Meeting documents

An apology for absence was received from Cllr Rebecca Knox.

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

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 16 January 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 January 2019 were confirmed and signed.

Public Speaking

Public questions were received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(1) from David Redgewell, South West Transport Network/Bus Users South West to the Cabinet Member for Natural and Built Environment in relation to Bus Services and Rail Station Access.  The questions and answers are attached to these minutes as an annexure.

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

Petitions

There were no petitions received at the meeting in accordance with the County Council’s Petition Scheme.

To receive the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Cabinet considered the draft Forward Plan, which identified key decisions to be taken by the Cabinet on or after the next meeting.  It was noted that the lead Cabinet Member for the Bridport Care Village item was Cllr Jill Haynes and not Cllr Tony Ferrari.

Noted

To receive an update from the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Education, Learning and Skills.

The Cabinet considered a joint report by the Cabinet Member for Economy, Education, Learning and Skills and the Cabinet Member for Natural and Built Environment which provided an update on SEND transport following the Cabinet meeting held on 5 December 2018 regarding a new approach and reassurance for families and councillors.

Cllr Andrew Parry explained that there was a visionary opportunity to understand and develop SEND transport provision to suit individual needs for users and in some cases provide greater or full independence though broader options being made available, with a primary focus on the social impact upon service users. The next stage would be to undertake a pilot scheme and for data to be obtained regarding the logistical, welfare and financial aspects of the service.  It was clarified that people who had the most needs would continue to receive the highest level of support.

A question was received from Cllr Nick Ireland in relation to engagement regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport.  The question and answer are attached to these minutes as an annexure.  In addition to the answer provided, it was noted that a relationship had been established with the Dorset Parents Campaign for SEND Children and that a meeting was due to be held on 8 March 2019.

Noted

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Natural and Built Environment.

The Cabinet considered a report by the Cabinet Member for Natural and Built Environment on the production and adoption of five-year Management Plans for the Cranborne Chase AONB and the Dorset AONB.  It was noted that the Plans would be considered by Dorset Council later in the year.

Resolved

1. That the Dorset AONB Management Plan be adopted.

2. That the Cranborne Chase AONB Management Plan be adopted.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that the statutory responsibilities in relation to the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were met.

To consider the following recommendations:

The following recommendations were considered:

Recommendation 8 - Proposed Puffin Pedestrian Crossing - Bristol Road, Sherborne

The Cabinet considered a recommendation in relation to a Puffin pedestrian crossing on B3145 Bristol Road, at the northern end of Sherborne, in facilitating the crossing of the road by a controlled means, across the main route to Wincanton and the A303 trunk road.

Resolved

That the provision of a Puffin pedestrian crossing in Bristol Road, Sherborne, on the basis of the amended scheme shown on drawing number HI 1178-08-01-Orig at Appendix 3 to the report and taking account of the observations made by the Committee, be supported.

Reason for Decision

To provide a crossing point by a controlled means to facilitate pedestrian movements and improve road safety following requests from local schools and support by Sherborne Town Council.

Recommendation 9 - Proposed Residents' Parking Scheme - Stourbank Road, Christchurch

The Cabinet considered a recommendation in relation to a proposed resident’s parking scheme for Stourbank Road, Christchurch to provide for limited parking for 1 hour, with no return within 1 hour, Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm, except for resident permit holders.

Resolved

That the parking scheme with limited waiting for 1 hour, Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm, no return within 1 hour, in Stourbank Road, Christchurch except for resident permit holders be progressed as advertised.

Reason for Recommendation

Prior to advertising the proposal, 71% of residents in Stourbank Road supported the petition and was supported by Christchurch Borough Council. Dorset County Council policy states at least 60% was required. Therefore, the necessary criteria for the implementation of resident’s parking schemes had been met and the percentage threshold well exceeded. Stourbank Road led to Twynham School entrance, used by vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The school had a sixth form and, as a result, both pupils and teachers were using local roads to park throughout the day time, often inappropriately.

Recommendation 4 – Outcome of Children’s Services Review

The Cabinet considered the findings and recommendations following the Children's Services Inquiry Day held on 15 January 2019.  Cllr David Harris, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, highlighted that the review was undertaken on a cross party basis with Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.  The report would also be considered by the Shadow Executive Committee at its meeting on 11 March 2019.

Cllr Harris summarised the recommendations and welcomed progress which had been made on a number of areas already, which included:

·      A further £5.8m funding had been allocated by the Shadow Dorset Council to the Children’s Services budget for 2019/20.

