Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday, 1st March, 2022 10.00 am

Venue: Council Chamber, County Hall, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ. View directions

Contact: Kate Critchel  01305 252234 - Email: kate.critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

53.

Declarations of Interest

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.

 

 

Minutes:

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones expressed a personal interest in respect of minute 61. “Proposed Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy” as a Blue Badge user. However, having sought advice from the Monitoring Officer, he indicated that he would speak and vote on the item.

54.

Minutes

Minutes:

The minutes of the meetings held on 6 April, 29 April, 18 May, 22 June, 27 July, 7 September, 5 October, 8 November, 7 December 2021 and 18 January 2022 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

55.

Public Participation pdf icon PDF 227 KB

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

 

All submissions must be emailed in full to kate.critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 8.30am on Thursday 24 February 2022.   

 

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

 

·       no more than three minutes will be allowed for any one question or statement to be asked/read  

·       a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context and this will be included within the three-minute period 

·       please note that sub divided questions count towards your total of two 

·       when submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g. the name of the committee or Portfolio Holder) 

·       Include your name, address and contact details.  Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting. 

·       questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda 

·       all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.   

 

Dorset Council Constitution Procedure Rule 9 

 

 

Minutes:

There were 7 questions/statements from the public.  Some of these questions were read out by Matt Prosser, Chief Executive and Jonathan Mair (Corporate Director, Legal and Democratic Services). Dawn Rondeau and Joy Sangster attended and read their questions in person. All questions were responded to by the appropriate Portfolio Holder.

 

A copy of the full questions and the detailed responses are set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes.

56.

Questions from Councillors pdf icon PDF 182 KB

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 24 February 2022. 

 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

 

Minutes:

There were 8 questions from Councillors K Wheller, N Ireland, W Trite and J Orrell; these along with the responses are set out in Appendix 2 to these minutes.

 

As a supplementary to his first question, Cllr N Ireland asked “With the national ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) member no longer being supported by Dorset Council, how will this council be ensuring that VCSE organisations are getting up to date accurate policy and legislation information, as provided by DCA during the coronavirus pandemic?”

 

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services would provide a full written response to the question.

57.

Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 249 KB

To consider the draft Cabinet Forward Plan.

Minutes:

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for April to July 2022 was received and noted.

 

58.

Purbeck Gateway pdf icon PDF 641 KB

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder(s) for Health and Housing & Community Safety and Adult Social Care.

Decision:

Decision

 

(a)           That the revised scope of the Purbeck Gateway Project be approved, with specific reference to taking the Middle School site in Wareham forward to procure the development of Housing.

 

(b)           Third-party public procurement be approved, as the preferred Delivery mechanism, and that the project team commence design of procurement approach in consultation with Legal Advisors and Procurement officers. The final approval of the procurement model be delegated to and authorised by the Corporate Director for Finance and Commercial.

 

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for People (Adults) and the Executive Director for Corporate Development to make the decisions regarding the selection of potential preferred bidders and the final award of the Contract to the preferred bidder, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety, and the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care & Health.

 

(d)           That the terms of the final land deal with Developers be agreed; and be subject to the advice of the Council’s solicitor and external legal advisers and shall be approved by the Executive Director for Place, and the Executive Director for Corporate Development.

 

Reason for the decision

 

The scope of the project has changed since the original Cabinet approval in 2019. This has taken account of changes in the need for housing with support and care in this area, and strengthened the emphasis on providing extra-care housing. It has been important to refresh the Business Case, be certain that what had been proposed was still relevant to local need, and make changes where necessary. The continuing need for these parts of the project have been evidenced and are considered to be financially and commercially viable

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety set out a report that was originally considered by Dorset Council in October 2019. The fresh recommendations before members took into account the considerable amount of work to bring the scope up to date following the changes to the housing market since the pandemic

 

Members were advised that the project was now recommending a mix of affordable extra care housing, supported living and general needs housing on the former middle school site in Wareham.  The Portfolio Holder proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health confirmed that this had been the subject of discussion for some time, by seconding the motion, he indicated his support for the recommendations.

 

Decision

 

(a)           That the revised scope of the Purbeck Gateway Project be approved, with specific reference to taking the Middle School site in Wareham forward to procure the development of Housing.

 

(b)           Third-party public procurement be approved, as the preferred Delivery mechanism, and that the project team commence design of procurement approach in consultation with Legal Advisors and Procurement officers. The final approval of the procurement model be delegated to and authorised by the Corporate Director for Finance and Commercial.

