Agenda and minutes

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any public questions or statements on the business of the Shadow Overview and Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the procedure rules as set out in the Shadow Dorset Council Constitution.

There were no representations from members of the public.

To undertake a Call to Account as agreed by the committee at the meeting on 7 November 2018.

A brief introduction was provided by Councillor C Brooks, Vice-Chairman (in the Chair), as the Chairman Councillor T Jones indicated that he would not chair the meeting as he wished to take a full part in the meeting.

Members were informed that written statements had been received from:

·                Councillor Keith Day

·                Councillor David Rickard

·                Councillor David Harris

·                Verwood Town Council

·                Bridport Town Council

The following councillors had informed the Scrutiny Officer, prior to the meeting, that they wished to speak to the item.

Councillor C Reynolds, representing West Dorset District Council (WDDC), stated her belief that the same standards for transferring assets had not been upheld across the county, using the proposals WDDC had put forward to the Shadow Executive Committee as an example of this.

Councillor D Rickard, WDDC, stated that he believed the benefits of transferring assets in West Dorset had been ignored by the Shadow Council. He informed members that much of what had been proposed would have returned assets to their communities and be funded at a local level.

Councillor M Rennie stated that Dorchester Market was not an asset as it had been described in transfer documents, and that it was important historically for the town. Councillor Rennie believed that discussion should continue with Dorchester Town Council, so that not only the market continued beyond April 2019, but also so that relations with the current operator could continue.

Councillor Susie Hosford represented Dorchester Town Council and wished to express support for the previous statements.

Councillor D Harris stated he was representing Weymouth and Portland. Councillor Harris also stated he believed that initial discussions over transfer of assets had been clear that the Unitary Authority would not be taking on assets that did not contribute to its statutory functions. Councillor Harris stated that whilst he understood why an asset such as the crematorium in Weymouth should be run by the new authority, he did not understand why the seafront hotels owned by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council should be under the control of the new Dorset Council. Councillor Harris also stated that he believed the transferring of the car parks in Weymouth to the Town Council could also encourage its relationship of working with the Unitary Authority.

Will Austin, Clerk of Bridport Town Council, stated that he believed the Shadow Executive Committee had exceeded its powers by considering matters beyond physical assets and that the Shadow Council should not have a say in the £1.3 million reserve WDDC had earmarked for service/asset transfers. Mr Austin also stated that he did not believe the minutes of the meeting of the Shadow Executive Committee were accurate and that the actual debate was also inadequate, as there was no discussion of assets or revenue savings. Mr Austin also did not believe that Town/Parish Councils had been given any input into the Shadow Executive’s initial decision, or the Call to Account.

Councillor Alan Thacker expressed support for the statements that had already been given, and also wished to thank officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be specified in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.