Meeting documents

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mike Byatt and Margaret Phipps.

The Chairman took the opportunity to welcome Councillor William Trite to the Committee and paid tribute to the contribution made by the late John Wilson to the work of the Committee.

Councillors are required to comply with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 regarding disclosable pecuniary interests.

§     Check if there is an item of business on this agenda in which the member or other relevant person has a disclosable pecuniary interest.

§     Check that the interest has been notified to the Monitoring Officer (in writing) and entered in the Register (if not this must be done on the form available from the clerk within 28 days).

§     Disclose the interest at the meeting (in accordance with the County Council’s Code of Conduct) and in the absence of a dispensation to speak and/or vote, withdraw from any consideration of the item.

The Register of Interests is available on Dorsetforyou.com and the list of disclosable pecuniary interests is set out on the reverse of the form.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests under the Code of Conduct.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2016.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2016 were confirmed and signed.

(a)   Public Participation

(b)   Petitions

Public Speaking

There were no public questions received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(1).

There were no public questions received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(2).

Petitions

Consideration of Petitions was now the responsibility of a Petitions Panel.

To provide the opportunity for representatives of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Lorna Carver and James Weld, to address the Committee on what the work of the LEP entails, how the Partnership operates and its relevance to the work of the Committee. A presentation will be made by the Service Director – Economy to complement this.

So as to stimulate debate, the Chairman encourages members of the Committee to give some thought as to what they might be minded to ask the LEP representatives on the day, in order to have a better understanding of the relationship between the Committee and the LEP and how what it does might could play a part in benefitting how the Committee operates.

The Committee received a presentation from representatives of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Lorna Carver, its Director, and James Weld, its Vice-Chairman, who explained what the LEP was, its purpose and how it operated.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to how the LEP’s Board was composed and operated, what their responsibilities and objectives entailed - in promoting economic growth and jobs - and how the value of the organisation was of benefit to the whole of Dorset. The importance of housing, infrastructure, planning, employment and productivity in actively contributing to fulfilling economic prosperity was acknowledged. The significance of skills being realised was essential in fulfilling potential, in being best placed to meet economic challenges and for Dorset to be competitive - locally, nationally and globally. It was considered that there should be focus on how Dorset could be best placed to be competitive in its own right, rather than there being competition within the County.

In order to achieve this, the LEP had developed a Strategic Economic Vision to determine the quality and importance of sectors, to be used as the basis to establish criteria on which the assessments of bids would be based, in order that improvements were realised and targets met.

Mr Weld used the principle of destination management to explain the evaluation, analysis and assessment of bids submitted was the core business of the LEP, in acting as a means of determining which bid should benefit from funding in order that the strategic economic objectives were met and projects delivered meaningful and positive outcomes. Projects had to be assessed as being viable, deliverable and beneficial in order to succeed.

The Committee was informed what the Growth Deal process entailed, how the Dorset Growth Deal was evaluated and implemented and the benefits the Growth Deal Achievements already realised brought to Dorset. Whilst Growth Deals 1 and 2 had been seen to benefit the south east conurbation mainly, with big ticket items such as the A338 resurfacing improvements, Bournemouth International Growth Programme around the airport and its associated infrastructure and the Port of Poole benefitting from this, Growth Deal 3 submissions were hoped to predominantly attract funding for projects in the rural west of the county. Mr Weld stressed that the importance of unlocking the potential of the Airport and its enterprise zone was critical in benefitting opportunities throughout Dorset.

The principles of the Growing Places Fund was explained, this being a loan scheme which allowed investment to be made in those projects in order for them to be able to start. The Growth Hub provided a means for penetration into the each district so that the most rural areas benefited too.

The LEP emphasised that there were opportunities for any project to submit a bid to attract funding and benefit from the Growth Deal or Growing Places fund and actively encouraged applications for this to be made. Part of the bidding process was to demonstrate how the project would deliver beneficial outcomes. Positive examples of what progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The following motions were considered by the County Council in accordance with Standing Order 17.  Both were referred by the Council automatically to the Committee without debate.  The Committee is asked to consider each motion.

The Committee considered the following Notices of Motion from Councillor Paul Kimber, County Councillor for Portland Tophill.

"This Dorset County Council  ensures  that the proposed National Park is seriously considered as part of discussions on local government re-organisation."

Context Statement from Cllr Kimber:

Economic Opportunities for Dorset and East Devon

For the past couple of years, in response to an initiative from Natural England, a team from Dorset and East Devon has been developing proposals for the designation of a National Park, first put forward in a Government report of 1945. Natural England has given the proposal a positive first assessment.

