Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2026 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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 Thursday 16 April 2026.

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 no questions/statements from the public for this meeting.

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 Thursday 16 April 2026. 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There were no questions from Councillors for this meeting.

To consider the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for May 2026 was received and noted.

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

That Cabinet:

(a)           Agree to allocate strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) based on the projects and values shown in appendix A of the report of 21 April 2026 noting each allocated project was subject to inclusion in the Capital Programme and the development of an appropriate business case, and

(b)           Commit up to £600,000 of future CIL income in the West Dorset charging area per year to the Lyme Regis Cobb project, for a period of two years (to 2028), and

(c)           Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Regeneration, Infrastructure and Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, to agree a contribution of strategic CIL for the West Parley Link Road project, to be secured from the balance of uncommitted strategic CIL in the East Dorset charging schedule.

The contribution was subject to evidence being submitted to the council of the cost of the project and development viability. It was further recommended that future CIL income from the East Dorset charging schedule be considered should it be required.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the delivery of important infrastructure to support growth and development.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning set out the report and its recommendations for the allocation of uncommitted strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to deliver essential infrastructure needed to support new development.

In response to a question, the Cabinet Member confirmed that he would be happy to meet with West Parley Parish Council in respect of the West Parley Link Road Project, at a suitable date in the future.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

That Cabinet:

(a)           Agree to allocate strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) based on the projects and values shown in appendix A of the report of 21 April 2026 noting each allocated project was subject to inclusion in the Capital Programme and the development of an appropriate business case, and

(b)           Commit up to £600,000 of future CIL income in the West Dorset charging area per year to the Lyme Regis Cobb project, for a period of two years (to 2028), and

(c)           Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Regeneration, Infrastructure and Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, to agree a contribution of strategic CIL for the West Parley Link Road project, to be secured from the balance of uncommitted strategic CIL in the East Dorset charging schedule.

The contribution was subject to evidence being submitted to the council of the cost of the project and development viability. It was further recommended that future CIL income from the East Dorset charging schedule be considered should it be required.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the delivery of important infrastructure to support growth and development.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement and the recommendation of the Place and Resources Overview Committee of 26 March 2026.

That the Dorset Cultural Strategy 2026 – 2031 be adopted.

Reason for the decision

The Cultural Strategy would help to increase the opportunities of securing new investment into Dorset and maximise the leverage value of the council’s own investment in arts, heritage and culture. This Cultural Strategy would be the foundation on which Dorset Council would set its own funding criteria, ensuring that all grant recipients were contributing to its priorities and ambition.

The Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement presented the Cultural Strategy 2026 – 2031, which had also been considered by the Place and Resources Overview Committee on 26 March 2026.

Culture played a vital role in enriching people’s lives and strengthening the places in which they lived. The new Cultural Strategy provided a framework to support and sustain the cultural infrastructure to deliver lasting social and economic benefits while helping to attract internal and external investment.

In response to questions about sports and leisure facilities, the Cabinet Member said that while these were important, he was satisfied they were already covered by existing strategies and there would further consideration through the Leisure Strategy review.

It was proposed by Cllr R Hope and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

That the Dorset Cultural Strategy 2026 – 2031 be adopted.

Reason for the decision

The Cultural Strategy would help to increase the opportunities of securing new investment into Dorset and maximise the leverage value of the council’s own investment in arts, heritage and culture. This Cultural Strategy would be the foundation on which Dorset Council would set its own funding criteria, ensuring that all grant recipients were contributing to its priorities and ambition.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council, Climate, Performance and Safeguarding.  

That the methodology for setting the price for Poole Harbour nitrogen permanent credits (as set out in appendix 1) be agreed and allow for a discretionary adjustment of up to 10% to be applied, with authority delegated to the Executive Director of Place to respond appropriately to market conditions.

Reason for the decision

The selling of nutrient credits to developers was essential because it provided a mechanism for development to proceed legally, ensuring that nutrient impacts were mitigated. It also ensured legal defensibility, financial sustainability, a credible and trusted credit market, and strong governance through transparent, accountable pricing.

The Leader of the Council presented a report on the Dorset Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund aimed to deliver nitrogen mitigation projects across Poole Harbour catchment. Cabinet considered the information and recommendations set out in the report and it was proposed by Cllr N Ireland and seconded by Cllr S Bartlett

Decision

That the methodology for setting the price for Poole Harbour nitrogen permanent credits (as set out in appendix 1) be agreed and allow for a discretionary adjustment of up to 10% to be applied, with authority delegated to the Executive Director of Place to respond appropriately to market conditions.

Reason for the decision

The selling of nutrient credits to developers was essential because it provided a mechanism for development to proceed legally, ensuring that nutrient impacts were mitigated. It also ensured legal defensibility, financial sustainability, a credible and trusted credit market, and strong governance through transparent, accountable pricing.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing and the recommendations of People and Health Overview and Place and Resources Committees, dated 6 and 26 March 2026 respectively.

That:

(a)  the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026 be approved and adopted.

