Meeting documents

To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the year 2017/18.

Resolved

That Councillor Ray Bryan be elected Chairman of the Committee for the year 2017/18.

To receive any apologies for absence from members.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Spencer Flower. Apologies were also received from Councillor Daryl Turner, Cabinet Member for Natural and Built Environment for his absence.

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 by members of disclosable pecuniary interests under the Code of Conduct.

(a)  To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2017.

(b)  To receive the notes of the Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee  - Learning and Skills Focus Group held on 29 June 2017 and to endorse the actions and outcomes proposed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2017 were confirmed and signed.

The notes of the Learning and Skills Focus Group meeting held on 29 June 2017 were received, with the actions and outcomes proposed to be put into practice, as necessary, endorsed.

The Service Director – Economy updated the Committee about what progress had been made since the meeting. He had met with Luke Rake - Principal at Kingston Maurward College -  and other educational providers and business leaders in discussing where there was considered to be gaps in skills and learning and what could be done to address this. Particular issues were raised about what availability there was to meet the needs of level 1/2/3 skill sets – particularly as a result of Brexit - and how this might be addressed. The Committee recognised that this skills shortage would have a direct bearing on the care, tourism and agricultural industries in particular and it was for all three tiers of Councils in Dorset to work in partnership to address this. The Committee asked that the Schools Forum and work based learning providers might also play their part in any future discussions as their input was much valued.

To receive any public questions and /or public statements or requests for public speaking under Stranding Order 21(2).

There were no public questions received at the meeting in accordance with standing order 21(1)

There was one public statement received at the meeting – from Len Mann – in respect of minute 38 - in accordance with Standing Order 21(2).

To note the Committee’s Terms of Reference and what they entail, as follows:-

Overview and Scrutiny Committees

·         Purpose: Delivering good outcomes for the residents and communities we serve through a constructive, proactive and objective approach to the consideration, scrutiny and review of policies, strategies, financial and performance issues.

·         Overview Function

-   To review and develop policy at the Committee's own initiative or at the request of the Cabinet or the Public Health Joint Board and make recommendations to the Cabinet, Joint Committee or the Full Council.

-   To oversee major consultations and make recommendations to the Cabinet, Joint Committee or the Full Council.

-   To give advice on any matters as requested by the Cabinet or the Joint Committee.

·         Scrutiny Function

-   To hold the Executive to account through a process that seeks and considers necessary explanations, information and evidence to ensure good outcomes for our residents and communities.

-   Through proactive scrutiny inquiry work, to contribute to improving the lives of our residents and communities, through an active contribution to the Council’s improvement agenda.

-   To scrutinise key areas of strategic and operational activity and, where necessary, make recommendations to the Full Council, Cabinet or Joint Committee in respect of;

·         Matters which affect the Council's area or its residents.

·         Performance of services in accordance with the targets in the Corporate Plan or other approved service plans.

·         To provide a clear focus on finding efficiency savings in accordance with requirements in the Council’s financial strategy.

·         To monitor expenditure against available budgets and, where necessary, make recommendations to the Cabinet or the Joint Committee.

·         To consider proposed budget plans, service plans and any other major planning or strategic statements and to make recommendations to the Cabinet or the Joint Committee.

Specific responsibilities for the Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee are:-

·         To exercise a proactive and effective overview and scrutiny of functions to ensure the effective delivery of those specific outcomes as contained in the Corporate Plan.

·         Outcome - To ensure that Dorset’s Economy is Prosperous

·          A thriving local economy provides us all with more opportunities as…..

-   New businesses thrive and existing businesses become more productive;

-   More people secure the employment opportunities of their choice;

-   Dorset’s residents are well educated, with the skills that Dorset’s employers need;

-   Good quality, affordable homes are available for Dorset’s people;

-   People and goods are able to move about the County safely and efficiently.

The Committee has the power to co-opt additional (non-voting) persons to provide routine and / or ad-hoc support to provide access to specific skills and knowledge.

To assist in a better understanding of what enabling economic growth entails, the attached hyperlinks might be of benefit:-   https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/article/369382/Economic-development---Dorset-County-Council

The Committee noted their Terms of Reference and what these entailed.

To take the opportunity to understand the purpose and aims of the Committee, these being set in context by the Lead Officer, the Director for Environment and the Economy and the Service Director – Economy, to include a summary of:-

·         what scrutiny entails and how this function should be applied;

·         understanding the purpose of the Committee and making sense of the part it plays in meeting the aims of the Corporate Plan;

·         the means by which this might be achieved;

·         an explanation of the State of Dorset Economy, the role of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and the relationship these will have with the Committee.

An opportunity will also be provided to meet principal officers and those relevant Heads of Service who will regularly service the Committee. 

