Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2026 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests 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.

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

All submissions must be emailed in full to [email protected]

by 8.30am on 23 March 2026.

When submitting your question or statement please note that:

•         You can submit 1 question or 1 statement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There was no public participation.

To receive questions submitted by councillors.  

Councillors can submit up to two valid questions at each meeting and sub divided questions count towards this total.   Questions and statements received will be published as a supplement to the agenda and all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting. 

The submissions must be emailed in full to [email protected] by 8.30am on 23 March 2026 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13

There were no questions from Councillors.

To receive the report from Implementation Team Manager and Community Engagement Officer.

The item was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Place Services, who outlined the legislative changes that had given the Council the necessary powers and explained why a formal policy was now required. The Implementation Team Manager then presented the key considerations within the report and invited comments from Members.

During the discussion, the Committee explored the proposed implementation approach. Members noted the importance of undertaking a pilot phase to test the scheme, gain practical insight, and inform any future wider roll-out.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential for vandalism and public resistance. In response, officers confirmed that a six-month introductory period was proposed, during which warnings would be issued instead of financial penalties, to allow a fair transition and support public understanding of the new arrangements.

The cost implications of implementing and managing the scheme were discussed. It was noted that there was potential for joint funding arrangements, particularly with schools, town councils, and parish councils, where there was a shared interest in delivery.

The operational requirements of the scheme, including the need to allocate sufficient road maintenance resources to ensure that signage and road conditions met the standards required for enforcing contraventions.

Further discussion took place on the scope of the scheme. It was confirmed that applications could include Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and situations where temporary road closures were in place.

There was strong agreement that school-related schemes should be treated as the highest priority, given the road safety benefits. The potential for partnership working to support delivery in these areas was discussed.

For future development, other locations could be considered following the pilot phase. These could include weight-restricted roads and routes with directional traffic flow, subject to prioritisation.

Assurance was provided that all data collected and processed as part of the scheme would be managed in line with existing Penalty Charge Notice procedures, ensuring appropriate handling and compliance with data protection requirements.

The primary purpose of the scheme was to improve compliance and enhance road safety, and not to generate income, further clarification on how the scheme would operate in practice, including how contraventions would be identified and enforced.

The Place and Resources Overview Committee expressed broad support for the proposals and unanimously agreed all the recommendations set out in the report.

Recommendations

1.1 Consider the ways in which the enforcement of moving traffic offences would benefit communities and residents in Dorset, and whether there are any concerns about such enforcement.

1.2 Review and provide feedback on skeleton proposals for a moving traffic enforcement policy

1.3 Support the development of a formal policy as an amendment to the existing parking policy, and a business case to cover procurement of cameras and the allocation of staff resource for Cabinet approval.

1.4 Endorse the selection of Upton School Street as the location for a pilot scheme to inform the policy and business case.

To receive the report from Service Manager for Leisure, Arts and Cultural Services

The item was introduced by the Service Manager for Leisure, Arts and Cultural Services, who explained that the strategy had been developed in partnership with a range of stakeholders. It was highlighted that Dorset Council plays a key role within the cultural sector, both as a facilitator and as a significant stakeholder.

During the discussion, clarification on the role of Dorset Council within the strategy, particularly in terms of how it would represent and support smaller organisations and communities across the area was provided and the strategy aimed to provide an inclusive framework that reflected the needs of the whole cultural sector, including smaller, locally based providers.

The Committee considered the distribution of grant funding, including how funding is allocated across different geographic areas and organisations emphasising the importance of ensuring a fair and balanced spread of resources to support cultural activity across Dorset.

Members also discussed the Council’s role in facilitating and encouraging cultural activities delivered at a town and parish level. It was noted that, beyond funding, the Council should actively support and enable local cultural initiatives, ensuring that processes did not unintentionally restrict or prevent community-led activity.

The issue of cultural infrastructure was explored, recognising the importance of having appropriate facilities and support mechanisms in place. The strategy would help identify areas of need, which could then inform future funding opportunities and investment decisions.

The Committee noted the Council’s role in both protecting existing cultural provision and providing spaces where culture can take place. This included consideration of how Council-owned assets could be used to support cultural activity.

The current Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Arts Development Company was due to end in September. It was confirmed that additional internal resource would be introduced to manage this area of work going forward.

The relationship between sport, culture, and heritage was discussed, with Members acknowledging that sport forms an important part of the wider cultural offer. It was noted that alignment with other Council strategies would be important to ensure a joined-up approach.

The Committee also considered the importance of social value within the strategy, recognising the broader benefits that cultural activity can bring to communities, including wellbeing, inclusion, and economic impact.

Discussion took place on how the strategy would be applied across Dorset Council-owned assets, with Members seeking assurance that there would be a consistent and effective approach.

The need for clear and tangible actions arising from the strategy was discussed. It was emphasised that these actions should support the growth and long-term sustainability of cultural provision across Dorset, ensuring that the strategy delivers measurable outcomes.

Overall, the Committee welcomed the strategy and supported its direction.

Recommendation

The Place and Resources Overview Committee recommended the adoption of the Dorset Cultural Strategy 2026- 2031 to Cabinet

To consider any items of business which the Chair 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 committee considered the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy as an urgent item.

To receive the report from the Service Manager Housing Standards in addition to the People and Health Overview on 16 March 2026

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing introduced the background to the report, outlining the journey to date. The Service Manager for Housing Standards then set out the legislative context, including the purpose of the enhanced enforcement powers to ensure compliance with updated legal requirements, the specific duties placed upon local authorities, and the associated resource implications for Dorset Council.

The discussion focused on several key issues arising from the proposed changes. Consideration was given to the potential for unintended market impacts, including concerns that some landlords may choose to move properties out of the private rented sector and into the holiday let market as a result of increased regulation.

Concerns were also raised about the risk of tenants being evicted in advance of the new legislation coming into force. Linked to this, there was discussion around the potential grounds for eviction under the new legal framework and how these may be applied in practice.

The possibility of unintended consequences from the legislative changes more broadly was explored, particularly in relation to market behaviour and tenant security.

Discussion took place on how issues would be reported, including the use of existing reporting mechanisms and the need for clear and accessible routes for tenants and other stakeholders to raise concerns.

The financial implications for Dorset Council were considered, including the overall cost burden of implementing and enforcing the new requirements. It was noted that income generated through the registration of landlords on the national database, as well as through financial penalties, had been designed to help offset some of these costs.

There was a strong emphasis on the importance of supporting landlords to achieve compliance. This included the need to provide clear guidance on what constitutes good practice, alongside proactive support to help landlords meet the required standards before enforcement action is considered.

The importance of a clear and effective communications strategy was highlighted, aimed at both landlords and tenants, to ensure widespread understanding of the new requirements, rights, and responsibilities.

Discussion also focused on the approach to enforcement, with particular emphasis on ensuring fairness in the application of fines. It was noted that enforcement activity, including the use of financial penalties, would be focused on securing compliance with legal standards rather than generating income.

Finally, a request was made for clarification on whether Dorset Council had been involved in the national consultation and development of the Renters Reform legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act

The Place and Resources Overview committee supported the recommendations from the report

Recommendations

1-Adoption and approval of the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026.

2-Cabinet Member for Health and Housing in consultation with the Interim/Corporate Director for Housing and Community Safety is given delegated authority to make minor changes to the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026 including:

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

approval of operational  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

To review the Place and Resources Overview Committee Work Programme.

To review the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Committee reviewed the work programmes and future items for consideration.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.

There was no exempt business.