Decisions

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

All public toilets to close from today

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

In line with national lockdown guidelines and to protect public health as social distancing and cleaning cannot be maintained 

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Property Cell

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Leaving toilets open was rejected as social distancing cannot be maintained.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

All public toilets to close from today

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

In line with national lockdown guidelines and to protect public health as social distancing and cleaning cannot be maintained 

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Property Cell

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Leaving toilets open was rejected as social distancing cannot be maintained.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 27 March 2020

Decision:

Decision taken to begin registering deaths over the phone following the suspension of face-to-face registrations

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

This move to a digital registration option provides a non-contact solution to the registration of deaths and may be vital if Dorset experiences a high number of deaths as a result f the virus.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and the Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The suspension of death registration was considered not an option in addition to the completion in a fac-to-face environment.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 27 March 2020

Decision:

If as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic the council is not able to fulfil a service which is provided on a charged basis it will seek to make recompense to the customer.  At the discretion of the council this may be through provision of the same service at a different time, provision of an alternative service of similar benefit or value, refund of fees or charges, or similar arrangement.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To ensure fair recompense as a result of a paid service being suspended

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Aidan Dunn, Executive Director for Corporate Development and the Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

No action was considered not an option

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 27 March 2020

Decision:

Maintain decision that public toilets are closed.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Toilets being open would increase the risk of the virus being transferred and the risk of them being stripped of consumables due to current shortages in the supermarkets.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and the Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Opening toilets would require each to be cleaned on a frequent basis during the day which is currently not resourced.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 26 March 2020

Decision:

250 Surface Pro laptops and to be provided to vulnerable children and 30 smart phones to care leavers free of charge.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To enable vulnerable children to access education and stay in touch during isolation period.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Theresa Leavy, Executive Director for Children and the Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Not providing the ex.DC equipment was considered but the needs of our vulnerable children were prioritised.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

All play areas managed by DC to be closed indefinitely as of 23 March 2020. Gates will be locked, or equipment taped off and relevant signage displayed.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Closure implemented to minimise the risk of transfer on play equipment and to reduce the risk of groups of children and adults gathering.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and the Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative would involve stationing a marshal on each playground which is not a viable option at this time.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

Decision taken to not implement court action in respect of a traveller site with an eviction order in place during any period of lockdown.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To minimise the movement of people within Dorset during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The continued enforcement would result in the movement of people across Dorset potentially so was rejected as a way forward.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

Drivers and passenger assistants to cease delivery of their services from end of day 23 March 2020.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Due to the lack of current PPE provision, this service cannot continue to safely function at this time.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Matthew Piles, Corporate Director for Economy and Infrastructure and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative option is to continue the service delivery with limited or inadequate PPE which would cause significant risk to residents and staff.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 22 March 2020

Decision:

Decision taken that joint approach will be taken with BCP council from 25 March to:

·       limit funerals at Weymouth Crematorium to 10 people in attendance at each funeral, excluding the officiant and funeral director

·       arrange seating to will allow no more than 4 people on each row to adhere to the 2 metre distancing guidance.

·       reduce service slot times from 45 minutes to 25 minutes in order to assist the Chapel Team in cleansing the chapel before and after each service

·       close the waiting room but allow access to toilets

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Reduction in risk of transfer of COVID-19 between members of the public.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

A Dorset Council only approach was rejected in favour of a joint approach with BCP council

A full closure was rejected at this stage as restricted offer can be offered taking into account of social distancing

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 20 March 2020

Decision:

Restrictions at weddings and civil partnerships to begin from 25 March in a common approach with BCP. Attendance at to be restricted to the couple getting married/entering partnership, 2 witnesses and 2 registrars/officials, totaling 6.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

The decision has been taken to enable weddings to continue to take place in line with social distancing guidelines

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Karyn Punchard, Corporate Director for Place Services and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options include the suspension of all weddings however this would not be in line with current government guidelines. Continuation of weddings without restriction of attendance is notin accordance with social distancing rules would be very difficult to manage and would likely result in increased transfer of the virus.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 20 March 2020

Decision:

Agreed to relax off-peak bus pass criteria so they can be used before 9.30am

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

This decision enables residents to travel on public transport to access supermarket slots specifically for vulnerable and older people in the early morning.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Matthew Piles, Corporate Director for Economic Growth and Infrastructure and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options would be to retain buss pass usage criteria as they currently stand in order to minimise travel, however the priority for supporting residents to access supplies is higher.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 16 March 2020

Decision:

Agreed for a £1000 grant to be provided to every Dorset foodbank within the next 7 days.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

At a time when donations have dropped, grants will enable food banks to purchase supplies to distribute to the community.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options rejected include not providing support to foodbanks or supporting foodbanks to appeal for more donations from residents

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 17 March 2020

Decision:

Due to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 causing challenges in the workforce, public access to adult social care locality offices has been suspended until further notice. Services are instead encouraging residents to make contact via phone/digital.

A reopening date cannot be determined at this time due to the ongoing pandemic.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Increase in absence levels due to COVID-19 resulting in the inadequate safe staffing levels within locality offices.

