Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2026 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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 [email protected]  by 8.30am on Thursday 1 October 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 one question from the public.  A copy of the full question and the detailed response are set out in Appendix 1 these minutes.

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]  8.30am on Thursday 1 October 2026.

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There were no Cllr questions to report.

To consider the Cabinet Forward Plan for November 2026.

The Cabinet Forward Plan and the changes made to it since it was published with the agenda, were received and noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention & Communities.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities presented the Dorset Community Safety Plan for 2026- 2029.

He explained that, while responsibility for the plan rests with the Dorset Community Safety Partnership, Dorset Council was required by law to formally adopt it.  

The Cabinet Member further advised that the plan had been scrutinised in detail at the People and Health Overview Committee on 21 September 2026, which supported its adoption and recommendation to Full Council.

Recommendation to Council

That the Dorset Community Safety Plan 2026 – 2029 be adopted.

Reason for the recommendation

To ensure Dorset Council meets its statutory duties as set out in relevant legislation.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education.

That the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP) annual report be received and its future priorities be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

To receive assurance regarding the effectiveness of local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, note the progress made by the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership during 2025-2026, and endorse the Partnership's priorities for 2026-2027 in support of improved outcomes for children and families in Dorset.

Before presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education advised that the SEND Reform Plan had been submitted to the Department for Education for approval over the summer. Members were informed that, subject to approval, Dorset Council would receive £145 million in funding, which would address approximately 90% of the Council’s current High Needs deficit. Members welcomed this as very positive news, reflecting the Department for Education’s confidence in Dorset Council’s SEND reform strategy and its approach to improving services and outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education introduced the report and highlighted the important work of safeguarding partners across Dorset in protecting children and improving outcomes for families.

In doing so, concern was noted regarding the increasing impact of social media and the online environment on children and young people. Whilst recognising the opportunities presented by the digital world, it was acknowledged that it also presented significant safeguarding challenges, including exploitation and exposure to harmful content, reinforcing the importance of effective partnership working.

Members were informed that the partnership's priorities for 2026/27 included further strengthening governance and quality assurance arrangements, enhancing the voice of the child, and improving the use of data to support better outcomes for Dorset's children and families.

The Cabinet Member thanked safeguarding partners, practitioners, volunteers and community organisations for their continued commitment to keeping children safe and invited Cabinet to note the report and endorse the priorities for 2026/27.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

That the Dorset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (DSCP) annual report be received and its future priorities be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

To receive assurance regarding the effectiveness of local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, note the progress made by the Dorset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership during 2025-2026, and endorse the Partnership's priorities for 2026-2027 in support of improved outcomes for children and families in Dorset.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Planning Enforcement.

That Cabinet adopts as its own decision action taken under the Council's urgency powers to enable the project to proceed to the delivery stage.

Reason for the decision

To regularise a decision made under delegated powers to progress the delivery of this important community infrastructure project.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Planning Enforcement introduced the report, which provided an update on the delivery of the Mampitts Green Community Hub in Shaftesbury. The Cabinet Member explained that the report sought approval to regularise the use of Chief Officer urgency powers, which had been exercised to allow the project to proceed to the delivery stage and avoid potential financial risks and delays to the scheme.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

That Cabinet adopts as its own decision action taken under the Council's urgency powers to enable the project to proceed to the delivery stage.

Reason for the decision

To regularise a decision made under delegated powers to progress the delivery of this important community infrastructure project.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing.

That the following policies be approved for implementation by the Housing Solutions Service:

1. Sourcing of Temporary Accommodation Policy

2. Void Policy (management of unoccupied properties that are not generating income)

3. Emergency and Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy.

Reason for the decision

To provide safe, suitable and affordable accommodation for homeless applicants while ensuring value for money and compliance with statutory requirements.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness presented a report that sought approval of a suite of Temporary Accommodation policies for the Housing Solutions Service. The policies had been developed following recommendations from the Southwest Audit Partnership (SWAP) to ensure the Council’s arrangements for sourcing, allocating and managing temporary accommodation reflected current legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.

The policies provided a clear and consistent framework for decision-making, support the Council in meeting its statutory homelessness duties, improve transparency for service users, and contribute to wider objectives to reduce reliance on unsuitable accommodation and create a more sustainable temporary accommodation portfolio.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

That the following policies be approved for implementation by the Housing Solutions Service:

1. Sourcing of Temporary Accommodation Policy

2. Void Policy (management of unoccupied properties that are not generating income)

3. Emergency and Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy.

Reason for the decision

To provide safe, suitable and affordable accommodation for homeless applicants while ensuring value for money and compliance with statutory requirements.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Places Services.

Appendix A of the report is an exempt document (paragraph 3) and is set out at item 15 below.

(a)       That the transfer of Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme funding (as set out in exempt Appendix A) to Charmouth Parish Council for the acquisition of Hensleigh House (or a suitable alternative), be approved;

(b)       That Cabinet approves Dorset Council acting as facilitator and enabling authority for the acquisition in support of the Future Coast Dorset programme;

(c)        That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place Services, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to finalise and enter into all necessary funding agreements, legal agreements and associated documentation and take all incidental decisions relating to the matter;

(d)       That the Executive Director for Economy & Environment be delegated to sign the requisite PMG1 and Sealing Form; and officers be authorised to proceed with the transfer, subject to satisfactory valuation, survey, planning, legal and funding compliance outcomes.