With the aid of a visual presentation, the purpose and aims of the Committee were set in context by lead officers: namely the Director for Environment and the Economy; the Service Director – Economy; the Service Director – Environment; the Service Director Highways and Emergency Planning and the Head of ICT and Customer Services.

The way in which the Committee was designed to operate, what economic growth entailed and the issues for focus were drawn to the attention of the Committee. Officers provided an understanding of the purpose of the Committee and making sense of the part it played in meeting the aims of the Corporate Plan and the means by which this might be achieved. An explanation of the State of Dorset Economy, the role of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and the relationship these had with the Committee was also outlined. How the four Corporate Outcomes: safe; healthy; independent; prosperous - would benefit from a sustainable and prosperous economy was readily acknowledged.

Opportunities and challenges facing Dorset were outlined and the part productivity; employment rates; learning and skills; housing; infrastructure and the role that the environment played in all this was explained. The principle of an Economic Growth Strategy and the benefit this would bring was explained and members recognised the part the Committee had to play in making this a success.

The part that the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership played in influencing and enabling economic growth was drawn to the Committee’s attention. The success in achieving the Dorset Innovation Park (Enterprise Zone) at Winfrith Newburgh and the investment made in it was noted, as well as the importance of the Western Dorset Growth Corridor and what benefits this brought.

The importance of digital infrastructure and its availability in order to access

opportunities was seen to be essential in economic growth being successful and

every effort was being made to facilitate the provision of Superfast Broadband

throughout the County, which was demonstrated by the County Council’s continued

commitment towards this. It was acknowledged that universal provision of Superfast

Broadband was critical to the future economic prosperity of Dorset.

Officers explained that in enabling economic growth, consideration should be given to the part employment; housing; skills; infrastructure and the environment played and the relationship between these. Whilst sophisticated technological business played a critical part in how economic growth might be achieved, there was a need to

recognise the importance of what part other, more traditional, sectors played in this

across the County, with the likes of tourism; the rural sector, and natural resource exploration, extraction and production all playing their significant part in benefitting the economy. The viability of these would ensure that rural development was maintained, with investment being made to benefit the rural sector alongside other sectors of the economy.

The Committee recognised the part that the County Council was able to play in facilitating and enabling economic growth in partnership with the private sector, this being integral to what success could be achieved. There was an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To take the opportunity to assess what access there is to infrastructure across Dorset in order to stimulate and support economic growth in by physical, technological and digital means, including:-

·         Mobile Phone Coverage in Dorset – 4G /5G

To consider a report by the Head of ICT and Customer Services in determining what coverage there is, what can be done to improve this and by what means and to identify areas without a signal, what investment will be needed and how will this be provided.

·         Progress being made with the rollout of Superfast Broadband

Following the meeting on 27 January 2017, to receive a Powerpoint presentation by the Senior Project Manager to determine what progress is being made against identified objectives in respect of the rollout of Superfast Broadband.

·         Members’ ICT Toolkit

Acknowledgement of access to the Members’ ICT Toolkit for Superfast Broadband, what this entails and what it is designed to achieve.

Mobile Coverage

The Committee considered a report by the Head of ICT and Customer Services on the extent of mobile coverage in Dorset and what the County Council was doing to play their part in ensuring improvements were made to this. It was considered that sustained efforts should be made with mobile network operators, on a more regular and elevated basis, to assist them in their ability to improve 4G connectivity across the county.

It was acknowledged that as mobile digital communications were now an integral part of everyday life and essential for social integration and economic prosperity, there was a need for coverage to be as accessible as it could be. Good coverage was also essential to be able to address social and rural isolation and on health and safety grounds.

Officers explained what both 4G and 5G entailed and had to offer. The difference between the two technologies was explained - including their density of coverage; their speeds; and how each system could be readily applied. Whilst the challenges associated with the coverage of a rural county were recognised, there were alternative arrangements available which could be applied in certain circumstances to enhance coverage.

The prospect of using the County Council’s assets on which mobile infrastructure could be sited was acknowledged and would be pursued wherever practicable.

The Committee acknowledged that good 4G coverage was essential to enable public sector transformation to take place and how this could be applied in the delivery of services. Furthermore, satisfactory 4G coverage was essential in supporting key economic sectors grow and was particularly significant in the agricultural, advanced engineering and tourism sectors which would be directly enhanced with improved 4G coverage.

In ensuring that Dorset was seen to be a desirable business destination - where business could be done wherever necessary - it was seen to be essential that coverage was as good as it possibly could be. The Committee were pleased to learn what the County Council was doing to improve coverage and enhance its quality and that its commitment to improving coverage, with the development of its Mobile Project - with identified objectives, outputs and outcomes - going a long way towards achieving this.

Resolved

That having seen how improvements to mobile coverage were being delivered and what outcomes were being achieved, and having reviewed the sections set out in Section 5 of the report , the Committee were satisfied with what was currently being done.

