The Dorset Council Cabinet met on 9 September 2025 and made several decisions, including adopting a new street lighting policy, approving an extension to a contract for the All-Age Pan-Dorset Appropriate Adult Service, and approving the Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan. The cabinet also discussed and noted the July 2025 financial management report, the Dorset Safeguarding Children's Partnership annual report, and plans for property and housing repairs.

Financial Management Report

The Cabinet considered the July 2025 financial management report for the 2025/26 financial year and noted the Senior Leadership Team’s (SLT) forecast for the year's financial outturn, including progress on transformational and efficiency savings. The report summarised the council’s forecast financial performance for the year. The cabinet also noted that the SLT would introduce financial control measures in response to the forecast position, and they noted the capital programme for 2025/26 and the number and extent of contract exemptions.

New Street Lighting Policy

The Cabinet adopted a new street lighting policy for new and replacement lighting in Dorset. The policy includes new environmental zoning, recommendations for dimming, and the use of lower correlated colour temperature (CCT) LEDs in new streetlights, with the CCT typically not exceeding 2700K. The policy enables town and parish councils to fund additional costs if there is a local preference for alternative equipment such as brackets, columns and lanterns. The Cabinet also agreed to work with the street lighting service provider, who plans to invest in replacing 18,500 outdated lanterns over the next two or three years at no cost to the council, in return for 75% of the energy savings until their contract ends in 2032.

The decision was made to limit colour temperatures for new and replacement street lighting in Dorset to bring health, ecological and dark sky benefits. The Final Street Lighting Policy takes a Dorset-specific approach to street lighting that balances modern technological advancements, health and wellbeing, Dorset’s unique environment, climate ambitions, and recognised best practice.

Dorset Council Property and Housing Repairs

The Cabinet approved the approach to the long-term replacement of the RMMSCW Framework for repairs, maintenance, and small capital works. They authorised the procurement of measured term contracts and the identification of an appropriate framework for commissioning small capital works. The Cabinet also approved the approach to the interim solution while the long-term contracts are procured. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, to award interim contracts under the Westworks Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), subject to available budget. Authority was also delegated to select the most appropriate DPS for the procurement of Capital Works and to award and agree to the terms of the long-term contracts.

The decision was made to ensure the ability to deliver repairs and maintenance and small capital works to council buildings and housing properties and to approve the procurement of the long-term solution, which was intended to enhance the provision and cost-effectiveness of these services to the council’s estate.

All-Age Pan-Dorset Appropriate Adult Service

The Cabinet approved the extension of the existing contract for the All-Age Pan-Dorset Appropriate Adult Service with The Appropriate Adult Service (TAAS) from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. This decision was made because unforeseen delays in finalising a Participation Agreement with partners led to extending the re-procurement timeline and requiring an extension to the contract with the current provider. The agreement has now been signed by all partners.

The Appropriate Adult Service (TAAS) is a service that provides trained volunteers to support vulnerable adults and young people who are being questioned by the police.

Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan

The Cabinet agreed to formally make the Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Knightsford Neighbourhood Area. The Cabinet also offered its congratulations to Knightsford Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing a successful neighbourhood plan.

Additional Procurement Forward Plan Report and Modern Slavery Transparency Statement

The Cabinet agreed to begin each of the procurement procedures as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, subject to an approved and available budget. Authority was delegated to the relevant Cabinet Member, after consultation with the relevant Executive Director, to agree final procurement documentation and contract awards. The Cabinet also agreed that the Modern Slavery Transparency Statement for 2024-2025 be published, fulfilling a statutory requirement under the Modern Slavery Act¹.

Dorset Safeguarding Children's Partnership (DSCP) Annual Report

The Cabinet received and noted the annual report for the activity completed by the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP) from April 2024 to March 2025.

Acquisition of Land for SEND provision

The Cabinet approved the acquisition of land to accommodate the expansion of a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) School, to meet current and future pupil numbers, and to create other SEND-related educational facilities.