proposal, the process adopted, implications of the proposed deferral, the timing of the submission of the recommendations and the work undertaken by the Licensing Committee on the development of the policies.

 

The Chief Executive explained the order of speakers at the end of the debate on the proposal that Councillor Slade would sum up followed by Councillor Judes Butt.

Councillor Slade explained that this was not about undermining the Licensing Committee, the proposal was to create space to ask questions and understand the issues that have been raised.

 

Councillor Judes Butt commented on the above proposal reporting that she had responded to Councillor Slade’s request for deferral and Councillor Rigby and highlighted the role of the Licensing Committee on the development of the policies and the remit of the Licensing Authority.

 

A vote was taken on the proposal from Councillor Slade seconded by Councillor Rigby as detailed above.  The proposal was lost:

 

Voting - For – 31, Against – 41, Abstention – 2

 

Councillor Farquhar wished to be recorded as voting for the proposed deferral.

 

The Council then considered the substantive motion and raised a number of issues including the following :

 

Councillor Evans commented on:

 

• Paragraph 8.10 page 103 – depression being used as a reason for disqualification – only the DVLA exclusions should be used.
• Paragraph 15.2 page 109 – dress code was discriminatory as it should be up to the individual on what was appropriate appearance and there was no reference to dress from different cultures.
• Paragraph 16 page148 – that there was no unmet need so why release more licences.
• Paragraph 17 page 149 – livery – could stripes be used
• There was no mention of the need for compliance with Covid legislation.

 

Councillor Brown commented on the deregulation and the release of 15 new plates in Bournemouth and Poole each year for next five years and the impact on trade.  Councillor Brown reported on the unacceptable detrimental impact on the trade and indicated the timing of the deregulation was not appropriate and that the trade should be given time to plan.

 

Councillor Brown made the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor Burton:

 

That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles Policy 2021-2025 Chapter 16 Paragraph 16.3 be amended to add the following words

 

“commencing 1 April 2022”

 

The Chairman explained that the above was an amendment to the policy if there were any further amendments that they would have to be debated.

 

Councillor Slade asked if the issues raised by Councillor Evans required an amendment.  The Chairman asked for the technical officers to respond on any further proposed amendments to the policies. The Licensing Manager responded to the issue raised on the fit and proper person and depression issues. Members were advised that all drivers as part of the licence conditions and first application were required to provide a medical certificate from their GP and that was assessed by the DVLA guidance group 2  drivers and depression was clearly defined in that guidance when assessing a fit and proper person.  Kelly Ansell, Director of Communities referred to the dress code suggesting that it would be appropriate to include a definition which allowed the Council to take account of suitable adaptations to address any issues for protected characteristics.  The Chairman asked for clarification on how the policy could be amended.  The Monitoring Officer indicated that with any policy it would be subject to review. A Councillor reported that all licensing policies were under constant review and can be reviewed by the Licensing Committee at anytime that it was necessary to make an amendment which was standard practice.

 

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee reported on how to deal with the issues raised and the impact. She thanked Councillor Evans for raising the issue on dress code which should be included and referred to unmet need, the associated survey and suggested that some of the issues were not relevant.  The Licensing Manager reported that this was the time to amend the policy before it was ratified and the opportunity to review and include minor amendments without the need to go back to full Committee or out to public consultation.

 

The Chief Executive indicated that the suggestions coming forward were relatively minor and in the remit of the Licensing Committee to agree at the next meeting.

 

Councillor Brown following debate summed up on his proposed amendment.  In doing so he thanked colleagues who supported his proposals which would allow the taxi trade to plan for deregulation.  The Chairman of the Licensing Committee reported on Department of Transport best practice guidance on the issue of quantity restrictions.

 

A vote was taken on the following amendment moved by Councillor Brown seconded by Councillor Burton

 

That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles Policy 2021-2025 Chapter 16 Paragraph 16.3 be amended to add the following words

 

“commencing 1 April 2022”

 

The amendment was lost:

 

Voting - For – 26, Against – 41, Abstention – 7

 

Councillor Farquhar wished to be recorded as abstaining from the above decision.