Reason for the decision

To deliver a key coastal adaptation project, strengthen the long-term resilience of Charmouth, protect an important community asset, and maximise the benefits of external funding while supporting Dorset Council’s priorities and ensuring timely use of programme funding.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services presented a report that sought approval to transfer Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme funding to Charmouth Parish Council to support the acquisition of a property for the future relocation of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Members noted that the funding involved was not Dorset Council funding nor was it funding that could be spent on day-to-day council services. This was external government funding ringfenced to help communities to prepare for the impact of coastal erosion and the impact of climate change.

The Chair advised Cabinet that the local ward member, Cllr B Bawden had indicated her support for the report and its recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr J Jeanes and seconded by Cllr N Ireland.

Decision

(a)       That the transfer of Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme funding (as set out in exempt Appendix A) to Charmouth Parish Council for the acquisition of Hensleigh House (or a suitable alternative), be approved;

(b)       That Cabinet approves Dorset Council acting as facilitator and enabling authority for the acquisition in support of the Future Coast Dorset programme;

(c)        That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place Services, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to finalise and enter into all necessary funding agreements, legal agreements and associated documentation and take all incidental decisions relating to the matter;

(d)       That the Executive Director for Economy & Environment be delegated to sign the requisite PMG1 and Sealing Form; and officers be authorised to proceed with the transfer, subject to satisfactory valuation, survey, planning, legal and funding compliance outcomes.

Reason for the decision

To deliver a key coastal adaptation project, strengthen the long-term resilience of Charmouth, protect an important community asset, and maximise the benefits of external funding while supporting Dorset Council’s priorities and ensuring timely use of programme funding.

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.

Transforming Public Buses and Community Transport Full Business Case

That Cabinet:

(a)    Approves the Full Business Case and endorses the integrated transport programme.

(b)    Approves the phased implementation of the six intervention packages set out in the Full Business Case.

(c)    Approves the programme investment profile, recognising that delivery of individual interventions would remain subject to available funding, budget setting processes and any future business case approvals where required.

(d)    Authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place Services, to oversee implementation of the approved programme.

Reason for the decision

To approve the Full Business Case and associated investment programme, providing a clear framework for the long-term transformation of public, community and specialist transport, enabling implementation to proceed and supporting the delivery of a more integrated, accessible and financially sustainable transport system.

The following items of business were considered by the Chairman as urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The item was urgent because a decision was needed to align decision-making with the procurement timetable for the supported bus network, enabling implementation of the enhanced Core Route Network for Summer 2027. Delay would have impacted programme mobilisation, procurement activity and the delivery timescales.

TRANSFORMING PUBLIC BUSES AND COMMUNITY TRANSPORT FULL BUSINESS CASE

The Cabinet Member for Place Services presented a report outlining a business case to transform public buses and community transport across Dorset. The proposals sought to improve connectivity, accessibility and independence through enhanced bus services, strengthened community transport provision and flexible transport solutions, particularly in rural areas.

He further highlighted that the programme would support access to employment, education, healthcare and local services, while also contributing to wider transformation across adult social care and SEND services. The Cabinet Member highlighted that the proposals represented a significant investment in Dorset's transport network and would help create a more connected, resilient and sustainable county.

In seconding the report recommendations, the Chair advised that the business case directly supported Dorset Council’s Plan priorities on economy communities and climate. He further confirmed that the programme would represent significant investment over a seven-year period to deliver wider social, economic and health outcomes.

In response to a question regarding engagement with town and parish councils, the Cabinet Member for Place Services advised that a written response would be provided to the councillor concerned. Responding to a question regarding partnership working with the NHS and Package C in the report, the Corporate Director for Highways and Engineering advised that the Council would continue to engage with NHS colleagues as the programme developed to explore potential opportunities for collaboration. Whilst there were clear areas in which the Council could support the NHS, the nature and extent of any such support had not yet been determined. It was noted that further discussions with partners would be required before any associated budget provision could be quantified.

The Chair of the Place and Resources Overview Committee confirmed that the overview committee were in full support of the approach and reports recommendations.

That Cabinet:

(a)       Approves the Full Business Case and endorses the integrated transport programme.

(b)       Approves the phased implementation of the six intervention packages set out in the Full Business Case.

(c)        Approves the programme investment profile, recognising that delivery of individual interventions would remain subject to available funding, budget setting processes and any future business case approvals where required.

(d)       Authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place Services, to oversee implementation of the approved programme.

Reason for the decision

To approve the Full Business Case and associated investment programme, providing a clear framework for the long-term transformation of public, community and specialist transport, enabling implementation to proceed and supporting the delivery of a more integrated, accessible and financially sustainable transport  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

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 the following item(s) below 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) 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 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  

It was proposed by Cllr S Clifford seconded by Cllr S Bartlett

Decision

That the press and the public be excluded for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Reason for taking the item in private

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  

The live streaming was concluded at this juncture.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Finance.

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 6 October 2026, be approved.

Reason for the decision

Existing contracts had reached the end of their original term and required replacement through a compliant procurement exercise.

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Finance presented the exempt report and its recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr S Clifford and seconded by Cllr B Wilson

Decision

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report to Cabinet of 6 October 2026, be approved.

Reason for the decision

Existing contracts had reached the end of their original term and required replacement through a compliant procurement exercise.

Exempt appendix associated with item 12 above.

The exempt appendix associated with the agenda item 15 “Charmouth Heritage Cost Centre Rollback Scheme (Hensleigh House Acquisition)” was not discussed at the meeting. The report was considered in open business as set out in minute no xx to these minutes.