Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 12 December 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2024 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Leader.

Councillor Iain Cottingham led a tribute to Melanie Ellis, who had sadly passed away in January. The full tribute can be viewed here.  

To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any personal, disclosable pecuniary or other registrable interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest received.

Members of the Executive to answer questions submitted by members of the public in accordance with the Executive Procedure Rules contained in the Council’s Constitution.

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions is available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As.

Councillors or Members of the public may present any petition which they have received. These will normally be referred to the appropriate Committee without discussion.

A petition will be presented by Councillor Ross Mackinnon, on behalf of ward residents, calling on West Berkshire Council to reverse their decision to grant a full closure of Ashampstead Road, Bradfield, during working hours from mid-February to mid-July, and from early October to mid-November.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon presented a petition containing 350 signatures which requested that the Council reverse its decision to grant a full closure of Ashampstead Road, Bradfield, during working hours from mid-February to mid-July, and from early October to mid-November.

The Leader of the Council will provide a brief update on the membership of the Executive.

Councillor Jeff Brooks reported that Councillor Louise Sturgess had stepped down from her role as Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Regeneration. The Portfolio responsibilities had been assumed by Councillor Justin Pemberton.

Councillor Jeff Brooks thanked Councillor Sturgess for her hard work and dedication within the role. Councillor Sturgess responded by summarising the work that had been completed during her time as Portfolio Holder and thanking all officers within the Economic Development team.

Purpose: the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) determines financial planning assumptions for future years and aligns these with the Council Strategy to ensure that the strategy will be delivered.

Resolved that: Executive referred the report to Council to consider the following recommendation

·         It is recommended that Council approve the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in Appendix A.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·         the item is due to be referred to Council for final approval.

therefore it will be implemented immediately

Councillor Jeff Brooks introduced a report (Agenda Item 7), which set out the financial planning assumptions for future years.

Councillor Iain Cottingham proposed, and Councillor Brooks seconded referral of the report to Council to consider the below recommendation.

Recommendation

·         It is recommended that Council approve the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in Appendix A

Purpose: the report seeks to consolidate the investments and borrowing strategy for the year ahead by detailing how and where the Council will invest and borrow in the forthcoming year, within a particular framework.

Resolved that: Executive referred the report to Council to consider the following recommendation

·         That Council approve and adopt the proposed Investment and Borrowing Strategy for 2025/26.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      the item is due to be referred to Council for final approval.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Jeff Brooks introduced a report (Agenda Item 8), which set out the investment and borrowing strategy for the year ahead.

Councillor Iain Cottingham proposed, and Councillor Brooks seconded referral of the report to Council to consider the below recommendation.

Recommendation:

·       That Council approve and adopt the proposed Investment and Borrowing Strategy for 2025/26.

Purpose: to outline the Capital Strategy period and the supporting funding framework, providing a high-level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the provision of local public services along with an overview of how associated risk is managed and the implications for future financial sustainability.

Resolved that: Executive referred the report to Council to consider the following recommendation

·         Approve the Capital Strategy and supporting capital programme for financial year 2025/26 in Appendix A.  

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      the item is due to be referred to Council for final approval.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Jeff Brooks introduced a report (Agenda Item 9), which outlined the Capital Strategy period and the supporting funding framework, providing a high-level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the provision of local public services along with an overview of how associated risk is managed and the implications for future financial sustainability.

Councillor Tony Vickers queried how the Council was co-ordinating activities of projects largely funded by DEFRA with the projects funded by the Council to obtain the most efficiency. Councillor Stuart Gourley responded that potential projects should all be submitted to the Environment team who would provide oversight and ensure that there was no duplication of work.

Councillor Iain Cottingham proposed, and Councillor Brooks seconded referral of the report to Council to consider the below recommendation.

Recommendation:

·         That Council approve the Capital Strategy and supporting capital programme for financial year 2025/26 in Appendix A.  

Purpose: Council must set a balanced budget for the 2025/26 year by 11 March 2025. The budget acts as an indicator that the Council has set aside sufficient financial resources to achieve its objectives and to ensure that Council Tax bills can be issued to residents across the district prior to the start of the new financial year. This report details the budget proposals for the year ahead that form the basis of the 2025/26 revenue budget and detail the respective Council Tax proposals and resolutions.