Britain’s National Parks are world-famous for their outstanding scenery and environments. Much less well-known is their success in promoting thriving and resilient rural economies and communities.

An independent report on the "Economic Opportunities, Benefits and Wider Impacts of a Dorset and East Devon National Park" is now available: www.dorsetandedevonnp.co.uk/news

The key messages we take from the report are as follows. A Dorset & East Devon National Park would:

·       Offer opportunities, benefits and advantages to the economy and businesses in the National Park and throughout Dorset and East Devon.

·       Promote thriving local communities, including affordable housing, key services, employment and skills.

·       Bring additional and more certain resources to the area, including central government funding which might amount to £10m annually, plus other sources of income. The Government has assured National Parks of future funding and support.

·       Conserve and enhance the area’s environment, which is our greatest economic asset.

Local government re-organisation provides an opportunity for Dorset councils to include a National Park as part of a Devolution proposal to government in 2017. A companion study examines how the National Park Authority would work efficiently with a Unitary Authority on service delivery and financial outcomes. We see these studies as significant contributions to Dorset councils’ and others’ consideration of this question.

We look forward to discussing with all interested partners the significant opportunities which a National Park would offer.

Dorset & East Devon National Park Team

A National Park Delivers Greater Influence for Rural Communities

A new discussion paper www.dorsetandedevonnp.co.uk/news examines how the Dorset & E Devon National Park Authority (NPA) would deliver greater influence for rural communities, as well as working efficiently with partner Local Authorities to improve services and financial outcomes. Benefitting all communities, a National Park would bring:

·       Additional and more certain funding benefitting all councils, communities and the economy. In addition to an assured central government grant of maybe £10 million per year, NPAs secure further funding and help others eg farmers to do so.

·       A stronger partnership way of working. A NPA is a partnership and operates through partnerships. A small % of NPA funding goes on running costs. The vast majority is spent through partnerships with communities, farmers, landowners, businesses, the not-for-profit sector.

·       Enhanced local representation, influence and voice for rural communities. Elected council representatives make up three quarters of the NPA, and Parish and Town Councils are a third of these. A NPA would strengthen grass roots democratic influence and representation.

·       Enhanced Planning influence and capability. A NPA would ensure local control  ...  view the full agenda text for item 17a

The Committee was informed that a motion proposed by Councillor Paul Kimber which supported the idea of a National Park had been submitted at the County Council meeting on 21 July 2016, resulting in the matter being referred to the Economic Growth and Overview Scrutiny Committee for their consideration. Accordingly the Committee now considered the motion asking ’that the

Council ensures that the proposed National Park be seriously considered as part of

discussions on local government re-organisation’.

Members were informed that a locally-led group has been established to campaign for the establishment of a Dorset and East Devon National Park based on, but not restricted to, the area covered by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the East Devon AONB and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. An application had been made to Natural England, the Government’s statutory adviser on protected landscapes, to consider the establishment of a National Park on this basis and who were expected to give the proposal further consideration in due course.

The Service Director’s report set out the purpose and role of National Parks and the process of designating them, what evidence was taken in to consideration in doing this, potential benefits and concerns over their establishment and what tests needed to be met in the consideration of this.

were detailed, with the Service Director – Environment explained that the consideration given to this would be evidence based to ensure that, on balance, it brought value to the county and was an asset to Dorset. Whilst the County Council would not be responsible for making the decision on this, their contribution to the process would be much valued. He looked forward to further constructive dialogue with those proposing it.

Councillor Kimber presented his motion, outlining the basis for this and what it entailed. He explained that the economic advantages regarding the national park should be explored and was happy to be involved in any investigations. He considered that the formation of a national park would provide an economic stimulus for Dorset in terms of tourism, housing, skilled employment and would be seen as a means of enhancing and protecting the environment. The provision of affordable housing was an essential component for the park.  He considered that the positive evaluations made for the Park’s viability was evidence that it would be an asset for Dorset. Speaking as a Portland Town Councillor he confirmed that the Town Council welcomed the idea and would be happy to be a part of it. The National Park brand was highly prestigious and would play its part in helping to foster economic wellbeing and vitality.