Reason for Decision

To better understand mobile data coverage (4G) in Dorset and influence commercial plans for improved coverage of both 4G and, in time, 5G mobile data services.

Progress on Superfast Broadband

Arising from a commitment made at the Committee meeting on 25 January 2017- to update members on progress being made - with the aid of a visual presentation, the Committee took the opportunity to understand what progress was being made in implementing the County Councils’ Digital Infrastructure Strategy, what this entailed, how it was applied and the progress being made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To consider a report by the European Policy and Funding Officer.

The Committee considered a report by the Service Director – Economy on the implications of Brexit for the County Council in terms of policy and funding challenges and opportunities which would occur as a result of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. How Brexit was likely to affect the Council, and what arrangements were being put in place to address this was detailed in the report and expanded upon by the Service Director.

The Committee were provided with an understanding of what was being done by the Council in preparation for Brexit and what had been identified as areas of concern and interest. The risk to business interests; employment considerations; wage pressure; and financial pressure on health and care were seen to be of critical importance and it was considered that these should be addressed as a priority.

The way in which Brexit was likely to affect the fundamental practices of the United Kingdom was readily acknowledged and how the County Council was able to address those issues that directly affected it was of critical importance and not to be underestimated.  To ensure that services continued to be delivered as efficiently and effectively as they could be for economic prosperity to be assured, proposals were being drawn up for how to best address this, so that the Brexit process and what it entailed was as successful as it could be.

Given that legislation and regulations, economy, trade, public services, employment, education and the environment would all be fundamentally affected by Brexit, skilful management of the process would be needed to ensure that the outcome was beneficial to the United Kingdom and in its best interests. The Committee recognised that those qualities applied to the County Council as well, which had an important part to play in ensuring that Dorset’s best interests were met. The Committee were conscious that there were obviously limitations to what the County Council could influence but, where there was scope for this to be done, every effort should be made to ensure the Authority was in the best shape that it could be to be able to continue to bring success to Dorset.

Whilst some Councils and businesses elsewhere were awaiting greater certainty about how Brexit would materialise before committing resources to respond, it was considered that it would be in Dorset’s best interests to be as proactive as it could be in readiness for the opportunities and challenges which lay ahead.

Given this, the Committee were now being asked to endorse the formation of a Brexit Advisory Group so that the County Council could be as adaptable, flexible and receptive as it might be. This Group was designed to act as a means of optimising the opportunities and addressing those challenges to be faced. The People and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 11 October 2017 had considered this to be the right approach and the Committee thought likewise. Having the means to facilitate and enable Dorset’s businesses  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Prior to consideration by Cabinet on 18 October 2017, to consider a report by the Corporate Director for Environment and Economy.

The Committee considered a report by the Service Director – Economy to recommend that Cabinet agree to the publication, consultation and submission - to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government - of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Mineral Sites Plan and Waste Plan, together with the necessary associated amendment of the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme milestones. This agreement would form part of the overall agreement necessary from all three constituent authorities. The plans had been progressed in accordance with the Minerals and Waste Development Schemewhich set out key stages of plan preparation so that stakeholders were aware of when these were likely to occur.

In addition, the report sought Cabinet’s endorsement of a key evidence document -Residual Waste Management in the South West - which provided evidence of engagement by between Waste Planning Authorities across the South West in accordance with the statutory duty to cooperate.

As part of the recommendation, agreement was also being sought for authority to be delegated to officers to be able to make modifications throughout the Plans’ examination process so that it was able to be managed as effectively and practicably as possible.

With the aid of a visual presentation, the Committee were informed about the processes necessary for the development and delivery of both Plans and what these entailed, in that:-

·           The Waste Plan would establish the vision, objectives and spatial strategy for the development of waste management facilities in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole up until 2033, including specific sites.

·           The Mineral Sites Plan would identify specific sites and areas for mineral development needed to deliver the adopted Minerals Strategy which was adopted in May 2014.

What waste management facilities were proposed and why these were necessary was explained in detail by officers, including where these were to be situated; what needs these would meet and how this would be done.  Similarly, proposals for the extraction of minerals – aggregates, clays and building stone - was detailed for members understanding, including what the process entailed; the means by which it would be achieved; the need for the minerals; where the sites were; how and why they had been chosen; and why there was a need for a ‘landbank’ of minerals to be maintained; and how the winning and working of minerals could be best managed. 

Subject to the agreement of Cabinet and the relevant committees for Bournemouth and Poole, it was anticipated that consultation would begin during early December 2017 and last for a minimum of eight weeks. How the consultation would be conducted and the arrangements for this was explained by officers and detailed in their report.

