Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all presented and advised that virtual meetings were continuing. Where a decision was required, the appropriate Portfolio Holder would make that decision after taking into account the views expressed by the wider Cabinet membership.

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

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

The following councillors advised that they had a registerable interest as members of the Shareholder Group for the Dorset Centre of Excellence Board. They had been granted a standing dispensation to enable them to continue to make decisions in respect of this matter.

Cllr Spencer Flower

Cllr Andrew Parry

Cllr L Miller

Cllr Peter Wharf

The following councillors advised that they had a registerable interest as members of the Shareholder Group for Tricuro Support Ltd and Tricuro Ltd. They had been granted a standing dispensation to enable them to continue to make decisions in respect of this matter.

Cllr Peter Wharf

Cllr G Suttle

Cllr D Walsh

In the interests of transparency and although not members of Cabinet, Cllr Beryl Ezzard and Cllr Nick Ireland also indicated that they had a registerable interest as members of the Shareholder Group for Tricuro Support Ltd and Tricuro Ltd. They both had been granted a similar standing dispensation to allow them to make decisions in respect of this matter, where appropriate.

Cllr A Parry also advised that he was the Chair of Governors for the Dorset Virtual School.

To receive questions or statements on the business of the committee from town and parish councils and members of the public.

Members of the public who live, work or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area, may submit up to either 2 questions, or 2 statements or 1 question and 1 statement at each meeting. Sub divided questions count towards this total.  All submissions must be sent electronically to kate.critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by the deadline set out below.  When submitting a question please indicate who the question is for and include your name, address and contact details.  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. 

The deadline for submission of the full text of a question or statement is 8.30am on Wednesday 3 November 2021.

There were 12 questions/statements from the public.  These questions were read out by Matt Prosser, Chief Executive and Jonathan Mair (Corporate Director, Legal and Democratic Services) and responded to by the appropriate Portfolio Holder.

In respect of questions 5 to 11, the Corporate Director, Legal and Democratic stated that there had been a number of similar questions and statements raised in respect of item 9 “Phase 2 Parking Charges Transformation Project”.  He then read out the following summary of the points raised by these residents of Wimborne. 

“The main concern that the Wimborne residents had was the increase in price from £80 to £260 for one permit and the increase from £120 to £520 for two permits. It is felt that this increase in price, which is much higher than the rate of inflation, is unaffordable for many residents who are also having to deal with other rising costs. The proposed monthly payments of £25 or £50 do not help residents who are already struggling financially.

The secondary concern was the lack of consultation with Wimborne residents directly. The residents do not have any other option for parking, and they felt that they will have to live with a decision made on their behalf without their input.

Lastly, residents were concerned that Wimborne Town Council were not aware of the permit prices when they responded to the initial consultation, thus their response: “... was minded to support the proposals within the draft Strategy and agreed that it did not appear to affect Wimborne Minster residents unduly”, cannot be used as evidence of support for the permits.”

The full set out questions and statements were detailed in Appendix 1 to these minutes along with the portfolio holder’s response.

To receive questions submitted by councillors. The deadline for receipt of questions is 8.30am on Wednesday 3 November 2021.

There were no questions from councillors.

To consider the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for December 2021 was received and noted.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy set out the financial management quarter 2 report. The document provided information about the Council’s forecast performance against its revenue budget in 2021/22 and the impact this could have upon reserves.

Cabinet members:

(a)  noted the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast of outturn at the end of Qtr2 including progress of the transformation and tactical savings incorporated into the budget.

(b)  noted that work continued on the capital programme, by subgroups established by the Capital Strategy and Asset Management Group (CSAM).

(c)  Agreed the financial strategy statement as set out at appendix 2 of the report as the basis for financial management arrangements over the remainder of the year and into the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) period.  The statement incorporated much of the work being taken forward in response to the LGA finance peer review.

Reason to note 

The Council had responsibilities to deliver within its corporate plan and it must do this within the resources made available through the revenue and capital budgets for 2021/22.  The report summarised the Council’s forecast financial performance for 2021/22 at the mid-point of the year.

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

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial & Capital Strategy

That the Commercial Strategy be approved.

Reason for the decision

Being more commercial is a key part of Dorset Councils transformation programme. In approving the revised Commercial Strategy, Cabinet is endorsing the approach of the Council becoming more commercially minded and more business- like in its activities.