Mr Richard Brown, of the Dorset and East Devon National Park team, considered that as the environment was Dorset’s greatest economic asset, a National Park would help to maintain its value given the duty it had to conserve and enhance. He considered that it would bring significant benefits economically, culturally and environmentally and would contribute towards tourism fulfilling its potential. He felt that evidence  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17a

"The Council notes:

• That there are nearly 7,000 independent co-operative businesses across the UK, each owned and democratically run by their customers, employees, suppliers or members of their local community.
• Today, the co-operative movement is a significant part of the UK’s economy, growing by 21% to £33billion, and outperforming the economy as a whole during the recent recession.
• The number of people who own and control the UK’s co-operatives has grown by to 17.5m - nearly a quarter of the UK's population. From credit unions to community farms – the rise in co-operative ownership is a significant development for the UK’s business sector, meaning that the number of co-op members continues to outstrip the number of shareholders in the UK.

This Council believes:

·         That the co-operative model provides a sustainable way of providing local government services that empower residents, service users and employees, giving them a fair share and an equal say.

·         Local Councils up and down the country have already put these values into practice in a number of ways, for example developing the co-operative sector, resident and employee owned companies and co-operative schools.

·         That the Council has the opportunity to "chose co-operative" when considering the future of local services, giving residents and communities more of a say in their area.

Therefore, we call on the Council to:

·         Work to incorporate co-operative values and principles when planning services and in its engagement with local residents.

·         Publicise existing co-operative good practice within the council

·         Hold and  meet event for local co-operatives to engage with the Council."

A briefing paper on this item is provided by the Director for Environment and the Economy.

The Committee was informed that a motion proposed by Councillor Paul Kimber  which supported the idea of independent Cooperative businesses had been submitted at the County Council’s meeting on 21 July 2016, resulting in the matter being referred to the Economic Growth and Overview Scrutiny Committee for their consideration.

Councillor Kimber presented his motion, explained what cooperatives entailed and how they operated and encouraged the adoption of the cooperative ethos for Dorset, especially in relation to rural communities. He considered that this model was able to achieve outcomes that might otherwise be unable to be achieved particularly relating to affordable housing needs, economic prosperity, education, skills and employment. The social values and principles promoted by cooperatives accorded with community initiatives and enterprise and a sense of collaboration and unity towards a common goal. He considered that existing co-operative good practice within the Council should be better publicised and that there should be the opportunity for local co-operatives to have better access to participate in the work of the Council.

The Service Director - Economy explained that the Council’s Enabling Economic Growth Strategy sought to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, and highlighted the link between economic prosperity and health and well-being. Support was given to a platform of generic business support initiatives to encourage start-ups and the growth of fledgling businesses.  It was anticipated that this would be enhanced in 2017 as European Union structural funds became available to enhance the services offered by the Growth Hub, the Dorset Mentoring scheme, and specific support for communities and social enterprises.

Whilst this support was not focussed specifically on the development of co-operatives, they did provide a business model which could be used and provided an opportunity to explore how this might be achieved, should this be seen to be the most appropriate and viable business model to pursue.

As detailed in the Service Director’s report, the Committee understood the principle of what a co-operative was designed to achieve and recognised the benefits that they could bring to communities. The benefits which might be generated by the European funding in 2017 was seen to be positive. The Committee was informed that an event was to be arranged to coincide with the appraisal of final funding, to highlight opportunities for social enterprises and how they might benefit from this.

Resolved

That work be continued to create an environment within which a range of social and other enterprises can prosper, to support the delivery of community services and create sustainable economic growth.

Reason for Decision

A prosperous, growing and diverse economy was essential to achieve the four corporate objectives of making Dorset and its residents safer, healthier, and more independent and prosperous.

To receive updates from lead members in relation to current scrutiny activities:

The Committee received a series of updates from lead members on current scrutiny activities and saw that the commitments made at the previous meeting on 15 June 2016  to make progress on establishing certain groups to review matters were being fulfilled.  Summaries in relation to recent scrutiny activities are shown below from 19(a) to 19(d).

To consider a summary of the meeting of the Working Group  held on 23 August 2016 to review the Resident’s Parking Strategy and new proposals for Dorchester, as promoted by Councillors Canning and Biggs (attached).

The Committee received a summary of the meeting of the Working Group held on 23 August 2016 to review the Resident’s Parking strategy and consider new proposals for Dorchester, as promoted by Councillors Canning and Biggs. Councillor Biggs was pleased to report that progress had been made in achieving a solution for Resident’s Parking Zone D, with a rationalisation of parking arrangements in that area to accommodate local parking needs. There was an acknowledgement that the resident’s parking policy as a whole required rationalisation and modernising to meet the parking needs of today and the strategy to complement this had to be relevant and fit for purpose.

The Service Director – Economy explained that there was a need for the Dorset Council’s Partnership to play their part in a joint approach on how to manage parking needs in the town, taking into account how both on and off street parking was managed. The model which was designed to take account of parking allocation needs was complicated, having to take into account hospital parking, and would need to be refined to meet with success.

