Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

The following members declared an interest in respect of item 17 on the agenda ‘Council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties’ and indicated that they would leave the room during the discussion and voting on this item; Cllrs S Flower, G Carr-Jones, G Suttle, and D Walsh.

Cllrs T Coombs and N Lacey-Clarke also left the room for the consideration of this item.

Representatives of town or parish councils and members of the public who live, work, or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area are welcome to submit up to two questions or two statements for each meeting.  Alternatively, you could submit one question and one statement for each meeting.  

All submissions must be emailed in full to kate.critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 8.30am on Thursday 23 February 2023.   

When submitting your question(s) and/or statement(s) please note that: 

• no more than three minutes will be allowed for any one question or statement to be asked/read  
• a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context and this will be included within the three-minute period 
• please note that sub divided questions count towards your total of two 
• when submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g. the name of the committee or Portfolio Holder) 
• Include your name, address and contact details.  Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting. 
• questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda 
• all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.   

Dorset Council Constitution Procedure Rule 9 

There were 10 questions/statements from the public.  A copy of the full questions and the detailed responses are set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes.

To receive questions submitted by councillors.  

Councillors can submit up to two valid questions at each meeting and sub divided questions count towards this total.   Questions and statements received will be published as a supplement to the agenda and all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting. 

The submissions must be emailed in full to kate.critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  8.30am on Thursday 23 February 2023. 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There were 5 questions received from Councillors J Andrews, B Heatley, R Legg, C Sutton, and G Taylor; these along with the responses are set out in Appendix 2 to these minutes.

In response to supplementary question from Cllr C Sutton, The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services advised that as a separate piece of work, there was already several workstreams for community grants which were awarded to groups that supported young people and youth groups.

In response to a supplementary question from Cllr R Legg (asked by Cllr J Andrews in his absence) regarding comments about another local member, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that he would respond in writing, to the local member concerned, after the meeting.

In response to a supplementary question from Cllr G Taylor, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy advised that any item of expenditure that was over £500k must be considered by Cabinet for a decision.

In response to a supplementary question from Cllr B Heatley, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy advised that any additional expenditure that was outside of the agreed budget would need to come before Cabinet or Full Council and therefore would become approved expenditure.

To consider the draft Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Cabinet Forward Plan for March was received and noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

That, to support Dorset Council residents who were hardest hit by the current cost-of-living crisis, the proposed activity and funding from council reserves be approved.

Reason for the decision

Extensive support has been provided to Dorset Council residents over recent months to help them cope with the impact of rising prices, particularly affecting energy bills, fuel, food, and housing costs.

The proposed support should be seen as a preventative intervention that aimed to help households, families and individuals avoid falling into deeper crisis which could lead to consequences such as homelessness, debt, mental illness and so on.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services presented a report that set out proposals for various activities and schemes which would provide immediate and medium-term support to Dorset residents hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

The proposals, which were driven by data, were costed at £2m in total, to be funded from council reserves. The proposed activities and schemes would supplement the support provided to date by central government and by Dorset Council.  The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that there had been concerns about this piece of work not forming part of the 2023/24 budget proposal but considered it to be a stand-alone item.

Cllr L Beddow proposed the recommendation, and this was seconded by Cllr S Flower.

Non-executive members asked questions and made comments around Food security, energy efficiencies, prioritising community areas, and those most at need, the need to consider support to youth centres, in terms of revenue costs, and rural poverty and the lack of transport facilities in rural areas.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that extensive support had been provided to residents over recent months and the proposals within the report aimed to supplement the support provided to date by central government and Dorset Council.

Cabinet supported the proposals and recommendations within the report.

Decision

That, to support Dorset Council residents who were hardest hit by the current cost-of-living crisis, the proposed activity and funding from council reserves be approved.

Reason for the decision

Extensive support has been provided to Dorset Council residents over recent months to help them cope with the impact of rising prices, particularly affecting energy bills, fuel, food, and housing costs.

The proposed support should be seen as a preventative intervention that aimed to help households, families and individuals avoid falling into deeper crisis which could lead to consequences such as homelessness, debt, mental illness and so on.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

(a)           That the report from the Local Government Association (LGA) team be welcomed.

