Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2025 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.

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 [email protected]  by 8.30am on Monday 6 October 2025

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 two questions and two statements received from the public.  A copy of the full questions and the detailed responses are set out in Appendix 1 of 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 [email protected]  8.30am on Monday 6 October 2025. 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There were no questions from Councillors to be considered at this meeting.  

To consider the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for November 2025 was received and noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for the Corporate Development and Transformation.

(a)           That the update for Our Future Council including commitment to the financial and strategic context for transformation following initial consultation, be noted.

(b)           That the high-level delivery plan, enabling Dorset Council to continue delivering critical improvements, modernising services, and preparing the organisation for future challenges and opportunities, be noted.

(c)           That the use of reserves to fund the investment of £12.4m in 2025/26, be approved:

·       £7.93m in H2 2025/26 plus additional procurement costs which must be committed to up-front totalling £4.47m.

·       Allocation of budget required as detailed in section 6 of the report to Cabinet 9 October 2025, released incrementally every 6 months. This includes investment required for internal and external capacity and skills, delivery of technology including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), contact centre, automation and AI and corporate bookings.

The incremental release required for October 2025 to March 2026 is:

·       ERP: £1.65m plus commitment to 3 years procurement costs for SI and licensing of product to the value of £2.98m (out of a total of £14.23m over 3 years).

·       Contact Centre: £1.55m plus commitment to software licencing to the value of £0.99m and contracting of product team to the value of £0.5m (out of a total of £5.64m over 3 years).

·       Extension of existing automation technology, Ui path: £0.057m (out of a total of £0.25m over 3 years).

·       Whole council booking solution: £0.075m (£0.385m over 3 years).

·       Internal resource: £2.1m for Transformation Management Office.

·       Redundancy costs: £2.5m for voluntary and compulsory redundancies

(d)           That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Corporate Development and Section 151 Officer to procure and award contracts for the following (within the budget defined in paragraph 1.3 and section 6 of the Cabinet report to 9 October 2025):

·       Strategic implementation partner for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) at a total contract value of £2.1m, licensing costs of the new product to a total value of £0.98m

·       Digital product team for contact centre of £0.5m for H2 2025/26 and commitment up front to £0.99m in licensing costs over 3 years.

(e)           That the strengthened governance and leadership arrangements, with regular engagement, leadership, and oversight provided by the Chief Executive, Cabinet, and the wider Members Steering Group, supported by the Design Authority, be noted.

(f)             That investment requests, be made to Cabinet every six months as needed and as set out at section 4.3 of the Cabinet report of 9 October 2025, be agreed, with monthly monitoring by the cross-party Members Transformation Steering Group including:

·       Delivery progress

·       Evidence of benefits realisation and substantiated savings

·       An updated request for the next investment increment, aligned to programme milestones

Reason for the decision

To confirm Dorset Council’s transformation strategy, reaffirming our commitment to delivering Our Future Council as a whole-council, cross-cutting programme. This approach reflects the revised financial and strategic context and builds on the significant progress made over the past year.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Development and Transformation set out a comprehensive update on Dorset Council’s transformation programme, Our Future Council (OFC).

The update included a funding request of £12.4 million to support planned technology developments, specifically relating to the customer hub automation and the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programme. The report also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to delivering a whole-council operating model, supported by phased investment, enabling technologies, and strengthened governance. Cabinet was asked to approve the next phase of investment to support delivery of modern, efficient, and sustainable services.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Development and Transformation advised that the Member Steering Group played a key role in reviewing decisions emerging from the Design Authority, ensuring that member input into the customer aspect of the transformation programme were designed effectively for the organisation.  The Corporate Director confirmed that the Design Authority was officer-led with broad representation across the organisation for service design, workforce planning and organisational development supporting a “one council approach”. The Cabinet Member also confirmed that despite some changes in strategy the redundancy timetable remained on track.

Whilst external support was required initially, the aim was to reduce reliance on third parties over time by developing sustainable in-house expertise. In reinforcing the importance of this approach, the Chief Executive, highlighted that as a modern, technology-dependant organisation, Dorset Council must invest in growing its own skills and capacity, to ensure long term sustainability beyond the life of the programme.

