Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th December 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4^th December 2025 were confirmed and signed.

 

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct.  In making their decision 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.

 

Cllr E Parker declared a pecuniary interest in respect of agenda item 14. Cllr Parker did not take part in the debate or vote and left the room when the item was considered.

 

Cllr C Monks declared a pecuniary interest in respect of agenda item 14. Cllr Monks did not take part in the debate or vote and left the room when the item was considered.

 

Cllr P Kimber declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Portland foodbank.

 

Cllr L Beddow declared a pecuniary interest in respect of agenda item 14. Cllr Beddow did not take part in the debate or vote and left the room when the item was considered.

 

Cllr B Ezzard declared an interest in respect of agenda item 8, as a trustee of the Wareham Youth Club and took part in the debate and vote.

 

(a)  To receive a short presentation from the Youth Council.

(b)  To receive any announcements from the Chair of Council.

The Chair of the Council reported the deaths of three former Councillors and paid tribute to their service. Peter Webb had served as a Member of North Dorset District Council and had been appointed Honorary Alderman in 2013. David Barrett had been a Member of West Dorset District Council from 1996 to 2015 and had served as Mayor of Dorchester in 2007. Ian Gardner had served as a Member of West Dorset District Council from 1991 to 2018 and had also been a Member of Dorset County Council. Members paid their respects and acknowledged the contributions each had made to local government and their communities.

 

Congratulations were offered on two national awards received by the Council. It was noted that Children’s Services had won a national award in the category of Violence Against Women, in recognition of their pilot project delivered in partnership with local businesses and volunteers.

 

Councillor S Bartlett extended congratulations to the Council’s Building Control Service Team, which had been named Best Building Control Team in the country. The judges had commented on the team’s hard work and positive engagement. The award had been received shortly after the team had successfully passed a rigorous national assessment. The team was formally congratulated on its achievement.

 

A period of 30 minutes is allocated to receive and respond to questions and statements on the business of the Council in the following order:

(a) Questions and statements from Town and Parish Councils;

(b) Questions and statements from those living or working in the Dorset Council area;

A person or organisation can submit either 1 question or 1 statement at 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 Full Council this will be circulated to all members of the council in advance of the meeting as a supplement to the agenda and appended to the minutes of the meeting for the formal record, but it will not be read out at the meeting.  The first 8 questions and the first 8 statements received by Democratic Services will be accepted on a first come first served basis in accordance with the deadline below:  

 

The full text of the question or statement must be received by 8.30am on Thursday 5 February 2026. All submissions must be emailed to [email protected] 

 

When submitting your question or statement please note that:

·       You can submit 1 question or 1 statement for each meeting;

·       A question may include a pre-amble to set the context, each question, including the pre-amble can consist of up to 450 words and you will be given up to 3 minutes to read out your question;

·       Sub-divided questions will not be accepted;

·       When submitting a question please indicate who the question is for, i.e. the name of the Cabinet member;

·       You will need to include your full name, address and contact details;

·       All questions and statements will be published with the minutes of the meeting as a matter of public record.

 

Before submitting your question or statement please read the Council’s Procedure Rules paragraphs 9.1 – 9.12 to ensure that your question/statement is compliant.

Part 2 Rules of Procedure - Council and Committee Procedure Rules.pdf

      

 

There were no questions from the public.

 

A period of 15 minutes is allocated to receive and respond to petitions in accordance with the council’s petitions scheme.

 

A period of 15 minutes is allocated to receive and respond to deputations in accordance with the council’s constitution.

 

The petitions scheme and procedures relating to deputations can be viewed at:

Council Procedure Rules

 

 

There were no petitions and deputations received.

 

To receive any announcements and reports from the Leader of Council and members of the Cabinet.

 

The Leader of the Council discussed the recent severe weather and its impact on residents, acknowledging travel difficulties and the ongoing uncertainty, and recognised the community spirit shown. Cllr N Ireland thanked frontline teams and volunteers for supporting residents and vulnerable individuals. Discussions had taken place on flood mitigation, with a report due to be presented to Cabinet the following month. Cllr N Ireland commended the Climate Panel and noted progress on developing an independent climate strategy, with a full-time officer post under consideration. Commitment to strengthening flood management arrangements was highlighted.

 

The Leader emphasised the importance of working closely with town and parish councils to ensure local knowledge informed decision-making. Additional funding and revenue opportunities were being explored to assist with damage recovery and practical support for residents. Alongside immediate responses, longer-term measures would be pursued to strengthen communities and enhance resilience.

 

The Cabinet member for Place Commissioned Services noted the unprecedented rainfall on already saturated land and the resulting road closures. He commended the Greenspace Team for clearing debris, the Highways Team for their work, and Harbours staff for their response. He acknowledged that Waste Teams had initially been disrupted but were now operating as normal. He highlighted the proactive efforts of all teams involved.