 

Councillor Nicola Greene raised a point of order and highlighted Procedure 9 and requested that the question be now put which was seconded by Councillor Haines.

 

Following a question on a point of order raised by Councillor Evans asking for clarification on whether the Council could vote on a motion which was discriminatory against protected characteristic the Monitoring Officer reported that assurances had be received from the Equalities Officer and legal experts that the obligations of the Equalities Act  had been taken into account. 

 

A vote was taken on the proposal that the question be now put and was carried:

 

Voting – For 42, Against – 31, Abstention – 1

 

A vote was taken on the recommendations as set out on the agenda plus the additional recommendation as follows:

 

That paragraph 16.6 of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Policy should read:

 

“All restrictions on numbers of Hackney Carriage vehicle licences will be removed subject to the review of this policy in 2025.” 

 

Voting – For 41, Against – 30, Abstention - 3

 

Councillor Diana Butler, George Farquhar, Lisa Lewis and Chris Rigby wished to be recorded as voting against the above decision.

 

The substantive motion as detailed above was carried.

 

7f - Cabinet 10 February 2021 - Minute No. 296 - Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring 2020-21

 

The Leader of the Council presented the report on the Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring report 2020-21 as set out on the agenda which was seconded by Councillor Broadhead. 

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 10 February 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

Voting: agreed

 

7g - Cabinet 10 February 2021 - Minute No. 300 - Wessex Fields - Proposed Land Disposal

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council presented the report on the Wessex Fields proposed land disposal for a medi-tech research centre the purpose of the item was to approve the specifics of the land and the terms of the disposal.  The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Mellor.

 

Councillors in discussing the proposals, raised a number of issues including that any development on this land should be with sustainability at its core, such as building design and renewable energy, that world class sustainable businesses would be looking at how staff would get to the site including an appropriate walking and cycling infrastructure.

 

To enable the Council to discuss the financial details of the disposal the press and public were excluded

 

‘That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.’

 

The above was proposed by Councillor Evans and seconded by Councillor Farquhar.

 

The press and public were excluded from the meeting to enable Councillors to ask questions on the financial details of the project.

 

The meeting then resumed in public session

 

The Cabinet Member in summing up explained that there was ample opportunity to raise questions in other forums.  He explained that the Council had discussed the price of the development in exempt session and with regards to the early point about sustainability being at the core of what we do reported that this was not a binary choice and we should be able be create development with sustainable travel.

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 10 February 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

Voting – For – 44, Against 6, Abstentions – 23

 

Councillor George Farquhar wished to be recorded as voting against the above decision

 

Councillor Paul Hilliard did not speak or vote on the above issue due to the interest that he declared.

 

The meeting was adjourned from 10.15 pm – 10.25 pm

 

The Chairman reported that the following items from the Cabinet meeting held on 10 February 2021 related to the budget and therefore ‘Members were reminded that, under Regulation 2 of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 votes taken at key budget decision meetings must now be recorded in the minutes. He explained that he would therefore ask the Chief Executive to take a recorded vote on the following recommendations from the Cabinet on 10 February 2021 as they relate to key budget decisions.

 

7h - Cabinet 10 February 2021 - Minute No. 301 - Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Schools and Early Years Formulae 2021/22

 

The Cabinet Member for Covid Resilience, Schools and Skills presented the report on the Dedicated Schools Grant Schools and Early Years Formulae 2021/22 as set out on the agenda.  She explained that the funding was passported through to schools extensively consulted upon through the Schools Forum, Overview and Scrutiny Board and Cabinet.  The recommendations were seconded by Councillor White.

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 10 February 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

All Councillors present as follows voted for the recommendations.