 

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for People (Adults) and the Executive Director for Corporate Development to make the decisions regarding the selection of potential preferred bidders and the final award of the Contract to the preferred bidder, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety, and the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care & Health.

 

(d)           That the terms of the final land deal with Developers be agreed; and be subject to the advice of the Council’s solicitor and external legal advisers and shall be approved by the Executive Director for Place, and the Executive Director for Corporate Development.

 

Reason for the decision

 

The scope of the project has changed since the original Cabinet approval in 2019. This has taken account of changes in the need for housing with support and care in this area and strengthened the emphasis on providing extra-care housing. It has been important to refresh the Business Case, be certain that what had been proposed was still relevant to local need and make changes where necessary. The continuing need for these parts of the project have been evidenced and are financially and commercially viable

59.

School Admissions Arrangements and Coordinated Scheme 2023-2024 pdf icon PDF 463 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

Decision

 

That the following policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admissions Arrangements and Coordinated Scheme for school place allocations from September 2023 be adopted:

 

1. Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme Timetable 2023-2024

2. Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2023-2024

3. Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2023-2024

4. In Year Co-ordinated Scheme 2023-2024

5. Admissions Arrangements for Community & Voluntary Controlled Schools 2023-2024.

6. Admissions to Maintained Nursery Units Policy 2023-2024

7. Sixth Form Admissions Policy 2023-2024

8. Guidance on Placement Outside of Normal/Chronological Age Group 2023-2024

9. Armed Forces Policy 2023-2024.

 

Reason for the decision

 

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

 

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

Minutes:

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Education, Children, Skills and Early Help, the Executive Director for People – Children set out the report.

 

It was a requirement of the Department for Education that admission authorities consult on their admission arrangements annually.  This had now been carried out and members were asked to adopt the policies as set out in the recommendation.

 

The Chairman highlighted a minor typo in the recommendation on the report stating that the recommendation should read “from September 2023” and not 2021.

 

It was proposed by Cllr L Miller and seconded by Cllr R Bryan

 

Decision

 

That the following policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admissions Arrangements and Coordinated Scheme for school place allocations from September 2023 be adopted:

 

1. Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme Timetable 2023-2024

2. Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2023-2024

3. Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2023-2024

4. In Year Co-ordinated Scheme 2023-2024

5. Admissions Arrangements for Community & Voluntary Controlled Schools 2023-2024.

6. Admissions to Maintained Nursery Units Policy 2023-2024

7. Sixth Form Admissions Policy 2023-2024

8. Guidance on Placement Outside of Normal/Chronological Age Group 2023-2024

9. Armed Forces Policy 2023-2024.

 

Reason for the decision

 

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

 

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

60.

Charmouth Parish Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2035 pdf icon PDF 202 KB

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

Decision:

Decision

 

(a)           That the Council makes the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan 2021 - 2035 (as set out in Appendix A to the report) part of the statutory development plan for the Charmouth Neighbourhood Area.

 

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

 

Reason for the decision

 

To formally make the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan 2021 - 2035 part of the statutory development plan for the Charmouth 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 Group on their success.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services presented the report on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Planning. 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. Cabinet unanimously supported the recommendation.

 

Decision

 

(a)           That the Council makes the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan 2021 - 2035 (as set out in Appendix A to the report) part of the statutory development plan for the Charmouth Neighbourhood Area.

 

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

 

Reason for the decision

 

To formally make the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan 2021 - 2035 part of the statutory development plan for the Charmouth 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 Group on their success.

61.

Proposed Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy pdf icon PDF 1 MB

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

Decision:

Decision

 

That the new pan-Dorset Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy be approved.

 

Reason for the decision

 

To align the former council policies to one to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who park in Dorset Council car parks.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report presented by the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.  He highlighted that the aim of the report was to harmonise and align former council policies into one policy to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who use Dorset Council car parks.

 

As its Vice-Chairman, Cllr L Fry indicated that the Place and Resources Overview Committee had considered the policy at its meeting on 10 February 2022. They fully supported the recommendation before Cabinet.

 

Cabinet members unanimously supported the recommendations. 

 

Decision

 

That the new pan-Dorset Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy be approved.

 

Reason for the decision

 

To align the former council policies to one to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who park in Dorset Council car parks.

62.

Bus Service Improvement Plan - Dorset's Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme pdf icon PDF 247 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

Decision

 

(a)             That the Dorset Enhanced Partnership be approved; and that the Plan and Scheme be ‘made’ to commence the Enhanced Partnership on the 1st April 2022.

 

(b)             That authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment to approve the decisions of the Enhanced Partnership Board.