(b)           That the action plan, prepared in response to the findings set out in the LGA Peer Progress Review report (at appendix 2), be approved.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the Council acts on the LGA Peer Team’s recommendations.

The Leader of the Council presented a report on the outcome of a recent return invite from a Local Government Association (LGA) Peer team. The team was made of peers who had taken part in the Council’s previous peer challenges. A copy of the action plan was attached at appendix 2 of the report.

It was proposed by Cllr S Flower seconded by Cllr P Wharf

Decision

(a)           That the report from the Local Government Association (LGA) team be welcomed.

(b)           That the action plan, prepared in response to the findings set out in the LGA Peer Progress Review report (at appendix 2), be approved.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the Council acts on the LGA Peer Team’s recommendations.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder Corporate Development and Transformation.

That the Data and Business Intelligence Strategy and action plan be adopted.

Reason for the decision

1.  The strategy would drive forward the council’s ambition to evolve into a proactive data driven organisation.

2.  The strategy was aligned with the themes of the Councils Plan and positions data and BI as enablers to deliver all the council’s priorities.

3.  The approach to data and BI was approved by members of the two overview committees at an informal workshop on Wednesday 23 November 2022.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented a report on the Data and Business Intelligence (BI) Strategy which provided strategic direction to the next steps in the council’s ambition to place the use of data and intelligence at the core of decision making and policy development. There was a recognition that there was a need to evolve into a proactive data driven organisation to support effective and efficient decision-making which would improve outcomes for the people of Dorset.

It was proposed by Cllr J Haynes seconded by Cllr P Wharf

Decision

That the Data and Business Intelligence Strategy and action plan be adopted.

Reason for the decision

1.  The strategy would drive forward the council’s ambition to evolve into a proactive data driven organisation.

2.  The strategy was aligned with the themes of the Councils Plan and positions data and BI as enablers to deliver all the council’s priorities.

3.  The approach to data and BI was approved by members of the two overview committees at an informal workshop on Wednesday 23 November 2022.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy.

It was agreed:

(a)    To begin each of the procurement procedures listed in appendix 1 to the report of 28 February 2023.

(b)    That in each instance the further step of making any contract award should be delegated to the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holder, after consultation with the relevant Executive Director.

Reason for the decision

Cabinet is required to approve all key decisions with financial consequences of £500k or more. It is good governance therefore to provide Cabinet with a summary of all proposed procurements, that individually are estimated to be total value of £500k or more, prior to procurement procedures formally commencing.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy presented a report on the procurement forward plan – over £500k (2023-24).

It was proposed by Cllr G Suttle and seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

It was agreed:

(a)    To begin each of the procurement procedures listed in appendix 1 to the report of 28 February 2023.

(b)    That in each instance the further step of making any contract award should be delegated to the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holder, after consultation with the relevant Executive Director.

Reason for the decision

Cabinet is required to approve all key decisions with financial consequences of £500k or more. It is good governance therefore to provide Cabinet with a summary of all proposed procurements, that individually are estimated to be total value of £500k or more, prior to procurement procedures formally commencing.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health.

(a)       That the strategies as presented, to shape activity for the coming years on the development of the local adult social care system, be adopted.

(b)       That the suggested priorities for co-production work for the coming year be noted.

Reason for the decision

If people were to be able to engage meaningfully with the council about the future of social care, it was important that there was a clear account of the Council’s view on future priorities. This should not be set in stone but having a clear starting point for the discussion was central to the Council’s commitment to involve those who draw on support, its staff, local service providers, and partners. Additionally, it was important that there was a strategy in place that could help to shape the future decisions about the financial frameworks within which social care operates, particularly in the context of the interface with the care market during a period when it is under significant pressure.

Even with further work to be done, this set of documents outlined a current view on the future of care services and some of the priorities for their improvement, stabilisation, and development. The documents also sought to set out some interventions for the management of demand and the improvement of service quality.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health presented a report on the commissioning strategies for Adult Social Care 2023-2028. This included a period over autumn 2022, where a series of roadshows and other events were held to engage people in their development. Members also received a short presentation from the Commissioning Consultant (the PowerPoint is attached at appendix 3 to these minutes)

Cabinet members spoke in support of the data rich report and its recommendations but welcomed its fundamental focus on helping residents to live their idea of “A Better life”.