(b)  delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, in consultation with the Interim/Corporate Director for Housing and Community Safety, to make minor changes to the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026 including

                          i.    the need to amend the policy to account for known future enactments which form part of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation of the Renters Rights Act 2025; and,

                        ii.    approval of operational procedure notes including but not limited toa methodology for determining the amount of Civil Financial Penalties under this policy for breaches of up to £7,000 and offences of up to £40,000.

(c)  updates on the financial arrangements be made available on a monthly basis to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the People and Health Overview Committee.

(d)  an update on the policy be provided to an Overview Committee at an appropriate time within the first year of its operation.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that the Council had a robust and legally compliant enforcement policy which enabled the effective enforcement of the Housing Act 2004, Renters Rights Act 2025, the ‘Landlord Legislation’ and other relevant statutory provisions affecting enforcement in the Private Rented Sector, which would be maintained ‘up to date’ as new known legal provisions were enacted.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing presented the report on the Housing Standards and Tenants’ Rights Enforcement Policy. She proposed that recommendations 1 and 2 be agreed, as previously supported by the People and Health Overview Committee on 16 March 2026.

The Cabinet Member proposed an amendment to recommendation 3, asking that monthly financial updates be shared with the Chair and Vice‑Chair of the People and Health Overview Committee, and that the policy be reviewed by an Overview Committee within its first year.

The recommendations and amendment were seconded by Councillor R Biggs. It was also noted that the policy had been considered by the Place and Resources Overview Committee on 26 March 2026.

Decision

That:

(a)       the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026 be approved and adopted.

(b)       delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, in consultation with the Interim/Corporate Director for Housing and Community Safety, to make minor changes to the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026 including

        i.       the need to amend the policy to account for known future enactments which form part of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation of the Renters Rights Act 2025; and,

       ii.        approval of operational procedure notes including but not limited toa methodology for determining the amount of Civil Financial Penalties under this policy for breaches of up to £7,000 and offences of up to £40,000.

(c)        updates on the financial arrangements be made available on a monthly basis to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the People and Health Overview Committee.

(d)       an update on the policy be provided to an Overview Committee at an appropriate time within the first year of its operation.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that the Council had a robust and legally compliant enforcement policy which enabled the effective enforcement of the Housing Act 2004, Renters Rights Act 2025, the ‘Landlord Legislation’ and other relevant statutory provisions affecting enforcement in the Private Rented Sector, which would be maintained ‘up to date’ as new known legal provisions were enacted.

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

(a)  That £662,000 capital and £4,796 revenue to be granted to Bournemouth Churches Housing (BCHA), who will act as the delivery vehicle and purchase the 4 properties using these funds and their own funds.

Completion of the purchase of the properties to be finalised by 31st March 2027;

(b)  That a lettings plan be in place with BCHA so Dorset Council can ensure the properties were allocated in accordance with the funding requirements.

Reason for the decision

The Council previously purchased and now owns 30 properties using funding provided through LAHF1 by Government and Dorset Council. While these homes will be used as temporary accommodation when vacant, the project required significant input from the Housing and Assets teams. In addition, as the Council was not a stock‑holding authority, it could only offer non‑secure tenancies.

LAHF4 funding required Afghan refugees to be offered secure tenancies. It was therefore recommended that the properties are provided, owned, and managed by a Registered Provider, specifically BCHA, to ensure secure tenancies could be offered to Afghan families.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing presented the report and its recommendations, which Cabinet supported unanimously.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor and seconded by Cllr N Ireland

Decision

(a)           That £662,000 capital and £4,796 revenue to be granted to Bournemouth Churches Housing (BCHA), who will act as the delivery vehicle and purchase the 4 properties using these funds and their own funds.

Completion of the purchase of the properties to be finalised by 31st March 2027;

(b)           That a lettings plan be in place with BCHA so Dorset Council can ensure the properties were allocated in accordance with the funding requirements.

Reason for the decision

The Council previously purchased and now owns 30 properties using funding provided through LAHF1 by Government and Dorset Council. While these homes will be used as temporary accommodation when vacant, the project required significant input from the Housing and Assets teams. In addition, as the Council was not a stock‑holding authority, it could only offer non‑secure tenancies.

LAHF4 funding required Afghan refugees to be offered secure tenancies. It was therefore recommended that the properties are provided, owned, and managed by a Registered Provider, specifically BCHA, to ensure secure tenancies could be offered to Afghan families.

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

(a)  That the progress to date in delivery of the 2025/26 plans including realised benefit outcomes, be noted.

(b)  That the 2026/27 delivery plan, including benefits, key milestones, and intended outcomes for the year be approved.

(c)  That the adjusted business change model for the HR, Procurement & Finance programme including the approach to resourcing, engagement, training, readiness, and adoption across all services, be agreed.

(d)  That Cabinet recommend to Full Council the use of up to £5.3m of flexible use of capital receipts and approve the remaining balance of £1.97m of the investment request of £7.27m be funded from reserves, for the transformation portfolio, enabling continued delivery of priority workstreams and associated benefits, including ERP – HR, Finance and Procurement system investment. To recommend approval of the updated use of flexible use of capital receipts strategy policy, summary of as set out in Appendix B of the report of 21 April 2026.