 

Cllr Hazel Allen	Cllr Bobbie Dove	Cllr Bob Lawton
Cllr Lewis Allison	Cllr Beverley Dunlop	Cllr Marion LePoidevin
Cllr Mark Anderson	Cllr Millie Earl	Cllr Lisa Lewis
Cllr Sarah Anderson	Cllr Jackie Edwards	Cllr Rachel Maidment
Cllr Marcus Andrews	Cllr L-J Evans	Cllr Chris Matthews
Cllr Julie Bagwell	Cllr George Farquhar	Cllr Simon McCormack
Cllr Steve Baron	Cllr Duane Farr	Cllr Drew Mellor
Cllr Stephen Bartlett	Cllr Laurence Fear	Cllr Pete Miles
Cllr John Beesley	Cllr Anne Filer	Cllr Sandra Moore
Cllr Derek Borthwick	Cllr David Flagg	Cllr Lisa Northover
Cllr Philip Broadhead	Cllr Nick Geary	Cllr Tony O’Neill
Cllr Mike Brooke	Cllr Mike Greene	Cllr Susan Phillips
Cllr Nigel Brooks	Cllr Nicola Greene	Cllr Margaret Phipps
Cllr David Brown	Cllr Andy Hadley	Cllr Karen Rampton
Cllr Simon Bull	Cllr May Haines	Cllr Felicity Rice
Cllr Richard Burton	Cllr Peter Hall	Cllr Chris Rigby
Cllr Diana Butler	Cllr Nigel Hedges	Cllr Mark Robson
Cllr Daniel Butt	Cllr Paul Hilliard	Cllr Robert Rocca
Cllr Judes Butt	Cllr Mark Howell	Cllr Vikki Slade
Cllr Eddie Coope	Cllr Mohan Iyengar	Cllr Ann Stribley
Cllr Mike Cox	Cllr Cheryl Johnson	Cllr Tony Trent
Cllr Malcolm Davies	Cllr Toby Johnson	Cllr Mike White
Cllr Norman Decent	Cllr Andy Jones	Cllr Lawrence Williams
Cllr Lesley Dedman	Cllr Jane Kelly	Cllr Keiron Wilson
Cllr Bryan Dion	Cllr David Kelsey

 

 

7i - Cabinet 10 February 2021 - Minute No. 303 - Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Setting 2021 to 2022

 

The Cabinet Member for Homes presented the report on the Housing Revenue Account Budget Setting for 2021 to 2022 as set out on the agenda.  He explained that the HRA budget sets out the proposals for rents, service charges and other charges for tenants as well as the expenditure plans for 2021/22. Councillors were advised that the increase in charges were in line with the national policy, good practice and legislation,  There were several measures in place to help tenants with these charges for example housing benefit with staff available to provide help and support.   Members were advised that the expenditure plans set out the budget required to manage and maintain the existing stock, provide services to residents as well as building new homes and completing major projects and detailing the borrowing.  The Cabinet Member reported that 2020 had been a challenging year due to the pandemic but the impact on the HRA had not been as great as for other service areas.  He explained that there had been some reduction in services due to the national lockdowns, but most had continued to be provided in a different and safe way.  Members were advised of the proposed full rent increase of 1.5% per property with garage rents increasing by 2%.  Councillor Haines seconded the proposed recommendations.

 

Councillors in considering the proposals raised a number of issues and comments including would the increase in garage rents increase additional on street parking and seeking clarification on progress with housing developments such as Herbert Avenue.

 

The Cabinet Member for Homes in summing up responded to the above issues explaining that garages were more likely to be used for lockups than creating additional on street parking and that he would respond direct to the Councillor on the progress with the development at Herbert Avenue.   

 

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet on 10 February 2021 relating to the above were approved.

 

All Councillors present as follows voted for the recommendations.

