Dorset Council Board of Inquiry

Overview of the inquiry

In July 2023, the Minister for Local Government announced the establishment of a board of inquiry to investigate serious allegations of systematic and widespread statutory non-compliance and failings of good governance at Dorset Council.

The announcement followed an investigation and report by the Director of Local Government into a series of complaints. The director’s report revealed evidence of improper use of statutory power, mismanagement of conflicts of interest and decision-making compromised by poor governance.

In August 2023, the Minister for Local Government made the decision to suspend the councillors for the duration of the inquiry. A commissioner was appointed to administer the council during the suspension period.

The Dorset Council Board of Inquiry invited written submissions from the public on matters within its terms of reference (PDF 94.1KB). Fifty-nine submissions were received in response. The board also held targeted appearances from November 2023 to February 2024 to gather further evidence.

Outcome of the inquiry

The Dorset Council Board of Inquiry provided its report to the Minister for Local Government in October 2024. Following careful consideration of the findings, a series of Ministerial Directions were issued to the council, councillors and mayor. The directions require specific actions to address the governance and conduct related issues identified by the Dorset Council Board of Inquiry.

The suspended councillors have resumed their duties and now operate under the framework of the new directions.

Documents from the inquiry