Impact of decision is a reduced potential transfer of COVID-19 risk to vulnerable residents attending a public place.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Vivienne Broadhurst, Executive Director for Adults and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options all included the requirement for staff to be available which current levels of absence due to the pandemic do not allow.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

The Old radio station building on Bridport Road in Dorchester will be repurposed to be used as a temporary mortuary.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To enable Dorset have appropriate facilities should there be a significant rise in death rate.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Property cell

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Other sites were considered, risk assessed and rejected

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

Avon Heath, Durlston and Thorncombe Woods to be closed (car parks and facilities) indefinitely from 7pm on 23 March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Will bring all Dorset Council arks in line and prevent large number of social interactions in high profile parks that continue to be busy.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Leaving the parks open would potentially enable large groups of people to gather breaking the lockdown guidelines.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

Decision taken to close customer reception points currently resourced by Customer Services at close of business on 23 March.
These include:
- South Walks House, Dorchester
- County Hall, Dorchester
- Westport House, Wareham
- Allenview, Wimborne
- Commercial Road, Weymouth (confirmed with Jane Austin)
- Mountfield, Bridport (confirmed with Will Austin)
- Nordon Lodge (resourced by SVPP on our behalf. Confirmed with Lisa Cotton)

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To comply with social distancing and lockdown guidelines with the continued provision of digital service to residents.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options include keeping offices open but this was rejected as it would encourage people to travel at a time when people are being asked by Government to stay at home.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 23 March 2020

Decision:

Decision taken to for Tricuro day centres to close from the end of day on 23 March 2020

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

In order to comply with social distancing and national lockdown guidelines.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Tony Meadows, Head of Adults Commissioning and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

There is no option to keep these centres open as there is no transport operating and PPE is limited.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 20 March 2020

Decision:

Decision taken to close the ‘open door’ policy for face to face enquiries, closing customer service counters and moving to appointment bookings only.

Customer Access points will move from an open door arrangement to booked appointments.

Face-to-face appointments will still available for statutory services/other services where no other alternative available for the customer.

Customer Service counters will close and move to ‘meet and greet’ function i.e. opening front door to customers on arrival and directing them to the meeting room.

Customer Services will focus on managing customer demand through telephony and digital channels.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To comply with social distancing guidelines and ensure a continued provision of a digital service to residents

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The alternative option would be to maintain an open door policy. This would not be appropriate as it wouldn't enable the council to comply with social distancing guidelines

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 16 March 2020

Decision:

At the request of Ferndown Leisure Centre, agreed the closure of the centre effective immediately.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

To reduce the risk of transfer to the public.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Karyn Punchard, Corporate Director for Place Services and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options would have included the rejection of the request from the Leisure Centre.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 19 March 2020

Decision:

Agreed to move to close South Walks House by 27/03/20. ICT activities to be completed prior to closure to enable all staff to work remotely. Managed access will remain for those who need to access facilities such as specialised ICT.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

With 2500 staff working from home as a result of the pandemic, a reduction of office space is temporarily appropriate. This is in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

 Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative option is for offices to remain open, but this would be at odds with national messaging for people to work from home where necessary.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 19 March 2020

Decision:

Agreed new operating model for libraries. Libraries to close from 20/03/20 and move from a branch-based model to a community-based provision. Agreed to redeploy employees to other customer services areas to support the COVID-19 response.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

The closure of library buildings will reduce the risk of virus transfer in face-to-face settings. The staff are also able to be redeployed to support the COVID-19 response through the Community Shield which is critical at this time.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options would include the partial closure to minimise risk of transfer, however based on current advice from public health this would still pose an unacceptable risk to residents.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 18 March 2020

Decision:

To provide an alternative leisure offer in a shift from centre based activities to the provision of services in open spaces.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

As the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus increases, the protection of residents is a priority and as such, exercise should be considered outside of enclosed spaces.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative options include withdrawal of the service through full closure of leisure centres. This has been ruled out at this stage with the decision supporting residents to continue to exercise where possible.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 18 March 2020

Decision:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown imposed by the Government, member led meetings are postponed until further notice.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

Public meetings cannot be safely held during a lockdown situation. The emergency response command structure is in place to enable timely and informed decision-making during the crisis.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Jonathan Mair, Corporate Director Legal and Democratic (Monitoring Officer) and

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Meetings could be held virtually but Local Authorities require an amendment to current legislation to permit this.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 17 March 2020

Decision:

In the absence of national guidance, teams are to be stood down from prioritising the completion of statutory annual data returns effective immediately.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

The COVID-19 response has required many employees to be redeployed to support the response or to complete their normal role with increased levels of staff sickness. This may result in statutory returns not being prioritised for completion within normal timescales.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

Matt Prosser, Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

To complete statutory returns within normal timescales. This was rejected as it would negatively impact on our ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic including supporting vulnerable people and local businesses.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None

Date: 17 March 2020

Decision:

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all café’s within country parks to be closed effective from 18 March 2020.

The delegation for this decision is detailed within the Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s Constitution

Key Decision:

Yes

Reason(s) for Decisions:

These settings have the potential for 50 people to come together at a time for a non-essential reason.  The decision results in a reduced risk of transfer of COVID-19 as per government guidance at the time.

The council will suffer a reduction of income due to closure however the decision is focused on public health and safety of residents and staff.

Decision Maker (Name and Title):

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Senior Leadership Team

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative option to keep café's open was considered, however this would have increased the risk of staff and the public transferring and contracting the virus at an increased rate.

Any conflict of interest declared by any member consulted:

None

Any dispensation granted in respect of any declared conflict of interest:

None