Agenda, decisions and minutes

Prior to the start of the meeting the Executive Director for Corporate Development made the following announcement: -

“It’s with great sadness that I announce the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Cllr Tony Ferrari who died last night, while out running – something he loved doing. I know you will join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Tony’s wife, Erika and all his family and friends.

There will be an opportunity to pay tribute to Tony at next month’s full council meeting, but for now, please stand with me for a moment of reflection.”

All those present stood for a moment of quiet reflection.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 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.

There were no declarations of interest to report.

To consider the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for December 2023 was received and noted.

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 either 1 question or 1 statement for each meeting.  You are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via MS Teams to read out your question and to receive the response.   If you submit a statement for the committee this will be circulated to all members of the committee in advance of the meeting as a supplement to the agenda and appended to the minutes for the formal record but will not be read out at the meeting. The first 8 questions and the first 8 statements received from members of the public or organisations for each meeting will be accepted on a first come first served basis in accordance with the deadline set out below.  Further information read Public Participation - Dorset Council

All submissions must be emailed in full to Kate.Critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  by 8.30am on Thursday 2 November 2023.

When submitting your question or statement please note that:

•         You can submit 1 question or 1 statement.

•         a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context.

•         It must be a single question and any sub-divided questions will not be permitted.

•         Each question will consist of no more than 450 words, and you will be given up to 3 minutes to present your question.

•         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.  

There were 6 questions and 3 statements from the public.  A copy of the full questions and the detailed responses were 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 2 November 2023.

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There were 3 questions from Councillors J Andrews, G Taylor, and B Bawden. Unfortunately, Councillor Taylor and Bawden were unable to attend the meeting to present their questions, but all the questions and responses were set out in Appendix 2 to these minutes.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities to present the report and set out the recommendation from Place and Resources Overview Committee of 5 October 2023.

(a)  That the DOG-related Public Spaces Protection Order be approved, as set out within the original report to Place and Resources Overview Committee of 5 October 2023, (starting at paragraph 1.2 of the report) and

(b)  That the PSPO be reviewed after the winter period by the appropriate committee with a focus on Lyme Regis Front Town Beach.

Reasons for the decision

To protect public health, safety and animal welfare.

To provide a new PSPO as required by the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

To assist with the efficient use of enforcement resources.

To recognise the public’s support, through the consultation responses, for certain restrictions required for public safety.

To recognise and implement the requirements of the Equality legislation.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities set out the findings from the Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) public consultation, as presented in the report.  In presenting the report she took this opportunity to thank officers for their work, to the Place and Resources Overview Committee for their contributions and all the people who had participated in the consultation process. 

The Portfolio Holder advised that she understood the difficulties that Lyme Regis had in balancing the needs of tourists against those of residents. However, it was appropriate to have consistency for all who use Dorset beaches during the winter.

The Portfolio Holder therefore proposed that (a) the DOG-related Public Spaces Protection Order be approved, as set out within the original report to Place and Resources Overview Committee of 5 October 2023 and (b) the PSPO be reviewed after the winter period by the appropriate committee with a focus on Lyme Regis Front Town Beach.

The amended recommendation was seconded by Cllr R Bryan.

In making this proposal, the Portfolio Holder advised that there wasn’t the evidence in place to indicate that the Lyme Regis front town beach had more family visitors than other coastal towns beaches. Nor was there evidence on increased fouling or dog attacks for that area. But she was mindful of the comments given regarding this issue by the Overview Committee and wanted to give reassurance to the locality that the situation would be monitored going forward. 

Non-executive members, including the Chairman of the Place and Resources Overview Committee, spoke in support of this proposal for the Lyme Regis front town beach and agreed that this was a fair compromise.

Cabinet members supported the proposal because it was important to have a fair approach across the Dorset Council area and failure to have a consistent approach could cause confusion to visitors. However, they supported the opportunity to review the decision in respect of Lyme Regis front town beach to ensure that it was fair and correct.

Decision

(a)           That the DOG-related Public Spaces Protection Order be approved, as set out within the original report to Place and Resources Overview Committee of 5 October 2023, (starting at paragraph 1.2 of the report) and

(b)           That the PSPO be reviewed after the winter period by the appropriate committee with a focus on Lyme Regis Front Town Beach.