 

Cllr S Bartlett, Cabinet member for Planning and Emergency Planning, referred to the Section 19 flood investigation, noting that officers had been asked to carry out a wider review to ensure accountability and actions were taken. He acknowledged shared flooding concerns and confirmed that the Manager of Emergency Planning had been working with town councils, supported by government grant funding, to understand local resilience. He also noted that site allocations covered broad areas and updates had been provided regularly. The Cabinet member highlighted that emergency planning had been central to the Council’s response and joined the Chamber in thanking staff for their support and expertise.

 

Cllr S Clifford, Cabinet member for Finance advised that the Government had recently announced 90% grant funding subject to an approved submission. He noted that while this would reduce interest payments, the Council would still incur expenditure, with potential implications for local taxpayers, and that the Council was still waiting on further details regarding the scheme.

 

Members expressed hope the grant would be received and raised concerns about the potential cost to taxpayers if it was not. Councillor Clifford confirmed that a bid needed to be submitted to qualify, acknowledged that many councils faced similar situations, and stated that any contingency arrangements would be shared once known. He added that the Council was engaging with MPs and Government Ministers to lobby for the grant’s approval.

 

Members of the council were given the opportunity to ask questions on any key points.

 

To consider recommendations from Cabinet.

The Cabinet member for Finance and Capital Strategy presented the Budget Strategy and Medium-term Financial Plan (MTPF). Budget speech appended to these minutes.

 

The Chair invited the Group Leaders to present their replies to the budget proposals, Cllrs A Parry, C Sutton, L Fry, K Wheller. Budget speeches appended to these minutes.

 

Members debated the item, and the comments included:

 

·       Budget noted as high risk due to reliance on business rates and national financial pressures

·       Increased funding for adult social care and vulnerable people

·       Dorset’s funding considered low; support welcomed for flooding mitigation, housing, transport, and flood resilience initiatives

·       Concerns raised that systemic issues, such as flooding, were not fully addressed

·       Progress on adult services, transformation, and regeneration commended

·       Recurring government-influenced issues and potential impacts on manufacturing highlighted

·       Overall, Members acknowledged pressures, responsible allocation, and focus on supporting residents and strengthening Council resilience

 

Cllr N Ireland stated that the council was taking a different approach, investing in highways, reviewing parking charges and supporting clean green energy jobs. He noted investments in growth, flood management, and improvements to road networks. It was proposed by Cllr S Clifford and seconded by Cllr N Ireland.

 

In accordance with procedure rule 19.6 (recorded votes at budget meetings) a recorded vote was taken.

 

Those who voted in favour:

 

Cllrs J Andrews, J Atwal, M Baker, S Bartlett, B Bawden, D Beer, M Bell, R Biggs, L Bown, A Brenton, W Chakawhata, S Clifford, R Crabb, N Eysenck, B Ezzard, S Florek, L Fry, A Fuhrmann, S Holland, R Hope, R Hughes, N Ireland, J Jeanes, S Jones, p Kimber, C Kippax, R Legg, R Major, D Morgan, D Northam, J Orrell, S Robinson, P Roper, D Sowry-House, A Starr, C Sutton, R Tarr, D Taylor, G Taylor, A Todd, D Tooke, C Webb, K Wheller, S Williams, B Wilson and C Woode

 

Those who voted against:

 

Cllrs L Beddow, R Bryan, S Christopher, P Dickenson, B Gorringe, J Haynes, S Jespersen, C Jones, N Lacey-Clarke, C Monks, S Murcer, L O’Leary, E Parker, M Parkes, A Parry, V Pothecary, B Quayle, B Rideout, D Shortell, A Skeats, J Somper, G Suttle, C Tomes and J Vitali

 

Those who abstained:

 

Cllr S Flower

 

Following the recorded vote of 46 for, 24 against and 1 abstention the motion was CARRIED.

 

Decision

 

1) That the revenue budget summarised in Appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet of 29 January 2026, be agreed.

2) That the increase in general Council Tax of 2.9985% and 1.9919% in the Social Care Precept, providing a Band D Council Tax figure for Dorset Council of £2,205.90; an overall increase of 4.9904%, be agreed and that the Council Tax resolution in Appendix 2 be agreed.

3) That the Council Tax base of 163,765.1 and Band D equivalents (188,374 households in total) agreed by the Section 151 Officer earlier in this budget setting process, be noted.

4) That the continuation of the unchanged scheme of Local Council Tax Support, and the revised income tables following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

To consider a report by J Andrews, Service Manager, Democratic & Electoral Services.

It was proposed by Cllr N Ireland seconded by Cllr L Fry

 

Decision

That the Council Size Submission, recommending a council size of 82 Members, to be forwarded to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England for consideration.

 

To consider a report by J Andrews, Service Manager, Democratic and Electoral Services.

