Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on  20 June 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

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

There were no declarations of interest to report.

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

All submissions must be emailed in full to Kate.Critchel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  by 8.30am on Thursday 20 July 2023.

When submitting your question or statement please note that:

•         You can submit 1 question or 1 statement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were no questions received from the public.

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 20 July 2023. 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There was 1 question from Councillor G Taylor; these along with the response is set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes.

In response to a supplementary question, the Chairman confirmed that when the national survey, referred to within the Portfolio Holder’s response, was made available, this would be referred to People and Health Overview Committee for consideration.

To consider the draft Cabinet Forward Plan for September.

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for September was received and noted.

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

(a)           That the Senior Leadership forecast of the full year’s outturn for the council, made at the end of Quarter 1, including progress of the transformational and tactical savings incorporated into the budget, be agreed.

(b)           That the capital programme for 2023/24 be noted.

Reason for the decision

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 2023/24.  This report summarised the Council’s forecast financial performance for the year at the end of the first quarter.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy presented the Council’s projected financial performance for the full 2023/24 financial year, being made at the end of quarter 1.

In response to a question regarding Council Tax arrears, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy advised that the collection and recovery process would continue to improve following an extended period of closure and delay.

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

Decision

(a)           That the Senior Leadership forecast of the full year’s outturn for the council, made at the end of Quarter 1, including progress of the transformational and tactical savings incorporated into the budget, be agreed.

(b)           That the capital programme for 2023/24 be noted.

Reason for the decision

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 2023/24.  This report summarised the Council’s forecast financial performance for the year at the end of the first quarter.

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

That the contents of the report and the action plan to address areas for improvement, be noted.

Reason for the decision

This report provided members with an overview of the Ofsted focussed visit and the intended actions to further strengthen the service and experiences for care leavers in Dorset.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help presented a report that set out a summary of the findings from the Ofsted focused visit to Dorset Children’s Services on 17 and 18 May 2023.  Inspectors looked at the local authority’s arrangements for 16- and 17-year-old care leavers.

He advised Cabinet that the Ofsted’s headline findings were that:

‘Leaders have significantly strengthened support and services for care leavers and have made notable improvements in the quality and standard of their accommodation. This was an area for development at the last inspection’.

He further advised that Ofsted identified just one area under what needs to improve in this area of social work practice: “The quality and timeliness of supervision” and the action plan was set out at appendix 2 to the report.

In proposing the recommendation, the Portfolio Holder paid tribute to officers and the previous portfolio holder for all their hard work and effort in this important area of the service.

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

Decision

That the contents of the report and the action plan to address areas for improvement, be noted.

Reason for the decision

This report provided members with an overview of the Ofsted focussed visit and the intended actions to further strengthen the service and experiences for care leavers in Dorset.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for People – Adult Social Care, Health and Housing.

(a)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of People - Adults & Housing, Executive Director of Corporate Development and the Portfolio Holder for Adults, Health & Housing, and the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy to finalise negotiations with NHS partners to secure the Dorchester County Hospital site for the first centre.

(b)           That the procurement of a design partner to develop detailed plans and costings for the Dorchester Reablement Centre, be approve, and to present back to Cabinet for the delegated authority to approve the required capital commitment to deliver the build stages of the project.

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of People – Adults & Housing and the Executive Director of Corporate Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adults, Health & Housing, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy and the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Property to commence the design of the scheme.

Reason for the decision

To receive a report on progress of the Reablement Centre Project and give approval for the commencement of work on the design of the first centre which would be located in Dorchester.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing set out a report on the progress of the Reablement Centre Project and sought Cabinet approval to commence work on the design of the first centre which would be in Dorchester.

The Interim Corporate Director for Commissioning & Improvement gave a short PowerPoint presentation on progress to date and next steps. The project brief consolidates the Council’s strategic intention, service concept and business case for the project. The proposal was for an 80 bedded centre at Damers Road/Bridport Road in Dorchester, working in partnership with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Dorset.  The centre will be for all Dorset Council residents who require recovery and rehabilitation services.

In response to questions, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the provision and decision for the site in Dorchester site had been based on demand. 

Responding to further questions, the Interim Corporate Director for Commissioning & Improvement confirmed that patients would need to be medically fit to be discharged to this site, but given its proximity to the Dorset County Hospital, this would give a strong partnership/relationship with the hospital site to ensure that any future medical needs could be managed.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy and the Executive Director for Corporate Development responded to questions relating to the financial arrangements for the project.

It was proposed by Cllr J Somper seconded by Cllr S Gibson

Decision

(a)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of People - Adults & Housing, Executive Director of Corporate Development and the Portfolio Holder for Adults, Health & Housing, and the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy to finalise negotiations with NHS partners to secure the Dorchester County Hospital site for the first centre.

(b)           That the procurement of a design partner to develop detailed plans and costings for the Dorchester Reablement Centre, be approve, and to present back to Cabinet for the delegated authority to approve the required capital commitment to deliver the build stages of the project.

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of People – Adults & Housing and the Executive Director of Corporate Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adults, Health & Housing, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy and the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Property to commence the design of the scheme.

Reason for the decision

To receive a report on progress of the Reablement Centre Project and give approval for the commencement of work on the design of the first centre which would be located in Dorchester.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

That the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Levelling up together with the Chief Executive and Executive Director for Place continue to take forward work to seek to secure a Devolution Deal for Dorset as set out in the report.

Reason for the decision

There was an opportunity for Dorset Council to progress a Devolution Deal for Dorset which could have significant social, economic and environmental benefits.  Such a Deal could give the council not only additional powers in relation to these matters but also additional funding and other resources. 