Reasons for the decision

To protect public health, safety and animal welfare.

To provide a new PSPO as required by the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

To assist with the efficient use of enforcement resources.

To recognise the public’s support, through the consultation responses, for certain restrictions required for public safety.

To recognise and implement the requirements of the Equality legislation.

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

(a)  That the senior leadership team’s forecast of the full year’s forecast outturn for the Council, made at the end of Quarter 2, including progress of the transformational and tactical savings incorporated into the budget, be noted.

(b)  That Cabinet identify the priority areas for changes to be made to close the in-year budget gap.

(c)  That Portfolio Holder’s work with officers to continue to identify and develop further in-year efficiencies and savings to minimise use of reserves.

(d)  That the capital programme for 2023/24 and updated capital plan for 2023/24 – 2027/28 be noted.

Reason for the decision

The Council has responsibilities to deliver within its corporate plan and it must do this within the resources made available through the revenue and capital budgets for 2023/24.  This report summarised the Council’s forecast financial performance for the year at the end of the second quarter.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy set out the Quarter 2 financial management report. He advised members that the council was forecasting a net budget pressure of £11.985m which represented 3.4% of the council’s budget requirement (£347.6m).  Overall, the Quarter 2 position had worsened by £1.6m since Quarter 1. He further reported that the Place Directorate remained the area under the most pressure due to inflation issues and the impact on the cost of travel.

The Portfolio Holder advised that he could not, at this point, give assurance for the outcome for the full year.  Cllr G Suttle proposed the recommendation, and this were seconded by Cllr L Beddow.

In response to questions and comments from non-executive members, the Portfolio Holder and the Executive Director for Corporate Development confirmed that:-

·       In respect of travel costs, officers were working on route optimisation to see how the council could reduce costs by getting children to school safely, but at a lower cost. The Portfolio Holder hoped to see some reduction in these costs by the 3rd Quarter. However, it was acknowledged that this was also a national problem.

·       In respect of the reserves there was approximately £140m of earmarked reserves, some of which could be repurpose if it was required.

·       Officers’ assessments indicated that the council was in a high-risk financial situation, and this was the internal messaging being passed on to staff. However, Dorset Council was not on any government high-risk financial list because the council currently had a healthy level of reserves in place.

·       The transformation programme under “our Future Council” would be fundamental shift in how services were provided by the council, and in doing so would make efficiencies and savings.

·       That, outside of the meeting the Portfolio Holder and Section 151 officer would meet with the Chairman/Vice Chairman of Scrutiny to discuss the budget shortfall.

Cabinet members acknowledged the current position and supported the recommendations.

Decision

(a)           That the senior leadership team’s forecast of the full year’s forecast outturn for the Council, made at the end of Quarter 2, including progress of the transformational and tactical savings incorporated into the budget, be noted.

(b)           That Cabinet identify the priority areas for changes to be made to close the in-year budget gap.

(c)           That Portfolio Holder’s work with officers to continue to identify and develop further in-year efficiencies and savings to minimise use of reserves.

(d)           That the capital programme for 2023/24 and updated capital plan for 2023/24 – 2027/28 be noted.

Reason for the decision

The Council has responsibilities to deliver within its corporate plan and it must do this within the resources made available through the revenue and capital budgets for 2023/24.  This report summarised the Council’s forecast financial performance for the year at the end of the second quarter.

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

(a)  That the updated cost pressures set out in this paper and the validation work that has been carried out on them, be noted.

(b)  That the assumptions being used in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), be agreed.

(c)  That the financial gap arising from (a) and (b) above be noted.

(d)  That 2024/25 principles for budget setting, be agreed.

(e)  That the approach to closing the budget gap set out in this paper, recognising that this is work in progress, be noted.

(f)    That Cabinet continue to press local MPs and work with peers to press the case for additional funding.

(g)  That Portfolio Holders work with officers to continue to identify and develop further efficiencies and savings.

(h)  That the next steps and timetable leading up to the 2024/25 budget which would presented to full Council on 13 February 2024, to be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

Councils were required by law to set a balanced budget. Essentially this means that expenditure is balanced by income without unsustainable use of one-off, or short-term sources of finance.