It was proposed by Cllr P Wharf seconded by Cllr A Parry

Decision

(a)       That the strategies as presented, to shape activity for the coming years on the development of the local adult social care system, be adopted.

(b)       That the suggested priorities for co-production work for the coming year be noted.

Reason for the decision

If people were to be able to engage meaningfully with the council about the future of social care, it was important that there was a clear account of the Council’s view on future priorities. This should not be set in stone but having a clear starting point for the discussion was central to the Council’s commitment to involve those who draw on support, its staff, local service providers, and partners. Additionally, it was important that there was a strategy in place that could help to shape the future decisions about the financial frameworks within which social care operates, particularly in the context of the interface with the care market during a period when it is under significant pressure.

Even with further work to be done, this set of documents outlined a current view on the future of care services and some of the priorities for their improvement, stabilisation, and development. The documents also sought to set out some interventions for the management of demand and the improvement of service quality.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

That a full response to the consultation questions, as set out in the appendix to the report of 28 February 2023, be sent to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. 

This response included welcoming those changes that gave greater weight to the development plan in decisions and that simplify the process of calculating five-year housing land supply requirements.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure that the Council could influence the direction of changes to national planning policy.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning set out the report and proposed the recommendation.  This was seconded by Cllr G Carr-Jones.

Decision

That a full response to the consultation questions, as set out in the appendix to the report of 28 February 2023, be sent to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. 

This response included welcoming those changes that gave greater weight to the development plan in decisions and that simplify the process of calculating five-year housing land supply requirements.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure that the Council could influence the direction of changes to national planning policy.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holders for Culture, Communities and Customer Services; Corporate Development and Transformation; and Economic Growth, Assets & Property.

Please note that Appendix 1 is an exempt appendix.

(a)       That a market engagement to obtain expressions of interest for leasing of all the site, be approved.

This engagement is to be open to any operators that have interest in the opportunity, with the aim to attract operators with experience in accessing leisure grant monies and could maximise the leisure offer within Verwood community for existing and future leisure users.

(b)       That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property and after evaluation of the expressions of interest (short-listing interviews and the undertaking of due diligence and best offer consideration) to select a preferred party and agree with them the terms of a new lease.

Reason for the decision

To promote and assist in the delivery of improved leisure facilities through investment funds not available to Dorset Council. To retain the freehold of the site and to deliver the improvements by way of a new lease and if necessary, an additional agreement referring to investment by the preferred bidder.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services presented a report on behalf of the Portfolio Holders for Corporate Development and Transformation and Economic Development, Assets and Property.

The aim of the proposals was to develop and provide improved sporting facilities for the benefit of the local community through partnership working. This would assist the council to further enhance the green space offering and proved health and wellbeing benefits to non-sporting users across the Verwood community.

The Local Ward Member, Cllr T Coombs expressed her support for the report and its proposals but asked that the project be progressed as quickly as possible once the market engagement had been completed.

It was proposed by Cllr L Beddow seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

(a)       That a market engagement to obtain expressions of interest for leasing of all the site, be approved.

This engagement was to be open to any operators that have interest in the opportunity, with the aim to attract operators with experience in accessing leisure grant monies and could maximise the leisure offer within Verwood community for existing and future leisure users.

(b)       That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property and after evaluation of the expressions of interest (short-listing interviews and the undertaking of due diligence and best offer consideration) to select a preferred party and agree with them the terms of a new lease.

Reason for the decision

To promote and assist in the delivery of improved leisure facilities through investment funds not available to Dorset Council. To retain the freehold of the site and to deliver the improvements by way of a new lease and if necessary, an additional agreement referring to investment by the preferred bidder.

To receive an update from the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation.

(a)   That the refreshed Digital Dorset Vision updated delivery plan attached to the report of 28 February 2023, be adopted.