 

Reason for the decision

 

In order to deliver the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan a formal agreement must be in place between the Council and with all local bus service operators. Through engagement with local bus operators, the council has prepared a draft Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme to deliver the BSIP in accordance with requirements set out by the Department for Transport and in line with the Transport Act 2000 and any subsequent amendments.

Minutes:

In proposing the recommendations, the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment set out the report regarding the bus service improvement plan.  The aim of the report and its recommendation was to ensure delivery of the improvement plan through a formal agreement which must be in place between the council and all local bus service operators.

 

The recommendations were seconded by Cllr G Suttle.

 

Cllr D Beer welcomed the report that was an opportunity to provide joined up public transport services.

 

Decision

 

(a)             That the Dorset Enhanced Partnership be approved; and that the Plan and Scheme be ‘made’ to commence the Enhanced Partnership on the 1st April 2022.

 

(b)             That authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment to approve the decisions of the Enhanced Partnership Board.

 

Reason for the decision

 

In order to deliver the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan a formal agreement must be in place between the council and with all local bus service operators. Through engagement with local bus operators, the council has prepared a draft Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme to deliver the BSIP in accordance with requirements set out by the Department for Transport and in line with the Transport Act 2000 and any subsequent amendments.

63.

Review of the Highways Asset Management Plan pdf icon PDF 220 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

Decision

 

That the Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy be approved.

This is a summary document of the revised Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP).

 

Reason for the decision

 

The Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy document sets out how we have aligned our approach to support Dorset Council priorities and how the authority will manage its highway assets. The Department for Transport criteria states that we must have a current asset management policy, and strategic document, reviewed in the last two years, which must be signed off by senior decision makers, or we lose up to £2million of DfT incentivised funding.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment presented the report. The Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy document sets out how the council had aligned its approach to support Dorset Council priorities and how the council would manage its highway assets.

 

Place and Resources Overview Committee considered the report at its meeting on 10 February 2022 and the Executive Director for Place recommended the proposal to Cabinet following that Place and Resources Overview members comments and support.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment proposed the recommendation, and this was seconded by Cllr P Wharf.

 

As the Vice-Chairman for Place and Resources Overview Committee, Cllr L Fry confirmed that the committee supported the recommendations set out in the report.

 

Decision

 

That the Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy be approved.

This is a summary document of the revised Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP).

 

Reason for the decision

 

The Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy document sets out how we have aligned our approach to support Dorset Council priorities and how the authority will manage its highway assets. The Department for Transport criteria states that we must have a current asset management policy, and strategic document, reviewed in the last two years, which must be signed off by senior decision makers, or we lose up to £2million of DfT incentivised funding.

64.

Extension of ASB - Related Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO's) pdf icon PDF 138 KB

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Decision

 

That the extension of the West Dorset ASB-Related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to 19 August 2022, be approved.

 

Reason for the decision

 

To comply with legislative requirements.

To ensure openness and transparency in the Council’s decision making, and To ensure that those persons affected by ASB continue to be afforded the protection provided by the Orders.

Minutes:

Cabinet members considered a report set out by the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services. Members were advised that the ASB-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for West Dorset was due to expire on 22 April 2022.  She was seeking a 4-month extension of the order to enable appropriate considered of the consultation responses received during the review of PSPO’s covering the whole of the Dorset Area.

 

The Portfolio Holder proposed the recommendation as set out in the report and this was seconded by Cllr G Carr-Jones.

 

Decision

 

That the extension of the West Dorset ASB-Related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to 19 August 2022, be approved.

 

Reason for the decision

 

To comply with legislative requirements.

To ensure openness and transparency in the council’s decision making, and

To ensure that those persons affected by ASB continue to be afforded the protection provided by the Orders.

65.

Leisure Services Review pdf icon PDF 229 KB

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services.

Decision:

Decision

 

Cabinet approved

 

(a)           That a leisure strategy be developed to enable Dorset Council to consider and adopt a more strategic and informed approach to the way it operates its leisure facilities and service.

 

(b)           That the strategy be reviewed by the People and Health Overview Committee in the Autumn and then be brought to Cabinet for consideration and adoption.

 

(c)           That officers be instructed to agree contract extensions for Ferndown Leisure Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre, and Dorchester Sports Centre until 31.03.2024 on the existing contractual terms.

 

A leisure strategy will set out how the council aims to deliver its leisure service in the future and identify ways to improve community health through physical activity. The strategy will help shape how leisure facilities can be accessible, affordable, and sustainable in the future.