The report before Cabinet on 7 November 2023 provided an update on the budget gap for 2024/25 and the subsequent years of the MTFP and gave an update on progress on action/savings to date including the 2023/24 forecast performance against budget.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy set out the report providing a framework for the budget for 2024/25 and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2024-2029. 

It was proposed by Cllr G Suttle seconded by Cllr R Bryan

Decision

(a)           That the updated cost pressures set out in this paper and the validation work that has been carried out on them, be noted.

(b)           That the assumptions being used in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), be agreed.

(c)           That the financial gap arising from (a) and (b) above be noted.

(d)           That 2024/25 principles for budget setting, be agreed.

(e)           That the approach to closing the budget gap set out in this paper, recognising that this is work in progress, be noted.

(f)             That Cabinet continue to press local MPs and work with peers to press the case for additional funding.

(g)           That Portfolio Holders work with officers to continue to identify and develop further efficiencies and savings.

(h)           That the next steps and timetable leading up to the 2024/25 budget which would presented to full Council on 13 February 2024, to be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

Councils were required by law to set a balanced budget. Essentially this means that expenditure is balanced by income without unsustainable use of one-off, or short-term sources of finance.

The report before Cabinet on 7 November 2023 provided an update on the budget gap for 2024/25 and the subsequent years of the MTFP and gave an update on progress on action/savings to date including the 2023/24 forecast performance against budget.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy presented a report that recommended to Council the adoption of a new Council Tax Reduction Scheme. It was proposed that a simplified banded/income approach, as set out in the report should be implemented as the scheme for Dorset Council.

It was proposed by Cllr G Suttle seconded by Cllr S Gibson.

Recommendation to Council

That the new Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2024/25 be adopted with effect from 1 April 2024.

Reason for the recommendation

Each year the Council is required to review its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme in accordance with the requirements of the schedule 1A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and to either maintain the scheme or replace it.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities.

(a)  Cabinet endorsed the progress made on the Our Future Council programme, Phase 1, as described in section 1.4. of the report to Cabinet on 7 November 2023.

(b)  That the continued expansion of Phase 1 to deliver identified and further savings across the organisation, aligned to the activity described in section 1.4. 3. of the report, be approved.

(c)  That the initiation of Phase 2 of Our Future Council programme aligned to and in support of the ongoing budget process and medium-term financial strategy, be endorsed.

(d)  That existing governance in place, to oversee the programme as it develops, through the council’s performance board and Our Future Council Programme Steering Group and officer board, be acknowledged.

(e)  That an update report on Phase 2 progress be received in early 2024.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council has embarked on an ambitious programme called 'Our Future Council' putting our customers first and exploring new ways of working. The primary goal of this programme was to bring about sustainable change and create a streamlined, digital and unified customer experience, resulting in better outcomes at a lower cost.

The council aims to move beyond convergence and comprehensively review how it is organised. Central to this transformation was a renewed emphasis on our priorities, customers, and communities, with a resolute commitment to placing people and outcomes above our internal organisational boundaries and bureaucracy.   

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented a report providing an update on the current progress of the “Our Future Council” transformation programme. The Portfolio Holder sought endorsement for the work so far and approval to initiate the next phase of work to support addressing the council’s future financial challenges as set out in the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

The purpose of transformation was to fundamentally change and or redesign systems, processes, and services across the organisation to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and customer experience. And to support the council in delivering a balance budget.

A non-executive member spoke in support of the transformation programme with a particular focus on value for money and increased commercial approach.

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

Decision

(a)           Cabinet endorsed the progress made on the Our Future Council programme, Phase 1, as described in section 1.4. of the report to Cabinet on 7 November 2023.

(b)           That the continued expansion of Phase 1 to deliver identified and further savings across the organisation, aligned to the activity described in section 1.4. 3. of the report, be approved.

(c)           That the initiation of Phase 2 of Our Future Council programme aligned to and in support of the ongoing budget process and medium-term financial strategy, be endorsed.

(d)           That existing governance in place, to oversee the programme as it develops, through the council’s performance board and Our Future Council Programme Steering Group and officer board, be acknowledged.