Resolved that: Executive referred the report to Council to consider the following recommendations

·         That Council approves the 2025/26 Council Tax requirement of £131.64 million, requiring a Council Tax increase of 2.99% with a 2% Council Tax precept ring-fenced for Adult Social Care.

·         That the fees and charges are approved as set out in Appendix G and that the appropriate statutory written notices be placed where required.

·         That it be noted that the following amounts for the year 2025/26, in accordance with regulations made under Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (by the Localism Act 2011), are as follows: -

o   68,511.33 being the amount calculated by the Council, (Item T) in accordance with regulation 31B of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax base) Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011), as its Council Tax base for the year (the number of properties paying Council Tax)

o   Part of the Council’s area as per Appendix J being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates

·         Calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2025/26 (excluding Parish precepts) is £131,638,354.

·         That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Sections 31A to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, amended by the Localism Act: -

o   £447,838,985 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2), (a) to (f) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish councils

o   £309,920,765 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3), (a) to (d) of the Act

o   £137,918,220 being the amount by which the aggregate at 5(a) above, exceeds the aggregate at 5(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with the Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R specified in the Act)

o   £2,013.07 being the amount at 5(c) above (Item R), all divided by 3(a) above (Item T specified in the Act), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the ‘basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts)’

o   £6,279,866 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per Appendix J)

o   £1,921.41 being the amount at 5(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 5(e) above by the amount at 5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.

Councillor Jeff Brooks introduced a report (Agenda Item 10), which outlined the Revenue Budget for 2025/26. 

Councillor Iain Cottingham proposed, and Councillor Brooks seconded referral of the report to Council to consider the below recommendations.

Recommendations:

·         That Council approves the 2025/26 Council Tax requirement of £131.64 million, requiring a Council Tax increase of 2.99% with a 2% Council Tax precept ring-fenced for Adult Social Care.

·         That the fees and charges are approved as set out in Appendix G and that the appropriate statutory written notices be placed where required.

·         That it be noted that the following amounts for the year 2025/26, in accordance with regulations made under Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (by the Localism Act 2011), are as follows: -

o   68,511.33 being the amount calculated by the Council, (Item T) in accordance with regulation 31B of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax base) Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011), as its Council Tax base for the year (the number of properties paying Council Tax)

o   Part of the Council’s area as per Appendix J being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates

·         Calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2025/26 (excluding Parish precepts) is £131,638,354.

·         That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Sections 31A to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, amended by the Localism Act: -

o   £447,838,985 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2), (a) to (f) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish councils

o   £309,920,765 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3), (a) to (d) of the Act

o   £137,918,220 being the amount by which the aggregate at 5(a) above, exceeds the aggregate at 5(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with the Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R specified in the Act)

o   £2,013.07 being the amount at 5(c) above (Item R), all divided by 3(a) above (Item T specified in the Act), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the ‘basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts)’

o   £6,279,866 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per Appendix J)

o   £1,921.41 being the amount at 5(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 5(e) above by the amount at 5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Purpose: the capital financing performance report provided to Members reports on the underspends or overspends within the Council’s approved capital programme and associated capital financing implications. The report presents the provisional outturn position for financial year 2024/25 as forecast at Quarter three, and future borrowing requirement for financial year 2025/26 which is funded from the Council’s revenue budget.      

Resolved that: Executive

·         Note the 2024/25 Q3 underspend position of £9.2 million

·         Note the budget changes included in the Q3 position detailed in Appendix A

·         Approve the allocation of £0.2 million of Council funding relating to occupational therapy equipment to ensure that planned project expenditure is managed accordingly. The Capital Strategy group met on Friday 18 October 2024 and authorised an additional £0.2 million for this scheme.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 21 February, then it will be implemented.

Councillor Iain Cottingham introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 11), which presented the capital financing performance and reported on the underspends or overspends within the Council’s approved capital programme and associated capital financing implication.

Councillor Jeff Brooks seconded the recommendations within the report.