Executive Decision - Commercial Strategy - Commissioning & Procurement Overview - Dorset Council

Cabinet considered a report on the approval of the Commercial Strategy – Commissioning & Procurement Overview. Members were advised that Place and Resources Overview Committee had also considered the strategy, making minor amendments which had been incorporated in the final document.

Cabinet members indicated that they were “minded to support” the recommendations as set out in the report.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial & Capital Strategy

That the Commercial Strategy be approved.

Reason for the decision

Being more commercial is a key part of Dorset Councils transformation programme. In approving the revised Commercial Strategy, Cabinet is endorsing the approach of the Council becoming more commercially minded and more business- like in its activities.

Executive Decision - Commercial Strategy - Commissioning & Procurement Overview - Dorset Council

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

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation

(a)           That the Transformation Plan Annual Report be approved.

(b)           That the shift from convergence plan following local government reorganisation towards more aspirational transformation plans over the next 10 years be noted.

(c)           That full financial savings projections for year 2 2022/23 be provided as part of the budget setting process and report in February 2022.

Reason for the decision

Fundamental change to systems enabling improved outcomes across demand-led services can take time, and as such, a long-term transformation programme will build incremental change to drive outcomes and realise financial stability.

Executive Decision - Transformation Annual Report - Dorset Council

In setting out the recommendation, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented the first transformation annual report. She also set out the five themes for the programme of transformation and the progress that had been made to date.

Cabinet members expressed a “minded to view” to support the report’s recommendations.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation

(a)           That the Transformation Plan Annual Report be approved.

(b)           That the shift from convergence plan following local government reorganisation towards more aspirational transformation plans over the next 10 years be noted.

(c)           That full financial savings projections for year 2 2022/23 be provided as part of the budget setting process and report in February 2022.

Reason for the decision

Fundamental change to systems enabling improved outcomes across demand-led services can take time, and as such, a long-term transformation programme will build incremental change to drive outcomes and realise financial stability.

Executive Decision - Transformation Annual Report - Dorset Council

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

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment

(a)  To align the day rate in the main tourist locations car parks during peak   and low season

(b)  To align charges in all other car parks (rural and town locations)

(c)  To align on-street parking charges in areas that already have on-street pay & display

(d)  That all current public car park permits be withdrawn and that a long stay and short stay car park permit for residents and workers in the Dorset Council area be introduced.

(e)  That Purbeck Park  car park at Nordon be revert to the level 1 parking tariff.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council Parking Services is currently working under the Parking Orders of the former six Councils, this has led to a disparity of tariffs between areas to the extent that some areas are free to park all day and others pay £9. An alignment of the Parking Orders is necessary to standardise charges to ensure equality for residents.

Executive Decision - Phase 2 Parking Charges Transformation Project - Dorset Council

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, travel and Environment set out the purpose of the report; to seek agreement on the proposed parking charge changes. He confirmed that statutory and non-statutory consultations had taken place. Notifications had also been sent to Town and Parish Councils.

The Portfolio Holder further reported that Place and Resources Overview Committee considered a similar report which set out the details and recommendations of the phase 2 parking charges transformation project. The comprehensive notes from that meeting were attached to the Cabinet report.

In response to a question, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that he would meet with the Wimborne local councillor concerned to discuss a local issue. 

In response to a question regarding Purbeck Park car park and potential Swanage congestion, the Portfolio Holder proposed the following addition to the recommendations:

“That Purbeck Park car park at Nordon be moved for level 2 to the level 1 parking tariff.”

Cabinet members indicated that their view was “minded to” support the proposals including the additional recommendation added by the portfolio holder.

 Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment

(a)  To align the day rate in the main tourist locations car parks during peak   and low season

(b)  To align charges in all other car parks (rural and town locations)

(c)  To align on-street parking charges in areas that already have on-street pay & display

(d)  That all current public car park permits be withdrawn and that a long stay and short stay car park permit for residents and workers in the Dorset Council area be introduced.

(e)  That Purbeck Park car park at Nordon be moved from level 2 to the level 1 parking tariff.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council Parking Services is currently working under the Parking Orders of the former six Councils, this has led to a disparity of tariffs between areas to the extent that some areas are free to park all day and others pay £9. An alignment of the Parking Orders is necessary to standardise charges to ensure equality for residents.

Executive Decision - Phase 2 Parking Charges Transformation Project - Dorset Council

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help

That the revised Dorset Strategy for children and young people (CYP) with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the accompanying High Needs Block Management Strategy, be noted and approved

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council’s SEND strategy had been updated to reflect the significant progress and changes in Dorset’s SEND services over the last three years.