 

Cllr Hazel Allen	Cllr Bobbie Dove	Cllr Bob Lawton
Cllr Lewis Allison	Cllr Beverley Dunlop	Cllr Marion LePoidevin
Cllr Mark Anderson	Cllr Millie Earl	Cllr Lisa Lewis
Cllr Sarah Anderson	Cllr Jackie Edwards	Cllr Rachel Maidment
Cllr Marcus Andrews	Cllr L-J Evans	Cllr Chris Matthews
Cllr Julie Bagwell	Cllr George Farquhar	Cllr Simon McCormack
Cllr Steve Baron	Cllr Duane Farr	Cllr Drew Mellor
Cllr Stephen Bartlett	Cllr Laurence Fear	Cllr Pete Miles
Cllr John Beesley	Cllr Anne Filer	Cllr Sandra Moore
Cllr Derek Borthwick	Cllr David Flagg	Cllr Lisa Northover
Cllr Philip Broadhead	Cllr Nick Geary	Cllr Tony O’Neill
Cllr Mike Brooke	Cllr Mike Greene	Cllr Susan Phillips
Cllr Nigel Brooks	Cllr Nicola Greene	Cllr Margaret Phipps
Cllr David Brown	Cllr Andy Hadley	Cllr Karen Rampton
Cllr Simon Bull	Cllr May Haines	Cllr Felicity Rice
Cllr Richard Burton	Cllr Peter Hall	Cllr Chris Rigby
Cllr Diana Butler	Cllr Nigel Hedges	Cllr Mark Robson
Cllr Daniel Butt	Cllr Paul Hilliard	Cllr Robert Rocca
Cllr Judes Butt	Cllr Mark Howell	Cllr Vikki Slade
Cllr Eddie Coope	Cllr Mohan Iyengar	Cllr Ann Stribley
Cllr Mike Cox	Cllr Cheryl Johnson	Cllr Tony Trent
Cllr Malcolm Davies	Cllr Toby Johnson	Cllr Mike White
Cllr Norman Decent	Cllr Andy Jones	Cllr Lawrence Williams
Cllr Lesley Dedman	Cllr Jane Kelly	Cllr Keiron Wilson
Cllr Bryan Dion	Cllr David Kelsey

 

 

7j - Cabinet 10 February 2021 - Minute No. 297 - 2021/22 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP)

 

The Leader of the Council made his budget statement and presented the report on the 2021/22 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP)

and recommendations as set out on the agenda.  The Leader acknowledged the outstanding contribution of the Chief Financial Officer and his team for all their work on preparing the budget.  Councillor Broadhead seconded the recommendations and reserved his right to speak later in the debate.

 

Councillor Cox moved and Councillor Hilliard seconded the following amendment and revised recommendations:

 

1)   a) A net budgetof £243.2million, resultingin atotal council tax requirementof £216.7million, isset for2021/22 based onthe settlementfigures published bygovernment in December2020. Thisis based upon:

i.   an increasein council tax in 2021/22 which meansthat thetotal BCP unitarycharge will increase by 2.55%when applied to theaverage chargefor 2020/21.Individual resident chargescan besummarised as;

1.   Bournemouth’scouncil taxcharge beingan increase of1.75% overthat levied in2020/21.

2.   Christchurch’scouncil taxcharge being anincrease of 0.99%over thatlevied in 2020/21.

3.    Poole’s council taxcharge being anincrease of4.01% overthat levied in 2020/21.

 

iii. the allocationsto service areasin the budgetas proposed andas setout in Appendix 2a;

 

1) b)approve a £8.4million gross investmentin thecouncil’s corporate priorities (£7.4million net) in 2021/22which is an increase of £6.0 million comparedto the 2020/21 budget;

 

1) i)that the chieffinance officer providescouncil with a schedule settingout therate ofcouncil tax foreach categoryof dwelling furtherto councillors consideration ofthe decision required in respectof (a)above and after taking accountof theprecepts tobe levied by the local policeand fireauthorities, neighbourhood,town and parish councils, and charteredtrustees once thesehave been determined prior tothe Council meetingon the 23 February2021.

 

Set out below are the financial implications of the above amendment:

 

1.    The revised recommendations were underpinnedby thefollowing changes,presented inabsoluteamountsrather thanon an incrementalbasis, tothe 2021/22 Budget and medium- termfinancial planas setout in thesubstantive report.