RESOLVED that: Executive

·         Note the 2024/25 Q3 underspend position of £9.2 million

·         Note the budget changes included in the Q3 position detailed in Appendix A

·         Approve the allocation of £0.2 million of Council funding relating to occupational therapy equipment to ensure that planned project expenditure is managed accordingly. The Capital Strategy group met on Friday 18 October 2024 and authorised an additional £0.2 million for this scheme.

Purpose: to report on the financial performance of the Council’s revenue budgets. The report is Quarter Three for the 2024/25 financial year. The report highlights the financial position at each quarter of the financial year and impact on the Council’s General Fund position.

Resolved that: Executive

There are no recommendations made within this report.  Members are asked to note:

·         The Quarter Three Revenue Budget Manager forecast of £11.5m overspend (Q2 £11.1m) against a net revenue budget of £164.6 million.

·         The Forecast Reductions of £8.6m inclusive of £2.5m of adjustments through amended application of accounting policies, £4.9m of transformation funding and £1.1m of service delivery mitigations, which (if achieved) would reduce the forecast revenue overspend to £2.9m.  £477k of specific revenue earmarked reserves are proposed to be applied to the overspend resulting in a revised net overspend of £2.4m (Q2 £2.1m).

·         The forecast General Fund position of £3.6m (£4.1m on 1.4.2024), after consolidation of all revenue earmarked reserves into the General Fund at 31.3.2025, with the exception of the ringfenced Public Health Grant and schools’ balances. 

Members are further requested to note that:

·         £4.9 of reductions to the revenue forecast are dependent on realisation of transformation funding, alongside a further £1.0m of transformation expenditure forecast embedded into projects to be incurred by 31.3.2025.  Currently transformation funds held are £4.9m, there is therefore a £1m risk to the General Fund forecast position. 

·         The Council has sought Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from central government.  A request for £13m in 2024/25 with a further £3m to support the balancing of the 2025/26 budget has been submitted with a decision expected in late February 2025.  The request is designed to allow the Council to build resilience within its reserves position at the close of financial year 2024/25 and provide a minimum 5% General Fund requirement on 1.4.2025 to support the 2025/26 revenue budget.   

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      Report is to note only

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Iain Cottingham introduced a report (Agenda Item 12), which reported on the financial performance of the Council’s revenue budgets.

RESOLVED that:

There are no recommendations made within this report.  Members are asked to note:

·       The Quarter Three Revenue Budget Manager forecast of £11.5m overspend (Q2 £11.1m) against a net revenue budget of £164.6 million.

·       The Forecast Reductions of £8.6m inclusive of £2.5m of adjustments through amended application of accounting policies, £4.9m of transformation funding and £1.1m of service delivery mitigations, which (if achieved) would reduce the forecast revenue overspend to £2.9m.  £477k of specific revenue earmarked reserves are proposed to be applied to the overspend resulting in a revised net overspend of £2.4m (Q2 £2.1m).

·       The forecast General Fund position of £3.6m (£4.1m on 1.4.2024), after consolidation of all revenue earmarked reserves into the General Fund at 31.3.2025, with the exception of the ringfenced Public Health Grant and schools’ balances. 

Members are further requested to note that:

·       £4.9 of reductions to the revenue forecast are dependent on realisation of transformation funding, alongside a further £1.0m of transformation expenditure forecast embedded into projects to be incurred by 31.3.2025.  Currently transformation funds held are £4.9m, there is therefore a £1m risk to the General Fund forecast position. 

·       The Council has sought Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from central government.  A request for £13m in 2024/25 with a further £3m to support the balancing of the 2025/26 budget has been submitted with a decision expected in late February 2025.  The request is designed to allow the Council to build resilience within its reserves position at the close of financial year 2024/25 and provide a minimum 5% General Fund requirement on 1.4.2025 to support the 2025/26 revenue budget.   

Purpose: to provide an update on the Government’s intentions for local government devolution and reorganisation.

Resolved that: Executive

·         Notes the update on the Government’s intentions for local government devolution and reorganisation.

·         Notes the Leader of Council’s intention to enter conversations about both of these matters with neighbouring local authorities and Central Government on West Berkshire Council’s behalf.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      Report is to note only

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Jeff Brooks introduced a report (Agenda Item 13), which provided an update on the Government’s intentions for local government devolution and reorganisation.