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

 

Decision

That the draft recommendations regarding the parish boundaries for Shipton Gorge and Loders and publication for public consultation from 23 February 2026 to 27 March 2026 be approved. The results of the consultation to be reported to Full Council on 16 April 2026.

 

To consider a recommendation from the Licensing and Gambling Acts Committee.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor and seconded by Cllr D Beer.

 

Decision

a)    That the draft Licensing Policy 2026-2031 be approved.

b)    That the Service Manager for Licensing & Community Safety, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Gambling Acts Committee, be given delegated authority to amend any identified minor typographical errors as necessary.

 

To consider a report by N Adam, HR Service Manager – Centre of Excellence.

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

 

Decision

a)    That the provisions of the Localism Act and content of the Pay Policy Statement for the 2026/27 financial year, be noted.

b)    That the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, be approved.

 

To consider a report by K Critchel, Senior Democratic and Governance Officer.

The Leader of Council presented the calendar of meetings for 2026/27 and proposed its formal adoption. The recommendation was seconded by R Biggs.

 

Decision

a)    That the calendar of meetings for the period May 2026 to May 2027 be approved.

b)    That, to ensure effective political management, authority be delegated to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to make any necessary changes to the calendar, in consultation with the appropriate Chair and Vice-Chair

 

To consider a Motion on notice proposed by Cllr L O’Leary and seconded by Cllr C Tomes.

Cllrs S Flower, L Beddow, E Parker, C Monks and S Christopher left the room at 20:48.

 

Cllr L O’Leary presented the motion on notice which was seconded by Cllr C Tomes.

 

“We call on all registered providers of social housing operating in the Dorset Council area to review their disposal policies, with a renewed focus on regular, long-term maintenance of properties to prevent them deteriorating to a level that leads to disposal.

 

The disposal of social housing in rural and semi-rural areas can be highly damaging to communities and force local people out of their home neighbourhoods.

 

Registered providers, when established, were given a duty to look after these properties on behalf of the people of this county.

 

We ask that they set out long-term plans to maintain their existing housing stock in Dorset's communities, through early intervention and sustained long-term investment”.

 

Cllr G Taylor proposed the following amendment, and this was seconded by Cllr B Wilson.

 

“That:

This Council recognises that Registered Providers may, in some circumstances, need to dispose of housing stock. However, we will continue to rigorously scrutinise all proposed disposals to ensure they are genuinely necessary and in the best interest of Dorset’s communities.

 

Where disposal is unavoidable, we call on Registered Providers to offer first refusal to local residents who intent to live in the property, rather than pursuing routes that may increase the number of second homes or holiday lets.

 

Furthermore, this council requires that any disposed housing stock is replaced with equivalent homes within the same community, ensuring that local housing capacity is maintained”.

 

Members debated the amendment proposed.

 

Cllr G Taylor, Cabinet member for Health and Housing addressed the Council and responded to the comments before it was put to the vote. On being put to the vote the amendment was CARRIED.

 

In accordance with procedure rule 8.1, members of the council voted to continue the meeting beyond 3 hours until the business on the agenda was concluded.

 

The Chair of the Council invited Members to propose any further amendments. Cllr L O’Leary proposed a further amendment requesting that all registered providers review their policy on property disposals. Cllr K Wheller seconded the amendment.

 

The amendment was put to the vote and was CARRIED

 

The substantive motion was put to the vote

 

Decision

That:

 

This Council recognises that Registered Providers may, in some circumstances, need to dispose of housing stock. However, we will continue to rigorously scrutinise all proposed disposals to ensure they are genuinely necessary and in the best interest of Dorset’s communities.

 

Where disposal is unavoidable, we call on Registered Providers to offer first refusal to local residents who intent to live in the property, rather than

pursuing routes that may increase the number of second homes or holiday lets.

 

Furthermore, this council requires that any disposed housing stock is replaced with equivalent homes within the same community, ensuring that local housing capacity is maintained.

 

That we call on all Registered Providers of social housing in the Dorset Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

To receive questions submitted by councillors.  The deadline for receipt of questions is 8.30am on Thursday 5 February 2026.

There were 6 questions from councillors and a copy of these, along with the responses, are set out in Appendix one to these minutes.

 

In response to a supplementary question from Councillor S Flower, the Cabinet Member for Planning advised that any substantive changes to the planning framework would require amendments to national legislation by the Government.

 

In response to a supplementary question from Councillor R Bryan regarding response times, the Cabinet Member for Planning advised that he would meet with Cllr R Bryan outside of the meeting.

 

Cllr R Bryan raised a supplementary question, stating that the additional highways funding announced that evening was no more than expected. He noted that it did not resolve ongoing issues relating to road sweeping and suggested that consideration be given to how Waste Services could contribute to this work. He emphasised the importance of clearing gullies to prevent further damage.

 

Cllr J Andrews, Cabinet member for Place Services, responded that further discussions on the issue would take place.

 

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.

 

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 is no exempt business scheduled for this meeting.

There was no exempt business.