 

 

2.   The financialplanning assumption aroundfuture yearscouncil tax increaseswould now be 3.99%in 2022/23 (ratherthan 4.99%) and 1.99%in 2023/24 (unchanged)

 

3.   The permanentchanges tothe corporate priority expenditurecompared tothe substantive budgetis theremoval ofboth the £1.750minvestment in regenerationand the£250,000 investment inthe culturalbounce back festival.

 

4.  The £100,000deferral (circa40%) inthe planned £240,000investment in CommunitySafety Officersin 2021/22 is achieved bystaggering the appointmentof the6 new officers overthe year.

 

5.  In respectof theresident’s cardthe commitment in yearone isto thedevelopment ofthe scheme. Theintention fromyear 2is thescheme would payfor itselfthrough sponsorship,or through differentialcharging, byincreasing charges(e.g. parking)to visitors and freezing/discountingcharges toBCP residents.

 

6. Purpose of the Green Recovery Fund will be to ensure any regeneration expenditure is spent on “Green” initiatives and fulfils the Councils climate change and ecological emergency commitment.

 

7. As part of the substantive budget it is proposal to hold unearmarked reserves at £15.4 million which is approximately 5.5% of the proposed net revenue expenditure for the year. The budget amendment would increase these reserves to £15.9m which would be approximately 5.6% of the proposed net revenue expenditure for the year. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) have carried out some benchmarking on the level of reserves held by most unitary authorities and identified that they tend to maintain unearmarked reserves between 5% and 10% of net revenue expenditure.

 

8. Revised Appendix 2a (as circulated with the supplementary pack on the alternative budget)

 

Members were advised that all otherrecommendations remained unaltered. Councillor Cox explained the detail of his proposal, the financial implications of the amendment as circulated to all Councillors and the impact of his amendment to support residents, businesses and those most in need. Councillor Hilliard in seconding the amendment indicated that it addressed the failings of the substantive proposal and he explained the rationale for using a percentage of the adult social care levy. 

 

Councillors in considering the amendment raised a number of issues including commenting on the impact of the amendment on the business community, the removal of the bounce back festival fund, the arts and culture fund and regeneration fund from the budget, the support residents, children, young people and families need, that the amendment did not address hardship and deprivation. A Cabinet Member referred to the Culture Compact and the recognition locally and nationally highlighting the need to lift our ambitions and drive forward with proposals to access culture.  A Member whilst acknowledging the difficult position of the hospitality sector highlighted the need to support residents who had been suffering with the effects of the pandemic. A Cabinet Member highlighted the support being provided for youth services and children and families suffering from mental health including the additional funding already committed by the administration. He referred to the harmonisation of Council tax and the financial implications for residents. A Councillor felth that there was much that was good in the budget due to the policies of the previous administration, but it could be improved and directly benefit the residents in the BCP area. A Member explained that the amendment would result in £1.20 per month for the average household to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and emphasised that the proposed festival should be scheduled for 2022. A number of Members referred to the use of borrowing, level of reserves and expected income levels. A Cabinet Member raised her concerns on the implications of (f) and (g).  The Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care O&S Committee reported that a Care Strategy was being looked at and a Working Group could be set up to help shape the strategy.

 

Councillor Cox in summing up emphasised the need to listen to those members of the community who were voiceless and need support.  He explained that the amendment did not propose to scrap the regeneration budget and that it was aiming to secure responsible sources of income.

 

The Leader of the Council explained the harmonisation and the use of the social care precept.