(e)  That the spend decision of £2.34m for digital initiatives pending final business case sign off across the next 6 months be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Section 151 officer.

(f)    That the updated governance and reporting cadence outlined in the report, including frequency, format, and escalation routes for programme oversight and decision making, be agreed.

Reason for the decision

The decision gave the council the direction, resources and oversight needed to deliver the 2026/27 transformation plan. They also make sure the ERP - HR, procurement and finance programme had the right support for business change. This allowed the next stage of investment to go ahead, keeps track of progress and risks, and ensure the planned benefits were achieved.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Development and Transformation presented the report on the transitional transformation update, which set out progress since the last Cabinet report in October 2025. The report also sought approval to move to the next phase of work with details of required investment for 2026/27.

Cabinet noted and supported the proposal to July Full Council, as set out in appendix B, of the report regarding the approval of the updated use of flexible use of capital receipts and strategy policy.

It was proposed by Cllr B Wilson and seconded by Cllr S Robinson that the recommendations, which were unanimously supported.

Decision

(a)           That the progress to date in delivery of the 2025/26 plans including realised benefit outcomes, be noted.

(b)           That the 2026/27 delivery plan, including benefits, key milestones, and intended outcomes for the year be approved.

(c)           That the adjusted business change model for the HR, Procurement & Finance programme including the approach to resourcing, engagement, training, readiness, and adoption across all services, be agreed.

(d)           That Cabinet recommend to Full Council the use of up to £5.3m of flexible use of capital receipts and approve the remaining balance of £1.97m of the investment request of £7.27m be funded from reserves, for the transformation portfolio, enabling continued delivery of priority workstreams and associated benefits, including ERP – HR, Finance and Procurement system investment. To recommend approval of the updated use of flexible use of capital receipts strategy policy, summary of as set out in Appendix B of the report of 21 April 2026.

(e)           That the spend decision of £2.34m for digital initiatives pending final business case sign off across the next 6 months be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Section 151 officer.

(f)             That the updated governance and reporting cadence outlined in the report, including frequency, format, and escalation routes for programme oversight and decision making, be agreed.

Reason for the decision

The decision gave the council the direction, resources and oversight needed to deliver the 2026/27 transformation plan. They also make sure the ERP - HR, procurement and finance programme had the right support for business change. This allowed the next stage of investment to go ahead, keeps track of progress and risks, and ensure the planned benefits were achieved.

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

That a maximum spend of £2.332m be authorised on the final year of our current, extended Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement and associated licensing spends through our compliantly contracted LSP, Boxxe.

Reason for the decision

To continue to be able to access critical operational licensing, after the 1 May2026 renewal date, authority was required to spend on the additional year of the current Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, ahead of a formal re-procurement for 1 May 2027.

The Cabinet Member for Transformation, Customer & Cultural Services presented the report to extend the Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement and associated licensing spends. The recommendations were unanimously supported. 

It was proposed by Cllr B Wilson and seconded by Cllr N Ireland

Decision

That a maximum spend of £2.332m be authorised on the final year of our current, extended Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement and associated licensing spends through our compliantly contracted LSP, Boxxe.

Reason for the decision

To continue to be able to access critical operational licensing, after the 1 May2026 renewal date, authority was required to spend on the additional year of the current Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, ahead of a formal re-procurement for 1 May 2027.

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

That the response agreed with the Cabinet member for Planning and Emergency Planning be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

It was important that Dorset Council engaged with New Forest District Council in the production of their Local Plan and sought to address any cross-boundary issues constructively. The response to the consultation on the emerging Local Plan was part of that on-going cooperation.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning introduced the report and referred to the agreed response to the New Forest District Council’s Local Plan consultation, subject to formal Cabinet endorsement.

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

Decision

That the response agreed with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

It was important that Dorset Council engaged with New Forest District Council in the production of their Local Plan and sought to address any cross-boundary issues constructively. The response to the consultation on the emerging Local Plan was part of that on-going cooperation.

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

(a)  That the Council ‘makes’ the Marnhull Neighbourhood Development Plan, 2024 - 2038 (as set out in Appendix A of the report of 21 April 2026) part of the statutory development plan for the Marnhull Neighbourhood Area.

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

Reason for the decision

To formally ‘make’ the Marnhull Neighbourhood Development Plan, 2024 -2038 part of the statutory development plan for the Marnhull 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 Council and the Group on their success.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning presented a report on the adoption of the Marnhull Neighbourhood Development Plan, 2024 – 2038 following an independent examination and referendum.

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

Decision

(a)  That the Council ‘makes’ the Marnhull Neighbourhood Development Plan, 2024 - 2038 (as set out in Appendix A of the report of 21 April 2026) part of the statutory development plan for the Marnhull Neighbourhood Area.

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

Reason for the decision

To formally ‘make’ the Marnhull Neighbourhood Development Plan, 2024 -2038 part of the statutory development plan for the Marnhull 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 Council and the Group on their success.

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 item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x 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.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business to report.