 

The Ferndown Leisure Centre and Blandford Leisure Centre contracts expire on 31.3.22, with the Dorchester Sports Centre expiring on 21.10.22. An extension to 31.3.24 would align all the existing leisure contracts and would allow time for the council to develop a leisure strategy which sets out the future delivery of its leisure sites and provision.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services presented a report on the Leisure Services Review in Dorset. The aim of a leisure strategy was to set out how the council aimed to deliver its leisure service in the future and identify ways to improve community health through physical activity.  The strategy would help shapes how leisure facilities could be accessible, affordable, and sustainable in the future.

 

The recommendations set out in the report were proposed by Cllr L Miller and seconded by Cllr J Haynes.

 

In a response to a question, the Portfolio Holder advised that all members will be able to engage in the review, which would be an open and transparent piece of work. Responding to a further question, members were advised that the review did also include premises that were being operated by third party providers.

 

Decision

 

Cabinet approved

 

(a)           That a leisure strategy be developed to enable Dorset Council to consider and adopt a more strategic and informed approach to the way it operates its leisure facilities and service.

 

(b)           That the strategy be reviewed by the People and Health Overview Committee in the Autumn and then be brought to Cabinet for consideration and adoption.

 

(c)           That officers be instructed to agree contract extensions for Ferndown Leisure Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre, and Dorchester Sports Centre until 31.03.2024 on the existing contractual terms.

 

A leisure strategy will set out how the council aims to deliver its leisure service in the future and identify ways to improve community health through physical activity. The strategy will help shape how leisure facilities can be accessible, affordable, and sustainable in the future.

 

The Ferndown Leisure Centre and Blandford Leisure Centre contracts expire on 31.3.22, with the Dorchester Sports Centre expiring on 21.10.22. An extension to 31.3.24 would align all the existing leisure contracts and would allow time for the council to develop a leisure strategy which sets out the future delivery of its leisure sites and provision.

66.

Procurement Forward Plan Report - over £500K (2022-23) pdf icon PDF 344 KB

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

Decision:

Decision

 

(a)           That Cabinet agrees to begin each of the procurement processes listed in Appendix 1 to the report.

 

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

 

Reason for the decision

 

Cabinet is required to approve all key decisions with financial consequences of £500k or more. It is also good governance to provide Cabinet with a summary of all proposed procurements prior to them formally commencing.

 

Planning procurements effectively ensures:

effective stakeholder management

efficient commissioning and sourcing

compliance with regulations and contract procedure rules

best value for money is clearly defined

Minutes:

In presenting the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital proposed its recommendations. This was seconded by Cllr T Ferrari.

 

Decision

 

(a)           That Cabinet agrees to begin each of the procurement processes listed in Appendix 1 to the report.

 

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

 

Reason for the decision

 

Cabinet is required to approve all key decisions with financial consequences of £500k or more. It is also good governance to provide Cabinet with a summary of all proposed procurements prior to them formally commencing.

 

Planning procurements effectively ensures:

effective stakeholder management

efficient commissioning and sourcing

compliance with regulations and contract procedure rules

best value for money is clearly defined

67.

QE Leisure Centre Future Management pdf icon PDF 271 KB

The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services to present the recommendation from the Executive Director of Place following an informal meeting of the Place and resources Overview Committee on 10 February 2022.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Decision

 

(a)           That the Executive Director of Place be instructed to write to Queen Elizabeth School Foundation Trustees to give formal notice to withdraw from the dual use management agreement on the 31.3.24.

 

(b)           That officers continue to engage with the school during this transitional period and work with them to approach the Education and Skills Funding Agency to apply for exceptional circumstances funding in recognition of the change in contractual arrangements.

 

(c)           That officers work alongside Queen Elizabeth School in identifying ways to maximise the availability of leisure facilities for school and community use and provide advice to any displaced users who may need assistance in identifying opportunities to maintain their activity levels.

 

(d)           That a bid for one off capital funding (up to a max of £150,000) be included in Dorset Councils 2023/24 capital budget process. If successful, this funding would be Dorset Council’s contribution towards the replacement of the All-Weather Pitch.

 

Reasons for the decision

 

The existing dual use agreement permits the Council to give Queen Elizabeth School Foundation Trustees a 2-year notice to withdraw from managing the leisure centre.

 

There is a good level of alternative provision within the locality with seven public leisure facilities within a 20 min drive time of Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre (QELC), three of which are owned by Dorset Council. Similarly, there are several large private and budget leisure clubs within a 10-mile radius.

 

A decision to withdraw would enable the Council to make a revenue saving of around £550,000 per annum.

 

The leisure centre is owned by the Foundation Trustees and any decisions around the future operation of the site would be for them as the land and property owner. The Council would be keen to support them during this transitional period with applications for exceptional factor funding as well as identifying ways to maximise school and community use of the facilities.

