An investigation conducted by the Director of Local Government into the Dorset Council has found allegations of systematic and widespread statutory non-compliance and failings of good governance.
Due to the seriousness of the matters raised, a Board of Inquiry will now be established to investigate the allegations.
Minister for Local Government, Nic Street, said the investigation was undertaken after complaints were received from councillors and members of the public.
“The investigation revealed evidence suggestive of improper use of statutory power; systematic failure to comply with statutory obligations; mismanagement of conflicts of interest; decision-making compromised by poor governance and disrespect for community members and businesses by the council,” he said.
“The matters considered in the Director’s investigation were both historical and ongoing, raising concerns of a potentially entrenched culture of improper conduct.
“Due to the seriousness of the allegations, I have appointed a two-person Board of Inquiry comprising of Andrew Walker, a senior Barrister with significant experience in the operations of local government, and former general manager of Clarence City Council, Andrew Paul, to further investigate these allegations.
“The Local Government Act allows me to suspend the councillors for the duration of the inquiry, which I am actively considering.
“I have written to all councillors to ask them for their feedback on this issue by 5pm on Friday, 28 July 2023 before I make a decision on the matter early next week.”
The inquiry is expected to take around seven months, with a report to be prepared for the Government.
The roles and functions of the Board of Inquiry are set out under Part 13 of the Local Government Act:
The Terms of Reference for the Board of Inquiry can be found at