·      The induction arrangements included specific reference to SEND, which would be delivered at a high level initially and then on more detail after the elections.

·      That the SEND transport review report considered earlier in the meeting started to address the priority for service provision to have an in-depth review.

·      Communications and timelines suggestions had been recognised and were integral to ongoing development.

It was acknowledged that as the County Council would no longer exist after 31 March 2019, there was a need to ensure that the work continued and that the Executive Director, People (Children) was asked to keep progress moving forward into the new Council. Consideration of social care needs as part of the rationalisation and management of assets for Dorset Council was also highlighted as a particular area of focus.  Cllr Butler clarified that Children’s Services did not stop when the new Council started and that existing strategic plans, improvement plans, partnership working and developing new ways of working would continue.

In relation to partnership working, Cllr Haynes indicated that there was a high level of consideration given to adults by the Systems Partnership Board, and that there was a need to ensure that there was more of a focus on the whole-life of service users. She indicated that she would raise the issues contained within the recommendations at the next meeting in April 2019.

Cllr Harris was congratulated for managing the Inquiry Day and reporting back on the outcomes.  Appreciation was also expressed to all participants of the Inquiry Day.

Resolved

That the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board be supported and that the Executive Director, People (Children’s) be asked to continue to address the areas outlined within the recommendations for Dorset Council.

To receive the minutes of the following meetings:

The Cabinet received the following minutes from panels and boards:

Cllr Jill Haynes, as Chairman of the Tricuro Executive Shareholder Group, clarified that minute 6 had been subsequently updated at the following meeting of the Group held on 5 February 2019 which replaced the recommendation with a resolution.

Noted

Noted

Cllr Jill Haynes confirmed that the Joint Public Health Board would continue to operate for a further year and would be discussed by the new Dorset Council in due course.

Noted

Noted

Noted

To answer any questions received in writing by the Chief Executive by not later than 10.00am on Friday 1 March 2019.

The Cabinet received a question from Cllr Jon Andrews to the Cabinet Member for Finance in relation to Pensions Asset Investment.  The question and answer are attached to these minutes as an annexure.

To consider passing the following resolution:

To agree that in accordance with Section 100 A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting in relation to the business specified below it is likely that if members of the public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs detailed below of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Resolved

That in accordance with Section 100 A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting in relation to the business specified in minute 22 as it was likely that if members of the public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

To consider an exempt report from the Cabinet Member for Health and Care.

NOT FOR PUBLICATION

The Cabinet considered an exempt report by the Cabinet Member for Health and Care in relation to the Bridport Gateway Care Campus Development.  A summary of the history leading to this point was provided, which included consideration of a number of options and alternatives over many years and now arrived at a fantastic result.

It was noted that there was an imperative to progress the work and that as such delegations would be required to enable this to happen, and that the report would be considered by the Shadow Executive Committee at its meeting on 11 March 2019.

Members commended the report and congratulated officers for their excellent work.  It was also recognised that this project was the first of a number of similar projects in other areas across Dorset.

Resolved

1. That the preferred bidders identified in the Cabinet Member’s exempt report be appointed as set out, and contract negotiations be commenced.

2. That the decision to proceed on the basis of a 125 year lease, with a peppercorn rent for the initial 35 year period aligned with the service contract be approved.

3. That the buy-out of an option agreement between the County Council and Dorset Development Partnership on the land to the north of Flood Lane, Bridport and furthermore to dispose of the land to the north of Flood Lane, Bridport and the former Fisherman’s Arms site off South Street, Bridport be approved on terms to be agreed by the Director of Environment and Economy at Dorset County Council.

4. That the County Council’s general powers of competence be used to undertake these disposals at below market financial value, acknowledging the significant non-financial value that this development offers the Council.

5. That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Adults and Communities and the Chief Finance Officer to make decisions regarding the final Award of Contract to preferred bidders.

Reason for Decisions

1. The preferred bidders recommended achieved the highest aggregate score(s).

2. This approach to a final contract was determined to deliver the best overall financial benefit to the Council ensuring compliant procurement.

3. These sites were determined to be the preferred combination of sites for this use.

4. The contribution of Dorset County Council through the sale of the land at a market reduced price enabled long term value for money to be delivered for Dorset Council to discharge its social care and housing responsibilities. This was demonstrated through the affordable rent and bed prices within the contracts agreed.

5. The decision to award Contracts would need to be taken during May 2019, in the period following conclusion of local government elections and formation of the Cabinet for Dorset Council. This would ensure the full design, planning and build stage will progress according to the timescales set out in the Building Better Lives programme.