In response to a question regarding the budget process, the Chief Executive confirmed that the budget process would be aligned with the investment plan, the OFC programme and the implementation of the ERP system, which was essential to achieving a clear financial line of sight. She also noted that the budget process should be used to uncover opportunities for transformation which might be delivered by OFC in the future. 

It was proposed by Cllr B Wilson and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

(a)           That the update for Our Future Council including commitment to the financial and strategic context for transformation following initial consultation, be noted.

(b)           That the high-level delivery plan, enabling Dorset Council to continue delivering critical improvements, modernising services, and preparing the organisation for future challenges and opportunities, be noted.

(c)           That the use of reserves to fund the investment of £12.4m in 2025/26, be approved:

·       £7.93m in H2 2025/26 plus additional procurement costs which must be committed to up-front totalling £4.47m.

·       Allocation of budget required as detailed in section 6 of the report to Cabinet 9 October 2025, released incrementally every 6 months. This includes investment required for internal and external capacity and skills, delivery of technology including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), contact centre, automation and AI and corporate bookings.

The incremental release required for October 2025 to March 2026 is:

·       ERP: £1.65m plus commitment to 3 years procurement costs for SI and licensing of product to the value of £2.98m (out of a total of £14.23m over  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.

That the Post Inspection Action Plan be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council had a statutory duty to deliver effective safeguarding services and improve outcomes for children in care and care experienced young people. The impact of an effective Children’s Services contributed to the ‘communities for all’ priority in the Council Plan.

The report provided assurance that Children’s Services were continuing to learn from inspections and improve services to the communities of Dorset.

The Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education and Skills reminded members that following Ofsted’s ILACS inspection in March, Dorset’s Children’s Services were rated Outstanding overall with care leavers graded Good. Strong progress was being made with the Post Inspection Action Plan, especially enhancing support for care experienced young people and young parents.

The report also provided assurance that the Council would continue to learn, improve, and deliver for Dorset’s children and families.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton and seconded by Cllr S Robinson

Decision

That the Post Inspection Action Plan be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council had a statutory duty to deliver effective safeguarding services and improve outcomes for children in care and care experienced young people. The impact of an effective Children’s Services contributed to the ‘communities for all’ priority in the Council Plan.

The report provided assurance that Children’s Services were continuing to learn from inspections and improve services to the communities of Dorset.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.

That the Aspire Adoption annual report 2024/25 be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council had a duty under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 to establish and maintain an adoption service for its area. Dorset Council along with BCP Council discharges this duty through a delegation of functions to Aspire Adoption, a Regional Adoption Agency.

Cabinet received the annual report from Aspire Adoption, the Regional Adoption Agency for Dorset and BCP Councils. The report outlined key achievements including improved adoption timeliness, increased adoption orders and effective post-adoption support.

Cabinet members were asked to note the report as evidence of Aspire’s continued high-standard delivery of statutory adoption services.

Noted

That the Aspire Adoption annual report 2024/25 be received and noted.

Reason for the note

Dorset Council had a duty under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 to establish and maintain an adoption service for its area. Dorset Council along with BCP Council discharges this duty through a delegation of functions to Aspire Adoption, a Regional Adoption Agency.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth.

(a)           That the draft ‘Get Dorset and BCP Working Plan’, be approved for publication.

(b)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to undertake any minor changes to the Working Plan needed during its lifetime.

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to assign any remaining funding from the Government allocation to deliver outcomes identified in the Get Dorset and BCP Working Plan.    

(d)           That the Connect to Work Plan, be approved.

(e)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to undertake any minor changes to the Connect to Work Plan needed during its lifetime.

Reason for the decision

The Get Dorset and BCP Working Plan, and supporting Connect to Work programme, would enable Dorset Council to help address challenges related to labour market participation and progression.

In addition to being a government requirement, development and implementation of the Plan would help realise key ambitions of the Council’s Plan and supporting Economic Growth Strategy and Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy, particularly around productivity, investment and skills needed for both today’s economy and the proposed future expansion of key sectors including clean energy.

The Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth outlined the Council’s role in leading the regional implementation of the national “Get Britain Working” initiative, which aimed to boost employment and reduce economic inactivity through a joint plan with BCP Council, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Integrated Care Board.

In response to questions regarding funding, members were advised that the Council had received £125,000 from central government to pull together this work and a range of further works which would go on beyond the initial project.  The Chamber of Commerce had also been commissioned to assist with delivering the project through the local skills and innovation partnership.

It was proposed by Cllr R Biggs and seconded by Cllr C Sutton

Decision

(a)           That the draft ‘Get Dorset and BCP Working Plan’, be approved for publication.

(b)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to undertake any minor changes to the Working Plan needed during its lifetime.

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to assign any remaining funding from the Government allocation to deliver outcomes identified in the Get Dorset and BCP Working Plan.    

(d)           That the Connect to Work Plan, be approved.

(e)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to undertake any minor changes to the Connect to Work Plan needed during its lifetime.

Reason for the decision

The Get Dorset and BCP Working Plan, and supporting Connect to Work programme, would enable Dorset Council to help address challenges related to labour market participation and progression.

In addition to being a government requirement, development and implementation of the Plan would help realise key ambitions of the Council’s Plan and supporting Economic Growth Strategy and Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy, particularly around productivity, investment and skills needed for both today’s economy and the proposed future expansion of key sectors including clean energy.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth.

That the Farms Estate Strategy be adopted for a ten-year period, enabling the Council to deliver a structured, sustainable, and future-focused approach to the management of its agricultural holdings.

Reason for the decision

The previous strategy expired in 2021, and the need for a new framework had been crystallised by changes in national agricultural policy and the Council’s adoption of the Strategic Asset Management Plan. The new strategy provided clarity of purpose, aligned with statutory obligations under the Agriculture Act 1970, and supported the Council’s wider ambitions for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development.

Cabinet received a report proposing a new 10-year strategy for the management of Dorset Council’s Farms Estate. The strategy set out a refreshed vision for the estate, building on the previous 2016–2021 plan and aligning with the Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan adopted in October 2024. The Farms Estate was recognised as an asset that contributed to Dorset’s rural economy, environmental goals, and community wellbeing. The strategy aimed to ensure the estate was managed sustainably, supported new entrants into farming, and delivered long-term benefits for residents and the wider environment.

The Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Development thanked the members of the Farms Executive Advisory Panel for their involvement and support in producing the strategy.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Chairman of the Dorset Tenant Farmers Association had submitted a statement in respect of the item, and this had been published with the agenda papers.

Most members who addressed Cabinet supported the report and the strategy attached to it. However, concerns were expressed about the potential future disposal of any part of the farm estate and the need that important financial investment wouldn’t be met. The Cabinet Member confirmed that capital receipts could not be ring-fenced, but a business case would be submitted for any identified investments needed within the farm estate. This would be considered alongside other competing priorities.

In response to questions about food security, the Cabinet Member advised that as part of the Council Plan, the Council had an aspiration that 70% of Council Farms would be managed using sustainable farming practices that balance food production and nature by 2030.

Decision

That the Farms Estate Strategy be adopted for a ten-year period, enabling the Council to deliver a structured, sustainable, and future-focused approach to the management of its agricultural holdings.

Reason for the decision

The previous strategy expired in 2021, and the need for a new framework had been crystallised by changes in national agricultural policy and the Council’s adoption of the Strategic Asset Management Plan. The new strategy provided clarity of purpose, aligned with statutory obligations under the Agriculture Act 1970, and supported the Council’s wider ambitions for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

Part 1 – That the previously set timescale milestone for the award of s106 funding to Shaftesbury Town Council, be extended as follows:

(a)           That the timescale condition requiring the completion of all necessary information required by condition, extended to 9 June 2026.

(b)           That the commencement of work on-site, extended to: 9 July 2026

That the appraisal of further information required by the conditions be agreed by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, and any subsequent transfer of funds (and land) be made under the relevant officer delegation in accordance with the s106 protocol process. Failure to comply with either milestone extension would result in referral to Cabinet for further consideration.

Part 2 – That provision for up to 10% of the current total award value of £919,563 be available for early drawdown prior to the new milestone deadlines, to support the recovery of costs to-date and future expenditure relating to the refinement of the design.