Seeking a Devolution Deal would require Dorset Council to be proactive not only in making the case with Government but also in seeking a suitable partner or partners with neighbouring authorities.  Suitable governance arrangements would need to be put in place to provide oversight of the deal. 

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Levelling Up presented a report on the opportunity for Dorset Council to progress a Devolution Deal for Dorset which could have significant social, economic, and environmental benefits. He advised that the report before Cabinet sought a mandate for the Leader of the Council and himself to begin negotiations with the government and neighbouring councils.

To secure a devolution deal Dorset Council would need to partner with at least one appropriate neighbouring council to achieve the government’s population threshold of 500,000.  It was also important that the Council had a strong governance structure in place which accorded with the government’s devolution framework.  He further acknowledged that the mayoral model would not necessarily find support within the Dorset Council community. 

Non-Executive members asked questions and spoke in support of the proposal making the following comments.

·       Education, environment, and transportation should be areas of focus.

·       Acknowledged that every devolution deal was bespoke.

·       The arrangement would need to reflect local circumstances.

·       Any deal would require strong governance models.

·       Members were reassured that the Mayoral model would probably not be pursued.

·       Concerns were expressed around the risks of a Pan-Dorset arrangement.

Cabinet members supported the report’s recommendation as it was considered that a devolution deal for Dorset would provide an opportunity to boost the financial and economic investment for the area.

It was proposed by Cllr S Gibson seconded by Cllr S Flower

Decision

That the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Levelling up together with the Chief Executive and Executive Director for Place continue to take forward work to seek to secure a Devolution Deal for Dorset as set out in the report.

Reason for the decision

There was an opportunity for Dorset Council to progress a Devolution Deal for Dorset which could have significant social, economic, and environmental benefits.  Such a Deal could give the council not only additional powers in relation to these matters but also additional funding and other resources. 

Seeking a Devolution Deal would require Dorset Council to be proactive not only in making the case with Government but also in seeking a suitable partner or partners with neighbouring authorities.  Suitable governance arrangements would need to be put in place to provide oversight of the deal. 

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities the present the report and a recommendation from the Joint Overview Committee of 7 June 2023.

(a)           That the Library Strategy, operating model, and action plan be endorsed and adopted (appendices 1,9, & 10)

(b)           That the operating model be implemented from 2024 by the Library Service following consultation with the workforce and engagement with communities.

(c)           That the consultation and engagement undertaken with our communities, involving residents, children, communities, partners, businesses, councillors, our workforce, and all council services be noted (appendices 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6).

(d)           That the findings and proposals contained within the Equalities Impact Assessment be noted (appendix 8).

Reason for the decision

The Dorset Council Library Strategy would guide the council on how to develop and deliver library services over the next 10 years, delivering services in line with the needs of residents and Dorset Council’s strategic priorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities advised that the new Library Strategy had been developed following 2 phases of public consultation and would guide how the council developed and delivered the library service over the next 10 years. 

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that the Joint Overview Committee had considered and supported the recommendations before Cabinet. Non-Executive members present, and Cabinet members welcomed the recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr L Beddow and seconded by Cllr D Walsh

Decision

(a)           That the Library Strategy, operating model, and action plan be endorsed and adopted (appendices 1,9, & 10)

(b)           That the operating model be implemented from 2024 by the Library Service following consultation with the workforce and engagement with communities.

(c)           That the consultation and engagement undertaken with our communities, involving residents, children, communities, partners, businesses, councillors, our workforce, and all council services be noted (appendices 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6).

(d)           That the findings and proposals contained within the Equalities Impact Assessment be noted (appendix 8).

Reason for the decision

The Dorset Council Library Strategy would guide the council on how to develop and deliver library services over the next 10 years, delivering services in line with the needs of residents and Dorset Council’s strategic priorities.

To receive an update from the Portfolio Holder for People – Adult Social Care, Health and Housing.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health, and Housing gave an update on the Dorset Council Plan priorities for housing. She also set out some of the key challenges being faced by the service which were also detailed in the report attached to these minutes at Appendix 2.

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

There were no referrals to report.

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 16 to 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) 1 & 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 1 - Information relating to any individual. Item 16.

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Items 16, 17 and 18.

It was proposed by Cllr S Flower seconded by Cllr R Bryan

Decision

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 16 to 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) 1 & 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

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

That recommendations 1 to 3 (as amended) set out within the exempt report to Cabinet of 25 July 2023 be approved.

Reason for the decision

To consider the disposal of land at Pond Walk, Stalbridge.

The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Property presented an exempt report regarding the proposed sale of land at Pund Walk, Stalbridge and proposed an   amendment to the wording of recommendation 2. The amendment and recommendations 1 & 3 were seconded by Cllr G Suttle.

Following debate and upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.

Decision

That recommendations 1 to 3 (as amended) set out within the exempt report to Cabinet of 25 July 2023 be approved.

Reason for the decision

To consider the disposal of land at Pond Walk, Stalbridge.

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

That recommendations 1 to 3 as set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 25 July, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To support the corporate aim of driving economic prosperity and Cabinet’s commitment to digital innovation.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented the exempt report and recommendations. This was seconded by Cllr S Gibson.

Decision

That recommendations 1 to 3 as set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 25 July, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To support the corporate aim of driving economic prosperity and Cabinet’s commitment to digital innovation.

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

That recommendations 1 and 2 as set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 25 July 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach to engaging the Council’s temporary workforce.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented the report that had also be considered and supported by Place and Resources Overview Committee of 6 and 28 June 2023.

The Portfolio Holder proposed and Cllr L Beddow seconded the recommendations.

Decision

That recommendations 1 and 2 as set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 25 July 2023, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To agree the approach to engaging the Council’s temporary workforce.