NEWS FEED
Six out of nine Dorset councils vote for change
Councils have been divided over their decision about a proposal for a major shake up in Dorset.
Dorset County, Bournemouth, North Dorset, Poole, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland councils have backed the proposed change, whereas East Dorset, Christchurch and Purbeck have voted against it. This gives the six in favour the mandate to ask the Secretary of State to change local government structures.
THE PROPOSAL
The proposal is to create two new unitary councils based on the following existing local authority areas:
Unitary A: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including delivering the services currently provided by Dorset County Council in Christchurch.
Unitary B: East Dorset, North Dorset and West Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth & Portland, including the services currently provided by Dorset County Council in this area.
DORSET CHIEF EXECUTIVE GROUP COMMENT
After all the councils had voted, Matt Prosser, Chairman of the Dorset Chief Executive Group said, “We now have a mandate from our councils and we have the backing of the public and other stakeholders. That is clear from the consultation results. Now, we have a duty to respond to that mandate and secure a sustainable and even brighter future for Dorset. We are resolved in our commitment to a county that is healthy, prosperous, vibrant and inclusive for generations to come. We now need to determine the next steps in achieving this opportunity of a lifetime.”
If the Secretary of State agrees and the change is approved by Parliament during 2017/18, decision-making bodies would be appointed to determine the structure, budget and service delivery models of each new council. These would be made up of councillors from all existing local authorities. The new councils would ‘go live’ in April 2019, with full elections in May 2019.
THREE AGAINST
East Dorset District Council: 12 in favour, 17 against
Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of East Dorset District Council, said, “Members voted against the recommendations to support the case for change for local government in Dorset. Changes to the structure of local government in Dorset would present an historic opportunity to transform our services at a time when budgets are being cut and our priority must be protecting frontline services.
“Whilst the majority of members of this council may not support the case for change, if other councils in Dorset choose to make a submission to the Secretary of State, the final decision regarding local government reorganisation will not be ours to make.
“It is now vital that East Dorset continues to engage in this process to ensure we get the best possible outcome for our residents.”
Christchurch Borough Council: 8 in favour, 14 against
Cllr Ray Nottage, Leader of Christchurch Borough Council echoed Cllr Flower’s statement.
Purbeck District Council: 11 in favour, 12 against
Leader of Purbeck District Council, Councillor Gary Suttle, said it was clear the decision was not taken lightly, “I stated from the outset that this was to be the decision of each individual councillor. I have every respect for the outcome of the vote and will do my utmost to support the mandate that I have been given by my Council.” With 11 in favour and 11 against, the chairman used his casting vote.