(b)   That the Place and Resources Overview Committee be asked to examine the role and potential benefits of a Digital Infrastructure Strategy for Dorset.

(c)    In the meantime the roles of a Local Authority Digital Champion and Digital Co-ordinator as envisaged in Government guidance be confirmed with the Portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation and the Service Manager for Digital Place.

Reason for the decision

The delivery plan has been updated to reflect progress over the last 18 months and to align with our refreshed council plan outcomes:

·       digital connectivity is widely available.

·       we work together as ‘one Dorset Council’, with partners to provide easy to access, responsive services that meet the needs and expectations of our customers.

·       we develop our use of data and insights to support evidence-led decisions and targeted and timely delivery of our services to improve outcome.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented a report on the Dorset Council’s refreshed Digital Vision Update. She highlighted the progress that had been made to date, including the inward investment into Dorset for digital innovation and connectivity programmes.

It was proposed by Cllr J Haynes and seconded by Cllr L Beddow

Decision

(a)   That the refreshed Digital Dorset Vision updated delivery plan attached to the report of 28 February 2023, be adopted.

(b)   That the Place and Resources Overview Committee be asked to examine the role and potential benefits of a Digital Infrastructure Strategy for Dorset.

(c)    In the meantime the roles of a Local Authority Digital Champion and Digital Co-ordinator as envisaged in Government guidance be confirmed with the Portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation and the Service Manager for Digital Place.

Reason for the decision

The delivery plan has been updated to reflect progress over the last 18 months and to align with our refreshed council plan outcomes:

1.             Digital connectivity is widely available.

2.             We work together as ‘one Dorset Council’, with partners to provide easy to access, responsive services that meet the needs and expectations of our customers.

3.             We develop our use of data and insights to support evidence-led decisions and targeted and timely delivery of our services to improve outcome.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help to present the recommendation of People and Health Overview Committee of 31 January 2023.

That the following policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admissions Arrangements and Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-25 for school place allocations from September 2024 be approved and adopted:

(a)    Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme Timetable 2024-2025

(b)    Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-2025

(c)    Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-2025

(d)    In Year Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-2025

(e)  Admissions Arrangements for Community & Voluntary Controlled Schools 2024-2025.

(f)    Admissions to Maintained Nursery Units Policy 2024-2025

(g)  Sixth Form Admissions Policy 2024-2025

(h)  Guidance on Placement Outside of Normal/Chronological Age Group 2024-2025

(i)    Armed Forces Policy 2024-2025

Reason for the decision

To determine admissions arrangements in accordance with statutory requirements including the Schools Admissions Code September 2021.

To ensure compliance with the latest legislation and any subsequent regulation/statutory guidance.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help set out the recommendations from the People and Health Overview Committee of 31 January 2023.

It was proposed by Cllr A Parry seconded by Cllr D Walsh

Decision

That the following policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admissions Arrangements and Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-25 for school place allocations from September 2024 be approved and adopted:

(a)    Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme Timetable 2024-2025

(b)    Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-2025

(c)    Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-2025

(d)    In Year Co-ordinated Scheme 2024-2025

(e)  Admissions Arrangements for Community & Voluntary Controlled Schools 2024-2025.

(f)    Admissions to Maintained Nursery Units Policy 2024-2025

(g)  Sixth Form Admissions Policy 2024-2025

(h)  Guidance on Placement Outside of Normal/Chronological Age Group 2024-2025

(i)    Armed Forces Policy 2024-2025

Reason for the decision

To determine admissions arrangements in accordance with statutory requirements including the Schools Admissions Code September 2021.

To ensure compliance with the latest legislation and any subsequent regulation/statutory guidance.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help to present the recommendation of the People and Health Overview Committee on 31 January 2023

That there be a 15% increase to the overall payment for Dorset foster carers and supported lodging carers.

Reason for the decision

To progress work to ensure that foster carers and supported lodgings carers receive financial uplift in their overall payment to support sufficiency of Dorset Council carers and ensure carers were suitably financially rewarded for the invaluable role they play for our children in care and care leavers. Successful recruitment and retention of foster carers would support the health and wellbeing of our children in care and result in cost efficiencies for the Council through the reduced use of high-cost residential placements.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help presented the recommendation from People and Health Overview Committee of 31 January 2023.