Any further expenditure which required payment via the early draw down must be agreed in advance with Dorset Council. To ensure that the amount spent against the10% early drawdown was monitored and not exceeded.

Reason for the decision

To increase the level of flexibility in the award of s106 funding to Shaftesbury Town Council to support delivery of important community infrastructure at Mampitts Green, Shaftesbury.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning outlined a progress report for the Mampitts Green community facilities project in Shaftesbury, for which s106 developer contribution funding had previously been conditionally awarded. Cabinet was asked to approve the extension of key milestones and the release of up to 10% of the total award to enable the Town Council to progress to the technical design stage.

In response to a question, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning confirmed that officers would continue to liaise with the Town Council and their project management representatives to address the requirement of the project.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr N Ireland.

Decision

Part 1 – That the previously set timescale milestone for the award of s106 funding to Shaftesbury Town Council, be extended as follows:

(a)           That the timescale condition requiring the completion of all necessary information required by condition, extended to 9 June 2026.

(b)           That the commencement of work on-site, extended to: 9 July 2026

That the appraisal of further information required by the conditions be agreed by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, and any subsequent transfer of funds (and land) be made under the relevant officer delegation in accordance with the s106 protocol process. Failure to comply with either milestone extension would result in referral to Cabinet for further consideration.

Part 2 – That provision for up to 10% of the current total award value of £919,563 be available for early drawdown prior to the new milestone deadlines, to support the recovery of costs to-date and future expenditure relating to the refinement of the design.

Any further expenditure which required payment via the early draw down must be agreed in advance with Dorset Council. To ensure that the amount spent against the10% early drawdown was monitored and not exceeded.

Reason for the decision

To increase the level of flexibility in the award of s106 funding to Shaftesbury Town Council to support delivery of important community infrastructure at Mampitts Green, Shaftesbury.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing presented the report and recommendation of the People and Health Overview Committee of 15 September 2025.

(a)           That the Empty Homes Strategy be adopted.

(b)           That the recommendation from People and Health Overview Committee of 15 September 2025, be noted and considered as part of the Council’s planned work to prepare the budget for the coming financial year and ongoing capital programme.

Reason for the decision

To enable officers to work towards implementing the content of the Empty Homes Strategy, bringing long term empty homes back into beneficial use to meet the corporate aims of the Council and the aims of its Housing Strategy January 2024 to January 2029 - Dorset Council.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing set out the proposal to adopt Dorset Council’s Empty Homes Strategy, which set out a formal approach to bringing long-term empty properties back into use. The strategy supported the Council’s Housing Strategy and wider corporate objectives and included both advisory and enforcement tools.

In presenting the recommendations, the Cabinet Member advised that the People and Health Overview Committee’s recommendation to maintain the strategy’s budget and increase staffing capacity was noted and would be considered during the budget planning process.

In response to a question about turning empty business properties into homes, the Cabinet Member agreed to investigate this idea.  In response to a further comment, the Executive Director for Place advised that officers collaborated to align work on policies and strategies, to ensure that economic and housing strategies are not produced in isolation of each other.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor and seconded by Cllr B Wilson

Decision

(a)           That the Empty Homes Strategy be adopted.

(b)           That the recommendation from People and Health Overview Committee of 15 September 2025, be noted and considered as part of the Council’s planned work to prepare the budget for the coming financial year and ongoing capital programme.

Reason for the decision

To enable officers to work towards implementing the content of the Empty Homes Strategy, bringing long term empty homes back into beneficial use to meet the corporate aims of the Council and the aims of its Housing Strategy January 2024 to January 2029 - Dorset Council.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing to present a report and the recommendations from the People & Health Overview Committee on 15 September 2025.

That the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28 be approved.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the Council met its statutory duty under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 relating to preparing and publishing a domestic abuse strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing presented the revised Dorset Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2028 prepared in accordance with statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The strategy outlined the Council’s continued commitment to supporting victims and their families in safe accommodation, informed by updated needs assessments and a whole systems approach.