(e)           That an update report on Phase 2 progress be received in early 2024.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council has embarked on an ambitious programme called 'Our Future Council' putting our customers first and exploring new ways of working. The primary goal of this programme was to bring about sustainable change and create a streamlined, digital and unified customer experience, resulting in better outcomes at a lower cost.

The council aims to move beyond convergence and comprehensively review how it is organised. Central to this transformation was a renewed emphasis on our priorities, customers, and communities, with a resolute commitment to placing people and outcomes above our internal organisational boundaries and bureaucracy.   

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help to present the report and set out he recommendation from People & Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023.

That the approach to the expansion of funded childcare offer from April 2024 be adopted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure compliance with statutory duties and any subsequent related statutory guidance to ensure there was sufficient childcare for working families.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help presented the report and set out the People and Health Overview Committee’s recommendation.

The report set out an overview of the implementation of a new national policy to increase the eligibility for funded early years education/childcare with the effect from April 2024. It also set out the implications for the council, and how it would support the sector to deliver the approach.

It was proposed by Cllr B Quayle seconded by Cllr A Parry

Decision

That the approach to the expansion of funded childcare offer from April 2024 be adopted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure compliance with statutory duties and any subsequent related statutory guidance to ensure there was sufficient childcare for working families.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help to present the report and the recommendation from People & Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023.

(a)  That the development of an agreed definition of care experienced for the purpose of making this a protected characteristic, be supported.

(b)  Cabinet agreed that ‘care experience’ would be treated as if it were a Protected Characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010 so that decisions on future services and policies made and adopted by Dorset Council were assessed and considered the impact on people with care experience.

(c)  That the amendment of Dorset Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2024 to reflect ‘care experience’ being treated as if it were a protected characteristic and the development of specific actions to reduce the disadvantage and discrimination that care experienced people face, be approved.

Reasons for the decision

Making care experience a protected characteristic would help to remove barriers to success for our care experienced young people and was in line with the recommendation to do so in the Independent Review of Children's Social Care, published in May 2022.

In setting out the report, the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help proposed the recommendation, as presented to People and Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023.

“Care Experience” was not classified as a protected characteristic and the term had no statutory basis but was an umbrella term used to refer to individuals who were, or had been, in care.  By treating care experience as if it was a protected characteristic, Dorset Council must actively and explicitly take the needs of this cohort into account in all future policy and decision making.

It was proposed by Cllr B Quayle and seconded by Cllr S Gibson

Decision

(a)           That the development of an agreed definition of care experienced for the purpose of making this a protected characteristic, be supported.

(b)           Cabinet agreed that ‘care experience’ would be treated as if it were a Protected Characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010 so that decisions on future services and policies made and adopted by Dorset Council were assessed and considered the impact on people with care experience.

(c)           That the amendment of Dorset Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2024 to reflect ‘care experience’ being treated as if it were a protected characteristic and the development of specific actions to reduce the disadvantage and discrimination that care experienced people face, be approved.

Reasons for the decision

Making care experience a protected characteristic would help to remove barriers to success for our care experienced young people and was in line with the recommendation to do so in the Independent Review of Children's Social Care, published in May 2022.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help to present the report and the recommendation from People & Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023.

That the approach to delivering the Families First for Children Pathfinder, as set out in the report to People and Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

Participation in the Pathfinder programme was a huge opportunity for Dorset to shape the national transformation of children and families strategy and policy and to ensure that Dorset Council was well placed to implement these policy changes when they were rolled out nationally.  Department for Education funding would be made available and would be used to support the required change. 

The Portfolio Holder for Childrens, Education, Skills and Early Help presented the report and the recommendations of the People and Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023.

The report set out an overview of the approach the council was taking to implement the Families First for Children Pathfinder delivering the Government’s Stable Homes, Built on Love Strategy.  He continued that this was an opportunity for Dorset to shape the national transformation of children and families strategy and policy, to ensure that Dorset Council was well placed to implement these policy changes when they were rolled out nationally.

It was proposed by Cllr B Quayle seconded by Cllr S Gibson

Decision

That the approach to delivering the Families First for Children Pathfinder, as set out in the report to People and Health Overview Committee of 17 October 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

Participation in the Pathfinder programme was a huge opportunity for Dorset to shape the national transformation of children and families strategy and policy and to ensure that Dorset Council was well placed to implement these policy changes when they were rolled out nationally.  Department for Education funding would be made available and would be used to support the required change. 