The previous strategy which was launched in 2018 is due to expire and as a Council it is the right time to refresh this in light of the significant progress that has been made with our partners.

Executive Decision - Dorset SEND Strategy 2021- 2024 - Dorset Council

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help set out the refreshed strategy for Dorset’s SEND services and the accompanying High Needs Block Management Strategy.

Cabinet members supported the recommendation and indicated that they were “minded to support” the proposal to adopt the strategy.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help

That the revised Dorset Strategy for children and young people (CYP) with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the accompanying High Needs Block Management Strategy, be noted and approved.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council’s SEND strategy had been updated to reflect the significant progress and changes in Dorset’s SEND services over the last three years.

The previous strategy which was launched in 2018 is due to expire and as a Council it is the right time to refresh this in light of the significant progress that has been made with our partners.

Executive Decision - Dorset SEND Strategy 2021- 2024 - Dorset Council

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

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety

(a)   That the continued publication of the consultation draft of the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021-24 be endorsed; and,

(b)  That the authority be delegated to Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety to approve a final Strategy for publication, in consultation with the Executive Director for People - Adults, taking into account the responses made to the consultation

Reason for the decision

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

Executive Decision - Domestic Abuse Strategy - Dorset Council

Cabinet considered a report seeking support for the continued publication of    the consultation draft of the Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2021 – 24. The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety confirmed that under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 the council had a duty to establish a Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board (LPB), produce a needs assessment and prepare, publish, and deliver a strategy.

The Portfolio Holder also confirmed that the strategy had been considered by the People & Health Overview Committee and where appropriate, their comments had been included in the report.

The Portfolio Holder reported a slight amendment to the recommendation, in that any delegation should be “in consultation with the Executive Director for People – Adults”

Non- executive members supported the strategy and in response to questions, the Portfolio Holder advised that he was looking to secure additional funding and hoped this project would be part of the future transformation programme.

Cabinet members indicated their “minded to view” to endorse the recommendations, as amended, put before them.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety

(a)   That the continued publication of the consultation draft of the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021-24 be endorsed; and,

(b)  That the authority be delegated to Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety to approve a final Strategy for publication, in consultation with the Executive Director for People - Adults, taking into account the responses made to the consultation

Reason for the decision

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

Executive Decision - Domestic Abuse Strategy - Dorset Council

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

That the application, attached at appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet of 8 November 2021, be submitted on behalf of Dorchester Town Council.

Reason for the decision

The entry guidelines for the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours competition require applications to be submitted by local authorities. Dorchester Town Council has asked Dorset Council to submit the bid on its behalf.

Executive Decision - Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition - Bid by Dorchester Town Council - Dorset Council

The Leader of the Council set out a report supporting the Dorchester Town Council’s bid for city status. As the t was the upper tier council, Dorset Council had the responsibility to act as conduit for the bid process. The Leader of the Council welcomed the excellent bid and happy to propose its submission.

Cabinet members gave their “minded to view” in support of the application bid.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

That the application, attached at appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet of 8 November 2021, be submitted on behalf of Dorchester Town Council.

Reason for the decision

The entry guidelines for the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours competition require applications to be submitted by local authorities. Dorchester Town Council has asked Dorset Council to submit the bid on its behalf.

Executive Decision - Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition - Bid by Dorchester Town Council - Dorset Council

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Planning

That the following changes to the governance arrangements for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) be approved.

(a)  That Dorset Council uses the Infrastructure Funding Statement to update members on progress with developer contributions. The findings can also be reported in the quarterly finance reports.

(b)  That the principle of widening the scope of CIL spend beyond current geographical limits set by the charging areas is taken forward when Dorset Council adopt and implements a replacement single charging schedule across the Council.

(c)  That the infrastructure categories associated with habitat mitigation be removed from the scope of the next spending round.

(d)  That the categories and proportions for the remaining in-scope infrastructure be revisited following the completion of the next spending round.

(e)  That the measures to support “up front” engagement with town and parish councils including the measures to support greater awareness of developer contributions as set out in in the report to Cabinet 8 November 2021, be implanted as part of future spending rounds.

Reason for the decision

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

Executive Decision - Review of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) - Dorset Council

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented a report outlining proposed detailed amendments to the governance arrangements for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) expenditure following examination by Place & Resources Scrutiny Committee on 13 July and Place & Resources Overview on 19 October 2021.