As parking was seen to be a key economic driver, the Committee agreed that this issue should be added to its Work Programme in scrutinising what the strategy needed take into account to be meaningful, how the policy should be reviewed to apply to the parking needs of today and what success was being seen in managing parking outcomes.

Resolved

That the review of the County Council’s Parking Strategy and Policy be added to the Work Programme.

Reason for Decision

To address the Corporate Aim of Enabling Economic Growth.

To receive an oral update from the Chairman on a meeting by the Commercial Investment Aspirations / Opportunities incl. Investment Working Group held on 14 September 2016.

The Committee received an oral update from the Chairman on a meeting by the Commercial Investment Aspirations / Opportunities incl. Investment Working Group held on 14 September 2016, promoted by Councillors Byatt and Cox. Further work would ensue and this Group would evolve in time.

Noted

To consider a summary of considerations at meetings of the Policy Development Panel on HGV Management held on 30 June and 27 September 2016 (attached).

The Committee’s attention was drawn to a summary of considerations at meetings of the Policy Development Panel on HGV Management held on 30 June and 27 September 2016. As before some success could be reported on how HGV’s were proposed to be managed but it was acknowledged that there were limitations to what could be achieved. 

Those involved in the PDP took the opportunity to thank Councillor Ian Smith for the instrumental part he had played in its work and in doing all he could to resolve a particular local issue in Ferndown.  The Service Director - Economy used this PDP as a good example of what could be achieved when working with communities.

Noted

To consider the notes of a meeting of the Bus Subsidies Task and Finish Group held on 28 September 2016 (attached).

The Committee received the notes of a meeting of the Bus Subsidies Task and Finish Group held on 28 September 2016 which had be promoted by Councillors Cox and Canning. This detailed what work had been done in terms of identifying alternative community transport options, how decisions had been taken, what should be investigated further, what was working well and not so well and how progress could be maintained.  Councillor Cox explained that this review was being linked to the principles of the Corporate Plan and members were pleased to see the positive start being made.

To provide the opportunity to develop the Committee’s Work Programme.

So as to stimulate debate, the Chairman and Lead Officers actively encourage members to reflect on the Committee’s Terms of Reference with a view to prior consideration being given to items they consider could benefit from scrutiny in looking at the Committee’s Work Programme. These can be then given due consideration at the meeting.

Useful hyperlinks relating to the responsibilities of the Committee are as follows:-

·         Enabling Economic Growth Strategy – https://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/369382/Economic-development---Dorset-County-Council

·         State of Dorset Economy –https://apps.geowessex.com/stats/Reports/Topic/Economy

·         Cabinet Forward Plan - http://dorset.moderngov.co.uk/mgListPlans.aspx?RPId=137&RD=0

·         Cabinet decisions taken in previous 12 months - http://dorset.moderngov.co.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=137

The Committee considered its Work Programme and members had been actively

encouraged to give prior consideration  to what issues they thought could

benefit from scrutiny. The following items were identified:-

·         Members agreed, at minute 19(a) above, that the review of the County Council’s Parking Strategy and Policy be added to the Work Programme.

·         The Committee agreed that given the importance of connectivity to future economic growth, the status of the Digital Strategy including Broadband should be raised as a priority to Priority 1, for consideration at the next meeting in January 2017.

In order to complement previous work undertaken, the Service Director – Economy intended to report to the next meeting on what digital connectivity achievements had been made to date and how these successes had been realised – including the way in which improvements had been made to broadband provision at Ridge and Pulham. Members asked that BT, Open Reach, BDUK, local parish communities and school pupils be invited to attend the meeting to share their experiences so that the Committee might have a better understanding of what access to broadband meant to them; what progress was being made in the roll out programme and what obstacles were seen as preventing this. Understanding this more clearly would better inform the Committee on how full connectivity for the whole of Dorset might be finally achieved and by what means this might be.

The Committee saw this as a constructive process involving the community in helping shape and scope how this could be achieved and that Dorset Media be invited to actively draw the attention of the press to what the Committee were trying to do at that meeting.

The Committee were also provided with useful hyperlinks relating to the responsibilities of the Committee so that they might have a more meaningful understanding of what these entailed.

Resolved

That the Work Programme be updated, taking into account  the items identified above.

Reason for Decision

To involve communities directly with the democratic process and to meet the Corporate Aim of Enabling Economic Growth.

To answer any questions received in writing by the Chief Executive by not later than 10.00am on Friday 7 October 2016.

No questions were asked by members under Standing Order 20(2).