Agenda item

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 Chair reported that there were two items that had been added to the agenda under urgent items.

Annual Report and Year end Accounts

The Chair noted that the accounts had to be approved by the Care Dorset Board of Directors at a meeting on 21 September 2026, which was after the agenda publication date. As Chair, he had agreed to add the item to the agenda to ensure timely consideration of the report.

The shareholder committee received a report of the Chief Financial Officer, Care Dorset, which presented the audited annual accounts for the 18 months ending 31 March 2026. It was noted that the accounting period had been extended in order to align with the Dorset Council financial year.

Councillors considered the report and discussion was held in the following areas:

·       In response to a question regarding Care Dorset’s leasing arrangements, the Chief Executive Officer confirmed that there was assurance from auditors in respect of the arrangements. It would be important for Care Dorset to have the opportunity to explore arrangements within the estate as the business sought to grow and became more independent from the council

·       No concerns in relation to profitability had been raised by the auditor. From a commercial perspective the company was secure as an ongoing concern, however there was recognition of the need to grow and diversify income streams and there was ambition to create reserves for future investments

·       There had been early-stage discussions in respect of works required to properties, with decisions to be taken on where responsibilities lay. The Chief Executive Officer thanked those involved for their work in this area

·       In response to a question about whether there were any challenges in the recovery of debt, the Chief Executive Officer noted that Care Dorset was comfortable with the position regarding debt and that there was a strong debt management process in place

·       It was noted that the reliance on agency staff had reduced and a question was raised as to whether this was a sustainable position. Assurance was given that there were strong processes in place to manage workforce including greater visibility of rosters through the online system and use of the neutral vendor to manage the relationship with agency providers. There were no current significant concerns, but this would continue to be kept under review

·       There had been a reduction in staff numbers although it was noted that this was due to the closure of facilities and changes made within the support team and not due to a reduction in front line staff delivering care services. Staffing was expected to remain stable apart from any increase as required for the opening of new facilities

·       It was noted that the nature of the service and how services were provided was constantly under review and that this could have an impact on staffing. A summit event would be held to talk about future issues for Care Dorset.

The report was NOTED.

Dorset Council Commissioner’s Update

The Chair noted that the report had been received past the standard deadline for agenda publication. As Chair, he had agreed to add the item to the agenda to ensure timely dissemination of information to members.

The shareholder committee considered a report which presented the developments led by the council, relevant to Care Dorset, and summarised key progress since the last meeting of the shareholder committee.

In response to a question, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health reported that, in respect of the former Sidney Gale site, issues on site had caused a slight delay and therefore the report to be brought to Cabinet regarding the reablement centre would be brought towards the end of the year or beginning of next year.

The report was NOTED.