Agenda, decisions and minutes

In accordance with paragraph 5.6.7 of Part 5 of the Council’s Constitution – Executive Rules of Procedure, in the absence of the Executive Leader or Deputy Leader, the Executive Leader had notified the Head of Strategic Support that Councillor Hilary Cole would preside over this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest received.

RECOMMENDATION: That members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information of the description contained in the paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 specified in brackets in the heading of each item. Rule 8.10.4 of the Constitution refers.

RESOLVED that members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the under-mentioned item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as contained in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information)(Variation) Order 2006. Rule 8.10.4 of the Constitution also refers.

(Paragraph 3 - information relating to financial/business affairs of a particular person)

(CSA: 1, 2 and 4)

Purpose: To delegate authority to sign contracts for the next phase of the Superfast Berkshire project (Phase 2).

Resolved that:

(1)       The procurement recommendation of the Superfast Berkshire Project Board be endorsed;

(2)       The resolution made by the Executive in February 2013 be extended to cover Phase 2 of the project, namely:

(i)            That West Berkshire Council as lead authority will lead, support and implement the Superfast Broadband Project, in its new extended scope, together with other participating Berkshire authorities, as set out in the report;

(ii)          Authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and the Head of ICT and Corporate Support to represent the Council on the Superfast Berkshire Project Board;

(iii)         The procurement of broadband solutions for Berkshire from bidders under the OJEU restricted process be completed;

(3)       Authority be delegated to the Head of ICT & Corporate Support, in consultation with the ICT Portfolio Member for West Berkshire Council, to enter into contracts with the successful broadband providers, and to explore additional contractual terms to ensure that Gigaclear are incentivised to implement at least 90% coverage of Phase 2, and the Head of Legal Services shall have delegated authority to make any necessary drafting or other amendments to the terms of the contracts which are necessary to reach final agreement and to seal the contracts.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      the item is deemed as an Urgent Key Decision as set out in Rule 5.4.7 of the Constitution.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

(Paragraph 3 – information relating to financial/business affairs of a particular person)

The Executive considered an exempt report (Agenda Item 4) concerning delegated authority to sign contracts for the next phase of the Superfast Berkshire Project (Phase 2).

RESOLVED that the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.

Reason for the decision: as set out in the exempt report.

Other options considered: as set out in the exempt report.