The Committee heard from Mr Len Mann who expressed concern at the inclusion of a particular site, at Gallows Gore (PK-21) identified within the Minerals Plan for future extraction. He considered that this would adversely impact the visual amenity of the area, given that it was within the Dorset AONB, could adversely affect the quality of the water  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To consider the Outcomes Focused Monitoring Report – October 2017 by the Corporate Director for Environment and Economy.

With the aid of a visual presentation, the Committee considered the Outcomes Focused Monitoring report for the Corporate Plan 2017-18 and how the four Corporate Outcomes were designed to be met. As with previous monitoring reports the report included objective and measurable population indicators to measure theprogress being made towards outcomes so that these could be better understood, evaluated and influenced. Measures to evaluate how well a programme or service was doing was critical in the understanding of how successful it was.

The Performance Monitoring report now included performance measures designed to better analyse the County Council’s own contribution towards the four outcomes, along with an analysis of relevant risks from the Corporate Risk Register. What the County Council did played a significant part in meeting those outcomes. The Committee were asked to scrutinise the evidence and commentaries provided and decide if it was comfortable with the trends being shown. It was important that performance monitoring not only demonstrated what was being done and how it was being done, but why it was being done. It was important to understand what part the County Council was able to play in influencing the outcomes and to what extent.

The Committee asked a series of questions about the report’s detail and officers clarified the issues raised. Members were largely pleased to see what positive progress was being made, how this was being monitored and by what means issues were being addressed. For the County Council to be able to have an impact on the progress being made to achieve the desired outcomes there was a need to be doing the right things and this was recognised by members. This would, in turn contribute towards improvements in economic growth and enhanced prosperity. 

The Committee was also pleased to be given the opportunity to evaluate if the right things were being measured so that the right outcomes could be delivered. Officers welcomed any views members had on this.

Resolved

That the content of the report and what it was designed to achieve be noted, with any further views being made known direct to officers for their consideration.

Reason for Decision

The 2017-18 Corporate Plan provided an overarching strategic framework for monitoring progress towards good outcomes for Dorset. The Overview and Scrutiny committees provide corporate governance and performance monitoring arrangements so that progress against the corporate plan can be monitored effectively.

To consider the Committee’s Work Programme and to amend this, as necessary.

The opportunity was taken to assess the Work Programme and decide what needed to be considered and scrutinised by Committee in the upcoming months. Members noted what was being proposed for consideration at their January 2018 meeting and would contact officers direct with any views of their own of what further topics they felt needed consideration.

Noted

To answer any questions received in writing by the Chief Executive by not later than 10.00 am on 11 October 2017.

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

Resolved

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the business specified in minute 43 because it was likely that if members of the public were present there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing that information.

To consider a report by the Chief Financial Officer.

The Committee considered a joint report by the Director for Environment and the Economy and the Chief Financial Officer on the proposed revenue budget savings within the Environment and Economy Directorate for 2018/19, in providing an initial list of proposed ‘Forward Together’ savings to be required, which was estimated to be around £1.5m.

Consideration was given to options to achieve the required level of savings and the means by which this might be done, with a summary of this included at Appendix 1 of the report. Members were able to explore the options in more detail in discussion with the Service Directors.

The Committee recognised that whilst significant savings needed to be made, there was a disparity between the level of funding available and that which was necessary to be able to fulfil the delivery of services.  Members were conscious that, wherever practicable, standards of service delivery should be maintained and that, in order for this to be achieved, thought should be given as to how additional funding might be able to be generated. Officers confirmed that every effort was being made to optimise how income generation could be enhanced. This was already significantly contributing towards how services were able to be maintained and the Committee were assured that efforts would be maintained for this to be enhanced wherever practicable.

Suggestions were made about the working practices and technologies the Directorate might embrace to ensure that these were as efficient as they could be.

The Committee considered that, in their view, the critical issue of inadequate funding provision from Central Government needed to be addressed as a matter or urgency, as this remained wholly insufficient to be able to satisfactorily deliver the services Dorset residents’ required. Whilst it was understood that a new funding formula was currently being developed to address a more equitable funding allocation, the Committee maintained that Dorset MP’s had a responsibility to ensure that Dorset had sufficient funding to fulfil all its obligations and that they should be asked to play their part in securing this. The suggestion was made at an invitation should be extended to all Dorset MP’s to attend a future meeting to discuss this issue at first hand with members.  

Resolved

1.    That the initial list of proposed savings for the Environment and Economy Directorate for 2018/19 be acknowledged and noted.

 2.   That the savings and income generation ideas raised at the meeting be taken into account in the development of the 2018/19 Environment and Economy budget;

3.    That the risks associated with the achievement of savings and the impact on service delivery be understood.

4.    That consideration be given to inviting Dorset’s MP’s to a future meeting to discuss at first hand funding issues with members.

Reason for Decisions

To enable work to continue on refining and managing the County Council’s Budget Plan for 2018/19 and the overall three year MTFP period.