Members welcomed the recognition of the role of town and parish councils in bringing forward the communities’ views at an early stage of development. It was acknowledged that there was an important role for ward Councillors to play, but the local community had a vital awareness of what was required in their local areas.

Cabinet members indicated that they “were minded to” support the recommendations as set out in the report.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Planning

That the following changes to the governance arrangements for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) be approved.

(a)  That Dorset Council uses the Infrastructure Funding Statement to update members on progress with developer contributions. The findings can also be reported in the quarterly finance reports.

(b)  That the principle of widening the scope of CIL spend beyond current geographical limits set by the charging areas is taken forward when Dorset Council adopt and implements a replacement single charging schedule across the Council.

(c)  That the infrastructure categories associated with habitat mitigation be removed from the scope of the next spending round.

(d)  That the categories and proportions for the remaining in-scope infrastructure be revisited following the completion of the next spending round.

(e)  That the measures to support “up front” engagement with town and parish councils including the measures to support greater awareness of developer contributions as set out in in the report to Cabinet 8 November 2021, be implanted as part of future spending rounds.

Reason for the decision

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

Executive Decision - Review of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) - Dorset Council

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Planning

(a)  That the Council makes the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2034 (as set out in Appendix A) part of the statutory development plan for the Wareham Neighbourhood Area.

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

Reason for the decision

To formally make the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2034 part of the statutory development plan for the Wareham Neighbourhood Area. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Town Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Council and Group on their success.    

Executive Decision - Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2034 - Dorset Council

In presenting the report, the Portfolio Holder for Planning advised that the neighbourhood plan had been subject to independent examination and referendum. The purpose of the report was to formally make the plan part of the development plan for use in planning decisions in the area that it covered.

Local ward councillors spoke in support of the report and Cabinet members indicated that they were “minded to” support the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Planning

(a)  That the Council makes the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2034 (as set out in Appendix A) part of the statutory development plan for the Wareham Neighbourhood Area.

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

Reason for the decision

To formally make the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2034 part of the statutory development plan for the Wareham Neighbourhood Area. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Town Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Council and Group on their success.    

Executive Decision - Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2034 - Dorset Council

Cabinet Portfolio Holders to report.

There were no referrals to report. However, the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early help reported that the Social Mobility Self-Assessment report had been considered by People and & Health Overview Committee on 1 November 2021.

The committee asked that he highlight the issues raised in the document to Cabinet members and note that overview committees would be taking this work forward with the support of the portfolio holder.

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

The Portfolio Holder summaries would be made available to members after the meeting and attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety updated members on the progress on developing the new housing register.  People had until 1 December to register, or re-register, and the council would then be able to fully operate the Housing Allocations Policy passed by Cabinet earlier in the year. 

He also updated members on the new software system in place to improve the ‘customer experience’.

To receive an update from the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment took this opportunity to

·       Reflect on the International COP 26 conference

·       Reported in detail on the progress being made with the implementation of the Climate and Ecological Emergency action plan and 

·       Updated members on the work of the decarbonisation plan for council owned buildings.

·       Informed members that a new Corporate Director post for Climate Change would be established.

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.

The Chief Executive report the following item of clarification:

At the last meeting of Cabinet on 5 October 2021, there had been several public questions asked regarding the Swanage based 24/7 Paramedic car service.

The Portfolio Holder’s written reply indicated that in order to respond to the Clinical Commissioning Group’s consultation, a working group would be set up from the membership of the People & Health Scrutiny Committee.  However, this should have read “from the membership of the People & Health Overview Committee”.

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 3 & 4 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The MS Teams Live Event will end. 

It was proposed by Cllr G Suttle seconded by Cllr T Ferrari

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).

It was proposed by Cllr G Suttle seconded by Cllr T Ferrari

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).

The MS Teams Live Event ended.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health. (Exempt report to follow)

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health

That the recommendations as set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 8 November 2021 be approved. 

Reason for the decision

To improve care services to Dorset residents.

Executive Decision - Adult Social Care - Future Services - Dorset Council

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health set out the details of the exempt report and its recommendations.

Following debate and questions the Cabinet members indicated that their “minded to view” was to support the reports proposals.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health

That the recommendations as set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 8 November 2021 be approved. 

Reason for the decision

To improve care services to Dorset residents.

Executive Decision - Adult Social Care - Future Services - Dorset Council