 

The all-weather pitch is a vital facility and one-off funding (up to £150k) could enable this to be replaced during 2023/24, benefitting both Queen Elizabeth School (QES) and the community. This would also allow QES to generate enough income to create a sinking fund for any future replacement.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services set out the report seeking support to give a 2-year notice to withdraw from managing the leisure centre. In setting out the proposal the Portfolio Holder advised that there was a good level of alternative provision within the locality and a decision to withdraw would enable the Council to make a revenue saving of around £550,000 per annum.

 

This matter was considered by Place and Resources Overview Committee on 10 February 2022 and although the committee recognised that this would be a difficult decision, they supported the proposed approach for the future of QE Leisure Centre.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services proposed the recommendations, and this was seconded by Cllr J Haynes.

 

In response to questions the Portfolio Holder advised: -

 

·       This was an opportunity for QE Leisure Centre to improve its provision for the locality.

·       There are several SANG facilities in the area.

·       Highlighted the need for leisure services to be equitable.

·       The Leisure Review would be an opportunity for all councillors to be involved in the review process and this would include QE Leisure Centre.

·       The Council had a commitment to support the school into developing the leisure for the future.

 

Members recognised that equitable provision needed to be provided across the Dorset Council area and that the council would do what it could to support the school during the transitional period.

 

Decision

 

(a)           That the Executive Director of Place be instructed to write to Queen Elizabeth School Foundation Trustees to give formal notice to withdraw from the dual use management agreement on the 31.3.24.

 

(b)           That officers continue to engage with the school during this transitional period and work with them to approach the Education and Skills Funding Agency to apply for exceptional circumstances funding in recognition of the change in contractual arrangements.

 

(c)           That officers work alongside Queen Elizabeth School in identifying ways to maximise the availability of leisure facilities for school and community use and provide advice to any displaced users who may need assistance in identifying opportunities to maintain their activity levels.

 

(d)           That a bid for one off capital funding (up to a max of £150,000) be included in Dorset Councils 2023/24 capital budget process. If successful, this funding would be Dorset Council’s contribution towards the replacement of the All-Weather Pitch.

 

Reasons for the decision

 

The existing dual use agreement permits the Council to give Queen Elizabeth School Foundation Trustees a 2-year notice to withdraw from managing the leisure centre.

 

There is a good level of alternative provision within the locality with seven public leisure facilities within a 20 min drive time of Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre (QELC), three of which are owned by Dorset Council. Similarly, there are several large private and budget leisure clubs within a 10-mile radius.

 

A decision to withdraw would enable the Council to make a revenue saving of around £550,000 per annum.

 

The leisure centre is owned by the Foundation Trustees and any decisions around the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

Cabinet member update on policy development matter referred to an Overview Committee(s) for consideration

Cabinet Portfolio Holders to report.

Minutes:

There were no referrals to report.

69.

Climate & Ecological Emergency Executive Advisory Panel Update

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

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment reported on some of the actions that had been taken since the Council had declared a climate and ecological emergency: -

 

·       Formed an Executive Advisory Panel, held several meetings including inquiry days involving public engagement.

·       Workshops

·       Sought views from employees

·       Councillor webinars

·       Created a strategy and action plan

·       Sought government funding – 19million was achieved to decarbonise council buildings

·       Distributed funding via Low Carbon Dorset

·       Continue to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint

·       Created the position of Corporate Director for Climate and Ecological Emergency. Steven Ford will shortly be joining the council.

·       Installed over 50 EV charging points, more to follow.

·       Improvements and development of cycleways

·       AONB working with local farmers

·       Created a draft fleet strategy

70.

Urgent items

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.

 

Minutes:

There were no urgent items considered at the meeting.

71.

Exempt Business

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 4 and 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.

Decision:

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

 

Decision

 

That the press and the public be excluded for the following 2 item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 4 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Minutes:

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

 

Decision

 

That the press and the public be excluded for the following 2 item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 4 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

72.

Review of Redundancy Pay

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

Decision:

Decision

 

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

 

Minutes:

Members considered a report on the Review of Redundancy Pay.

 

Decision

 

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

 

73.

Adult Social Care - Future Services

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

Decision:

Decision

 

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

Minutes:

The committee considered an exempt report and its recommendations on Adult Social Care – Future Services.

 

Decision

 

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

Appendix 1 - Public Q&A's pdf icon PDF 316 KB

Appendix 2 - Councillor Q&A's pdf icon PDF 274 KB