It was proposed by Cllr A Parry seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

That there be a 15% increase to the overall payment for Dorset foster carers and supported lodging carers.

Reason for the decision

To progress work to ensure that foster carers and supported lodgings carers receive financial uplift in their overall payment to support sufficiency of Dorset Council carers and ensure carers were suitably financially rewarded for the invaluable role they play for our children in care and care leavers. Successful recruitment and retention of foster carers would support the health and wellbeing of our children in care and result in cost efficiencies for the Council through the reduced use of high-cost residential placements.

The following members left the room for the debate and decision in respect of minute 118 below: Cllrs S Flower, G Carr-Jones, G Suttle, and D Walsh.

The Monitoring Officer took this opportunity to remind members that any councillor, including non-executive councillors, who had an interest in the following item, as they owned an additional property in Dorset, should also withdraw from the meeting.

Cllrs T Coombs and N Lacey-Clarke also left the room for the debate and decision of minute 118 below.

Cllr P Wharf (Vice-Chairman in the Chair)

The Deputy Leader of the Council to present the recommendation of the Place and Resources Overview Committee on 9 February 2023

The Deputy Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health advised that, the report before them derived from the proposed legislation within the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that acknowledged some of the impact that second and empty homes could have on communities.

The proposed changes would allow councils to place a council tax premium on second homes and permit a 100% premium on empty properties at an earlier one-year commencement point.

The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that the proposals had caused concern from some second homeowners, and he invited the Head of Revenues and Benefits to set out some ‘frequently asked questions’ in respect of this matter. (These would also be circulated to members after the meeting).

However, it was also recognised that this matter was linked to housing issues, including the levels of people on the housing register and the number of people living in temporary accommodation and homelessness.

The Portfolio Holder appreciated the cross-party support of the Place and Resources Overview Committee for the report and welcomed their additional recommendations.

Cllr P Wharf proposed the recommendations, and this was seconded by Cllr L Beddow.

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services advised that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was currently at the committee stage of Parliament, and it was not clear when it would be enacted. However, the government had made it clear that, as a billing authority, if the council wished to adopt any of the flexibilities on council tax, a determination must be made by Full Council at least 12 months prior to the financial year in which the changes were to take effect. If members wished any changes to take effect in 2024, a decision must be made by the end of March 2023. If the Bill was not enacted by the end of March 2023, any flexibilities could not be put into place until 2025.

Non-executive members asked several detailed and technical questions with the majority supporting the proposals in the report. In respect of a question around having a exact percentage within recommendation (c), the Portfolio Holder agreed that he would discuss this with the Executive Director for Corporate Development prior to the report coming forward to Full Council.

At this juncture it was proposed by Cllr J Haynes and seconded by Cllr T Ferrari that in accordance with Procedure Rule 8.1 the meeting should be extended beyond the three-hour threshold to complete the business on the agenda.  Upon being put to the vote this was unanimously agreed.

In continuing the discussion, Cabinet members agreed that there was recognised data on the impact of rural communities in respect of second homes and noted that the delivery of services in shire authorities did come at a premium.  In addition, the council received lower levels of central government funding and therefore they unanimously supported the recommendations.

Recommendation to Full Council

(a)   That Full Council approve the following additional council tax premiums to be applied from 1 April 2024, or as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

The Leader of the Council in the Chair

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services to present the recommendation from Place and Resources Overview Committee of 9 February 2023.

(a)   That the Consultation and Engagement Policy be approved

(b)   That the Consultation and Engagement Protocol be adopted as a baseline standard for all consultations and engagement activity delivered to Dorset Council residents, with any minor adjustments to be authorised by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation

(c)   That consideration be given to the potential creation of a database of community groups and individuals that are frequently in contact with hard-to-reach groups, in order to promote consultation and engagement.

(d)   That the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee be asked to undertake a review of the effectiveness of the Consultation and Engagement Policy and Protocol, after 18 months of implementation.