The People and Health Overview Committee at its meeting on 15 September, recommended the Domestic Abuse Strategy for approval.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor seconded by Cllr S Robinson

Decision

That the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28 be approved.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the Council met its statutory duty under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 relating to preparing and publishing a domestic abuse strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care presented a report and the recommendation of People & Health Overview Committee of 15 September 2025.

(a)           That Dorset’s application for Age Friendly accreditation by the World Health Organisation (WHO), be endorsed.

(b)           That the integration of Age-Friendly principles into whole council strategy and planning considerations including Adult Social Care locality practice, commissioning and strategic planning, be endorsed.

(c)           That, through the Council’s OFC programme (Commissioning & Procurement & Community Partnerships Programmes), age friendly principles, be integrated into design of infrastructure, transport, housing, and public spaces.

(d)           That Dorset promotes Age Friendly Communities through local charities, businesses, faith groups, and local councils.

Reason for the decision

According to recent research, nearly one-third of Dorset’s population is aged 65 or over, significantly higher than the national average of 19%, with a median age of 52 compared to 40.5 nationally. Dorset also had the highest proportion of residents aged 85+ in the UK, and an old age dependency ratio of 537 (vs. 297 nationally), meaning there were 537 people aged 65+ for every 1,000 working-age adults.

As a result, Dorset Council faced growing financial pressures, with adult social care accounting for £159.6 million, over 38% of the 2025/26 net budget. Rising demand, particularly for complex care, combined with limited national funding, highlights the urgent need for preventative approaches. Delivering community programmes, such as Age Friendly Communities offered a strategic solution to reduce future demand, delay formal care, and improve outcomes, whilst delivering long-term sustainability and value.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care set out the progress in developing Age Friendly Communities under the “Communities for All” priority of the Council Plan 2024-29. With 30% of residents aged 65 and over, Dorset faced significant demographic and financial pressures, particularly in adult social care. In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member shared a short information video.

Members were advised that the Council had registered its intent to become an Age Friendly County with the Centre for Aging Better, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s eight domain framework.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member confirmed that the work and paper was enabling, and the approach was evidence-led, community-driven, and designed to deliver long-term sustainability, inclusion, and cost avoidance across health and care systems.

Cabinet welcomed the report and the Age Friendly Communities programme.

It was proposed by Cllr S Robinson and seconded by Cllr C Sutton

Decision

(a)           That Dorset’s application for Age Friendly accreditation by the World Health Organisation (WHO), be endorsed.

(b)           That the integration of Age-Friendly principles into whole council strategy and planning considerations including Adult Social Care locality practice, commissioning and strategic planning, be endorsed.

(c)           That, through the Council’s OFC programme (Commissioning & Procurement & Community Partnerships Programmes), age friendly principles, be integrated into design of infrastructure, transport, housing, and public spaces.

(d)           That Dorset promotes Age Friendly Communities through local charities, businesses, faith groups, and local councils.

Reason for the decision

According to recent research, nearly one-third of Dorset’s population is aged 65 or over, significantly higher than the national average of 19%, with a median age of 52 compared to 40.5 nationally. Dorset also had the highest proportion of residents aged 85+ in the UK, and an old age dependency ratio of 537 (vs. 297 nationally), meaning there were 537 people aged 65+ for every 1,000 working-age adults.

As a result, Dorset Council faced growing financial pressures, with adult social care accounting for £159.6 million, over 38% of the 2025/26 net budget. Rising demand, particularly for complex care, combined with limited national funding, highlights the urgent need for preventative approaches. Delivering community programmes, such as Age Friendly Communities offered a strategic solution to reduce future demand, delay formal care, and improve outcomes, whilst delivering long-term sustainability and value.

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 item(s) No 18 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).  

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr C Sutton

Decision

That the press and the public be excluded for the following item 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).

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).  

The live streaming was concluded at this juncture.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing.

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report be approved.

Reason for the decision

To allow a more managed approach to the phasing of capacity and necessary procurement activity.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing presented the exempt report and proposed the recommendation.  This was seconded by Cllr S Clifford.

Decision

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report be approved.

Reason for the decision

To allow a more managed approach to the phasing of capacity and necessary procurement activity.