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

(a)  That the Council makes the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan 2022 – 2032 (as set out in Appendix A) part of the statutory development plan for the Chesil Neighbourhood Area.

(b)  That the Council offers its congratulations to Chesil Bank Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in producing a successful neighbourhood plan.

Reason for the decision

To formally make the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan 2022 - 2032 part of the statutory development plan for the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Area. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Councils and the Group on their success.    

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report and proposed the recommendations.  He confirmed that the Council had held a referendum on 28 September 2023 with the area covered by the referendum being the Civil Parishes of Portesham, Abbotsbury, Langton Herring and Fleet.  167 people (75.2%) voted in favour of the plan with 55 people (24.7%) voting against it.  The turnout was 19.8%.

Due to a regrettable error when administering the referendum one polling district was inadvertently excluded.  This meant that 35 residents who could have chosen to vote were unable to do so. If all 35 residents affected by the error had voted against the plan this would not have altered the outcome, but the Portfolio Holder acknowledged that it was important that all of those entitled to vote were able to do so.  Letters of apology had been sent to those affected and steps had been put into place to ensure that the error could not occur again.

As the local ward Member, Cllr M Roberts spoke in support of the recommendation.

It was proposed by Cllr D Walsh seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

(a)           That the Council makes the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan 2022 – 2032 (as set out in Appendix A) part of the statutory development plan for the Chesil Neighbourhood Area.

(b)           That the Council offers its congratulations to Chesil Bank Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in producing a successful neighbourhood plan.

Reason for the decision

To formally make the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan 2022 - 2032 part of the statutory development plan for the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Area. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Councils and the Group on their success.    

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

(a)  That the key issues upon which a detailed response be made to the Wiltshire Local Plan consultation as outlined in the report of 7 November 2023, be acknowledged.

(b)  That the responses to Wiltshire Council to the key issues be finalised in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

Reason for the decision

To input into the Wiltshire Local Plan as it moves towards examination thereby fulfilling the Council’s obligations under the Duty to Cooperate.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning set out the report regarding Dorset Council’s response to the consultation on the publication version (Regulation 19) of the Wiltshire Council Local Plan.

This was the final consultation stage in the production of the Wiltshire Local Plan prior to submission to the Secretary of State for examination in public. The initial response was set out in the appendix to the report, but due to tight timescales, it was proposed that the final detail should be agreed with the Portfolio Holder for Planning prior to being submitted to Wiltshire Council.

It was proposed by Cllr D Walsh seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

(a)           That the key issues upon which a detailed response be made to the Wiltshire Local Plan consultation as outlined in the report of 7 November 2023, be acknowledged.

(b)           That the responses to Wiltshire Council to the key issues be finalised in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

Reason for the decision

To input into the Wiltshire Local Plan as it moves towards examination thereby fulfilling the Council’s obligations under the Duty to Cooperate.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities.

Appendix 5 is exempt and is as set out below.

(a)  That the financial position of the project and progress to date be noted.

(b)  That the draft Order documents, including the latest draft Order Plan, as attached to the report of 7 November 2023, be agreed.

Reason for the decision

To deliver works approved be Cabinet to secure critical infrastructure in Blandford for the development of a strategic waste transfer facility in central Dorset which would provide the capacity to maximise the benefits of operational efficiency and resilience to provide business continuity.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities presented a report updating members on the finance and land acquisition for the new Blandford Waste Management Centre. The Portfolio Holder advised that this was an important site and negotiations had been taking place over a considerable amount of time. To date an agreement had not been reached.  Therefore, compulsory purchase powers were being sought to enable the project to progress if the land and necessary rights could not be acquired by agreement.

It was proposed by Cllr L Beddow and seconded by Cllr G Suttle.

Decision

(a)           That the financial position of the project and progress to date be noted.

(b)           That the draft Order documents, including the latest draft Order Plan, as attached to the report of 7 November 2023, be agreed.

Reason for the decision

To deliver works approved be Cabinet to secure critical infrastructure in Blandford for the development of a strategic waste transfer facility in central Dorset which would provide the capacity to maximise the benefits of operational efficiency and resilience to provide business continuity.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Levelling Up.