Reason for the decision

Prior to Dorset Council there was an adopted Consultation and Engagement Policy from a sovereign council. As part of the harmonisation work, a transformation programme of the Consultation and Engagement function is being conducted, of which the policy and internal protocol were key elements to underpin the standards. It was deemed imperative there was a minimum set of standards and defined consistent process for how Dorset Council conducts consultations and engagement with our residents.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented a recommendation from the Place and Resources Overview Committee of 9 February 2023.

In response to a question from the Chairman of Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the time of 18 months for a review was set out to allow for appropriate results to be obtained before any review took place.

It was proposed by Cllr J Haynes and seconded by Cllr L Beddow

Decision

(a)   That the Consultation and Engagement Policy be approved

(b)   That the Consultation and Engagement Protocol be adopted as a baseline standard for all consultations and engagement activity delivered to Dorset Council residents, with any minor adjustments to be authorised by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation

(c)   That consideration be given to the potential creation of a database of community groups and individuals that are frequently in contact with hard-to-reach groups, in order to promote consultation and engagement.

(d)   That the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee be asked to undertake a review of the effectiveness of the Consultation and Engagement Policy and Protocol, after 18 months of implementation.

Reason for the decision

Prior to Dorset Council there was an adopted Consultation and Engagement Policy from a sovereign council. As part of the harmonisation work, a transformation programme of the Consultation and Engagement function is being conducted, of which the policy and internal protocol were key elements to underpin the standards. It was deemed imperative there was a minimum set of standards and defined consistent process for how Dorset Council conducts consultations and engagement with our residents.

To receive a verbal update from Dorset Care Leavers Cabinet Lead Member – Councillor Andrew Kerby.

Cllr A Kerby, Cabinet Lead member for Safeguarding and Sustainable Aquaculture, addressed the meeting in respect of the council’s statutory responsibility to support Care Leavers up to the age of 25 and in their role as Corporate Parents. There were currently 293 care leavers and councillors were also corporate grandparents to a further 83 children in Dorset Council’s care. 

He took this opportunity to remind members of the areas where improvements were required within the care leaver offer and reported on the work of the Care Delivery Group. He further reminded portfolio holders to consider care leavers in all aspects of their work and policy development. 

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 recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items considered at the meeting.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following items in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

It was proposed by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

That the press and the public be excluded for the following 3 item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property.

That recommendations 1 to 3 as set out within the exempt report of 28 February 2023 be approved.

Reason for the decision

To approve a delivery approach for this project.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets & Property presented the exempt report and set out its recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr T Ferrari and seconded by Cllr P Wharf

Decision

That recommendations 1 to 3 as set out within the exempt report of 28 February 2023 be approved.

Reason for the decision

To approve a delivery approach for this project.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

That recommendations 1 to 2(as amended) as set out within the exempt report of 28 February 2023 be approved.

Reason for the decision

As part of the Council’s work to address the climate and ecological emergency there is a programme of public electric vehicle ChargePoint (EVCP) installation.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment presented the exempt report and set out the recommendations, including an amendment to recommendation 2 “for delegated authority to include consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment and the Public Electric vehicle Charging Infrastructure Programme Board”.

It was proposed by Cllr R Bryan seconded by Cllr G Carr-Jones

Decision

That recommendations 1 to 2 (as amended) as set out within the exempt report of 28 February 2023 be approved.

Reason for the decision

As part of the Council’s work to address the climate and ecological emergency there is a programme of public electric vehicle ChargePoint (EVCP) installation.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety.

That the detail set out in recommendations 1 to 4 of the exempt report of 28 February 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree to receive DLUHC grant funding to support the acquisition of 30 family homes. 

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety presented the exempt report and the recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr G Car-Jones and seconded by Cllr L Beddow

Decision

That the detail set out in recommendations 1 to 4 of the exempt report of 28 February 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree to receive DLUHC grant funding to support the acquisition of 30 family homes. 

Exempt Appendix 1 is associated with item 13 “ Potterne Park, Verwood, Dorset.

The exempt appendices associated with the report ‘Potterne Park, Verwood Dorset’ had been made available to members of the Cabinet.  However, the meeting did not move into exempt business to discuss the information.