 

A recorded vote was taken on the amendment moved by Councillor Cox and seconded by Councillor Hilliard

 

For

 

Cllr Lewis Allison	Cllr Nick Geary	Cllr Sandra Moore
Cllr Marcus Andrews	Cllr Andy Hadley	Cllr Lisa Northover
Cllr Mike Brooke	Cllr Paul Hilliard	Cllr Felicity Rice
Cllr David Brown	Cllr Mark Howell	Cllr Chris Rigby
Cllr Simon Bull	Cllr Toby Johnson	Cllr Mark Robson
Cllr Richard Burton	Cllr Marion LePoidevin	Cllr Vikki Slade
Cllr Mike Cox	Cllr Lisa Lewis	Cllr Tony Trent
Cllr Millie Earl	Cllr Rachel Maidment	Cllr Kieron Wilson
Cllr L-J Evans	Cllr Chris Matthews
Cllr George Farquhar	Cllr Peter Miles

 

Against

 

Cllr Hazel Allen	Cllr Norman Decent	Cllr Cheryl Johnson
Cllr Mark Anderson	Cllr Bryan Dion	Cllr Andy Jones
Cllr Sarah Anderson	Cllr Bobbie Dove	Cllr Jane Kelly
Cllr Julie Bagwell	Cllr Beverley Dunlop	Cllr David Kelsey
Cllr Steve Baron	Cllr Jackie Edwards	Cllr Bob Lawton
Cllr John Beesley	Cllr Duane Farr	Cllr Drew Mellor
Cllr Derek Borthwick	Cllr Laurence Fear	Cllr Tony O’Neill
Cllr Philip Broadhead	Cllr Ann Filer	Cllr Susan Phillips
Cllr Nigel Brooks	Cllr Mike Greene	Cllr Karen Rampton
Cllr Diana Butler	Cllr Nicola Greene	Cllr Robert Rocca
Cllr Daniel Butt	Cllr May Haines	Cllr Ann Stribley
Cllr Judes Butt	Cllr Peter Hall	Cllr Mike White
Cllr Eddie Coope	Cllr Nigel Hedges	Cllr Lawrence Williams
Cllr Malcolm Davies	Cllr Mohan Iyengar

 

Abstentions

 

Cllr Stephen Bartlett	Cllr David Flagg	Cllr Margaret Phipps
Cllr Lesley Dedman	Cllr Simon McCormack

 

The amendment was lost

 

Voting – For 28, Against – 41, Abstentions – 5

 

Councillors then considered the original recommendations.  Councillor Broadhead having reserved his right to speak as the seconder explained that the this was truly a transformative budget. A Member expressed her concern that the budget relied heavily on borrowing and referred to the two year harmonisation of Council Tax to achieve equity across the area which was instigated by Christchurch Independents.

 

Councillor Brooke moved that the question be now put which was seconded by Councillor LePoidevin.

 

For

 

Cllr Lewis Allison	Cllr Millie Earl	Cllr Sandra Moore
Cllr Marcus Andrews	Cllr George Farquhar	Cllr Lisa Northover
Cllr Stephen Bartlett	Cllr Andy Hadley	Cllr Margaret Phipps
Cllr Mike Brooke	Cllr Paul Hilliard	Cllr Felicity Rice
Cllr David Brown	Cllr Toby Johnson	Cllr Chris Rigby
Cllr Simon Bull	Cllr Marion LePoidevin	Cllr Mark Robson
Cllr Diana Butler	Cllr Lisa Lewis	Cllr Vikki Slade
Cllr Richard Burton	Cllr Rachel Maidment	Cllr Tony Trent
Cllr Mike Cox	Cllr Chris Matthews	Cllr Kieron Wilson
Cllr Lesley Dedman	Cllr Peter Miles

 

Against

 

Cllr Hazel Allen	Cllr Bobbie Dove	Cllr Mohan Iyengar
Cllr Mark Anderson	Cllr Beverley Dunlop	Cllr Cheryl Johnson
Cllr Sarah Anderson	Cllr Jackie Edwards	Cllr Andy Jones
Cllr Julie Bagwell	Cllr L-J Evans	Cllr Jane Kelly
Cllr Steve Baron	Cllr Duane Farr	Cllr David Kelsey
Cllr John Beesley	Cllr Laurence Fear	Cllr Bob Lawton
Cllr Derek Borthwick	Cllr Ann Filer	Cllr Simon McCormack
Cllr Philip Broadhead	Cllr David Flagg	Cllr Drew Mellor
Cllr Nigel Brooks	Cllr Nick Geary	Cllr Tony O’Neill
Cllr Daniel Butt	Cllr Mike Greene	Cllr Susan Phillips
Cllr Judes Butt	Cllr Nicola Greene	Cllr Karen Rampton
Cllr Eddie Coope	Cllr May Haines	Cllr Robert Rocca
Cllr Malcolm Davies	Cllr Peter Hall	Cllr Ann Stribley
Cllr Norman Decent	Cllr Nigel Hedges	Cllr Mike White
Cllr Bryan Dion	Cllr Mark Howell	Cllr Lawrence Williams