Appendix 3 is exempt and is set out below.

(a)  That the successful bid to the Levelling Up fund and the approach and progress to date, be noted.

(b)  That the sum of £3.5m, be allocated to match funding as proposed to Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DHLUC) in the Council’s LUF (Levelling Up Fund) Bid from the approved Capital Programme.

(c)  That subject to agreement of DHLUC, authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Levelling Up and the Executive Director of Corporate Development, the decision to reallocate Levelling Up Funds from the proposed New Bond Street scheme to Weymouth Bowl site scheme, and other sites as appropriate.

(d)  That a further report to agree the approaches to development on the relevant sites be presented to a future meeting of Cabinet.

Reason for the decision

This decision brings members up to date on the progress of the Weymouth Waterside Regeneration bid to the Levelling Up Fund and takes the next steps to allow further progress.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Levelling Up presented a report setting out the progress of the successful Weymouth Waterside Regeneration bid and sought commitment from Cabinet to match fund to the project. 

The Portfolio Holder paid tribute to Cllr T Ferrari for all the work that he had carried out towards the project to date. He also acknowledged his contribution in obtaining the successful Levelling Up fund bid.

In response to comments from the local ward member and the Chairman of the Harbours Advisory Committee, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the paper focused on the long-term prosperity for Weymouth as well as short-term wins.

It was proposed by Cllr S Gibson seconded by Cllr A Parry.

Decision

(a)           That the successful bid to the Levelling Up fund and the approach and progress to date, be noted.

(b)           That the sum of £3.5m, be allocated to match funding as proposed to Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DHLUC) in the Council’s LUF (Levelling Up Fund) Bid from the approved Capital Programme.

(c)           That subject to agreement of DHLUC, authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Levelling Up and the Executive Director of Corporate Development, the decision to reallocate Levelling Up Funds from the proposed New Bond Street scheme to Weymouth Bowl site scheme, and other sites as appropriate.

(d)           That a further report to agree the approaches to development on the relevant sites be presented to a future meeting of Cabinet.

Reason for the decision

This decision brings members up to date on the progress of the Weymouth Waterside Regeneration bid to the Levelling Up Fund and takes the next steps to allow further progress.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder(s) and Leader Members to report.

There were no referrals to report other than those already on the Forward Plan. Portfolio Holder reports were attached at Appendix 3 to these minutes.

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 consider passing the following recommendation:  

Recommendation  

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in the following items because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 3 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.  

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered. (Any live streaming will end at this juncture).  

Reason for taking the item in private

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  

Paragraph 4 - Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.  

Decision

That the press and the public be excluded for the following item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 & 4 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Reason for taking the item in private.

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  

Paragraph 4 - Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.  

The live streaming was concluded at this juncture.

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

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 7 November 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach for the acquisition of leased land at Woodleaze, Furzehill.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Assets presented the exempt report and its recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr A Parry and seconded by Cllr R Bryan

Decision

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 7 November 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach for the acquisition of leased land at Woodleaze, Furzehill.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Asset and Property.

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 7 November 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach for the proposed sale of the Clapcotts Farmstead, Spetisbury.  

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Assets presented the exempt report and its recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr A Parry and seconded by Cllr L Beddow

Decision

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 7 November 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach for the proposed sale of the Clapcotts Farmstead, Spetisbury. 

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 7 November 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach for grant funding from CIL for nitrogen mitigation, Poole Harbour Catchment.   

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the exempt report setting out the recommendations for decision.

It was proposed by Cllr D Walsh and seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 7 November 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach for grant funding from CIL for nitrogen mitigation, Poole Harbour Catchment.  

Exempt Appendix 5 associated with item 17 above “Blandford Waste Management Centre - Update on finance and land acquisition”

The exempt appendix associated with the report “Blandford Waste Management Centre – Update on finance and land acquisition” had been made available to members of Cabinet.  However, the meeting did not need to move into exempt business to discuss the information.

Exempt Appendix 3 associated with item 18 “Weymouth Regeneration - Levelling Up Funding and Approach” above.

The exempt appendix associated with the report “Weymouth Regeneration – Levelling Up Funding and Approach” had been made available to members of Cabinet.  However, the meeting did not need to move into exempt business to discuss the information.