Decision details

To endorse Dorset’s Councils application to Visit England for the establishment of a Dorset Local Economy Partnership (LVEP). To endorse assuming the role of Accountable Body for the proposed LVEP and to delegate authority to the Executive Lead for Place, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet, to agree the terms of any partnership agreement and governance arrangements.

(a)               That Cabinet supports Dorset Council applying to VisitEngland for the establishment of a Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)

(b)               That Cabinet endorse Dorset Council assuming the role of Accountable Body for the proposed LVEP.

(c)               That authority be delegated to the Executive Lead for Place, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet member and Section 151 Officer, to agree:

·       The terms of any LVEP agreement between Dorset Council and VisitEngland

·       The terms of any partnership agreement between Dorset LVEP members and

·       Dorset LVEP governance arrangements.

Reason for the decision

Following the government commissioned Du Bois review of Destination Management Organisations, direct government support through VisitEngland would be channelled exclusively through LVEPs. If Dorset wished to benefit from this support, it needed to be part of an LVEP.

Guidance from VisitEngland suggested an LVEP covering the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas was a suitable functional area of sufficient size for an LVEP. The Dorset Council area alone was not of sufficient scale.