 

The above motion was lost

 

Voting – For – 29, Against – 45, Abstentions – 0

 

A Councillor express her concerns about the amount of borrowing and level of reserves she also highlighted the loss of the grant for the Turlin Moor project which the administration indicated was due to lack of engagement. A Ward Councillor clarified the position indicating that it was felt that the Hamworthy Residents deserved appropriate consultation on this major project. A Cabinet Member emphasised how proud she was of how the Council had operated during the pandemic. Councillors commented on the impact of the budget on the arts and culture sector.  

 

The Leader of the Council in summing up highlighted the significant investment in frontline services and that the proposals provided a budget of hope and optimism.

 

A recorded vote was taken on the recommendations on the 2021/22 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) including the Council Tax resolution as set out in the report attached to the Council agenda headed 2021/2022 Council Tax Resolution (recommendation i) moved by Councillor Mellor and seconded by Councillor Broadhead

 

For

 

Cllr Hazel Allen	Cllr Norman Decent	Cllr Toby Johnson
Cllr Mark Anderson	Cllr Bryan Dion	Cllr Andy Jones
Cllr Sarah Anderson	Cllr Bobbie Dove	Cllr Jane Kelly
Cllr Marcus Andrews	Cllr Beverley Dunlop	Cllr David Kelsey
Cllr Julie Bagwell	Cllr Jackie Edwards	Cllr Bob Lawton
Cllr Steve Baron	Cllr Duane Farr	Cllr Drew Mellor
Cllr Stephen Bartlett	Cllr Laurence Fear	Cllr Sandra Moore
Cllr John Beesley	Cllr Ann Filer	Cllr Tony O’Neill
Cllr Derek Borthwick	Cllr Mike Greene	Cllr Susan Phillips
Cllr Philip Broadhead	Cllr Nicola Greene	Cllr Karen Rampton
Cllr Nigel Brooks	Cllr May Haines	Cllr Robert Rocca
Cllr Richard Burton	Cllr Peter Hall	Cllr Ann Stribley
Cllr Daniel Butt	Cllr Nigel Hedges	Cllr Tony Trent
Cllr Judes Butt	Cllr Mohan Iyengar	Cllr Mike White
Cllr Eddie Coope	Cllr Cheryl Johnson	Cllr Lawrence Williams
Cllr Malcolm Davies

 

Against

 

Cllr Mike Brooke	Cllr Mike Cox	Cllr Paul Hilliard
Cllr David Brown	Cllr L-J Evans	Cllr Mark Howell

 

Abstentions

 

Cllr Lewis Allison	Cllr Andy Hadley	Cllr Lisa Northover
Cllr Simon Bull	Cllr Marion LePoidevin	Cllr Margaret Phipps
Cllr Diana Butler	Cllr Lisa Lewis	Cllr Felicity Rice
Cllr Lesley Dedman	Cllr Rachel Maidment	Cllr Chris Rigby
Cllr Millie Earl	Cllr Chris Matthews	Cllr Mark Robson
Cllr George Farquhar	Cllr Simon McCormack	Cllr Vikki Slade
Cllr David Flagg	Cllr Peter Miles	Cllr Kieron Wilson
Cllr Nick Geary

 

Voting – For – 46, Against – 6, Abstentions - 22

 

The recommendations on the 2021/22 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) including the Council Tax resolution as set out in the report attached to the Council agenda headed 2021/2022 Council Tax Resolution (recommendation i) were agreed