Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Highways.

The committee received and considered a report of the Head of Highways, which provided information for the committee to undertake a review of the actions taken by the council to respond to the increased visitor demand in 2021, that was generated by pandemic guidance and the increase in ‘staycations’.

During discussion, points were noted in the following areas:

·            Further detail provided of how the Council worked to maximise commercial opportunities

·            Detail was provided on the role of the Dorset Council Operations Group and in particular, issues around camping on beaches

·            Regular briefings were provided to the relevant portfolio holders and lead members

·            The success of partnership working between the council and other agencies

·            Further information provided on the items listed in the table at 11.1 of the report (additional services provided)

·            Further consideration of parking issues was required

·            Detail of work undertaken through the Local Resilience Forum and work with partners including town and parish councils

·            Reference made to trigger points for the escalation of alert levels

·            Plans were being put in place to manage visitor numbers during 2022, which would include learning from 2021

·            Funding issues were being reviewed with the Executive Director of Place and Executive Director of Corporate Development

·            A particular request was made for continued funding for the communications campaign in this area

·            In addition, there was a request for a further report on progress with planning for 2022 tourism, to include an invitation to representatives of the emergency services.

It was proposed by M Roberts seconded by D Tooke

Decision

i)               That the committee have reviewed the response by the council to increased visitor demand during 2021 as set out in the report and summarised in the notes above

ii)              That the committee have tested and challenged any assumption or proposed course of action as part of the scrutiny role and summarised in the notes above

iii)            That the committee understand the gaps that remain at this stage in terms of the expectations for the response to anticipated increased visitor demand in 2022 and the risks this represents

iv)            That the committee request that the Director of Place consider securing proposed funding requirements for Summer Operational planning 2022 including funding for the Communication Strategy

v)             That a report is provided to the committee following the February Half-term and Easter holiday periods, on the progress of Summer Operations and an invitation be extended to representatives of the emergency services to provide their perspectives and future response plans.

The Executive Director of Place, having heard the debate, confirmed the ‘minded to’ decision, under delegated powers on behalf of the informal meeting of the Place and Resources Overview Committee.