Councillor Brooks noted that he was forming a cross-party Devolution Advisory Group (DAG) to consider solutions for a unitary council. It was anticipated that the Council may submit a bid to government in March with a broad unitary proposal.

Councillor Heather Codling agreed that it was sensible to be pro-active in the future of the Council.

Councillor Adrian Abbs supported the proposal.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon welcomed creation of DAG and the opportunity to be involved. Councillor Mackinnon expressed his dislike for the Government’s scheme and voiced concern that power would be taken away from local people by allowing less representation.

Councillor Howard Woollaston requested a background paper comparing populations and various metrics for neighbouring authorities. 

Councillor Denise Gaines seconded the recommendations within the report.

RESOLVED that: Executive

·         Notes the update on the Government’s intentions for local government devolution and reorganisation.

·         Notes the Leader of Council’s intention to enter conversations about both of these matters with neighbouring local authorities and Central Government on West Berkshire Council’s behalf.

Purpose: to respond to the Motion proposed by Councillor David Marsh on 07/07/2024 to reinstate a companion bus pass scheme in West Berkshire at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the possibility of reciprocal arrangements with neighbouring authorities.

Resolved that: Executive

·         It is recommended that the motion to Council is not progressed at the present time but that the Council awaits the outcome of the Central Government review into the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, and identify suitable funding, before reconsidering the introduction of companion passes.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 21 February 2025, then it will be implemented.

Councillor Stuart Gourley introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 14), which responded to the Motion proposed by Councillor David Marsh on 7 July 2024 to reinstate a companion bus pass scheme in West Berkshire at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the possibility of reciprocal arrangements with neighbouring authorities.

Councillor Gourley thanked Councillor Marsh for presenting the motion and commented that whilst he supported it in principle the scheme would not be progressed at the present time to allow the Council to await the outcome of the Central Government review into the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme and identify suitable funding.

Councillor Marsh appreciated the comments but referred to the estimated cost of re-instating the scheme which he suggested was particularly high and queried whether there was any leeway to potentially allow the scheme for the most needy.

Councillor Gourley commented that the challenge related to the initial set up cost and an unknown funding amount from Government.

Councillor Denise Gaines seconded the recommendation within the report.

RESOLVED that: Executive

·         It is recommended that the motion to Council is not progressed at the present time but that the Council awaits the outcome of the Central Government review into the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, and identify suitable funding, before reconsidering the introduction of companion passes.

Purpose: to provide a response to the recommendations made in the report from the Scrutiny Commission Task and Finish Group on Covid and Recovery, which was presented to Members Scrutiny Commission on 24 September 2024.

Resolved that: Executive

·         Agree the proposed action plan that has been developed in response to the recommendations raised by the Task and Finish Group.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      the item has been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, or has been the subject of a review undertaken by another body within the preceding six months.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Patrick Clark introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 15), which provided a response to the recommendations made in the report from the Scrutiny Commission Task and Finish Group on Covid and Recovery, which was presented to Members Scrutiny Commission on 24 September 2024.

Councillor Clark noted that most recommendations had been enacted, however there were a few recommendations which could not be supported due to practical considerations, for example the expiry dates of PPE made it impractical to ensure continual adequate stocks. 

Councillor Ross Mackinnon thanked the task group for such a thorough piece of work and noted that Covid had been a time when all parties had worked together to do the best for local residents, and that he was proud to be part of an Executive and Council that had provided such a good response to residents.

Councillor Denise Gaines seconded the recommendation within the report.

RESOLVED that: Executive

·         Agree the proposed action plan that has been developed in response to the recommendations raised by the Task and Finish Group.

.

Purpose: to seek agreement to publish the Carers Strategy, which is a key document in setting out how the council will support carers in the district.

Councillor Patrick Clark introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 16), which sought agreement to publish the Carers Strategy.

Councillor Nigel Foot seconded the recommendation within the report noting how indebted the Council were to local carers.

Councillor Dominic Boeck referred to the Equity Impact Assessment and queried why it was ‘Equity’ and not ‘Equality’. Sarah Clarke, Interim Executive Director for Resources, explained that a report had been agreed at Executive changing the assessment to an Equity Impact Assessment which went beyond the strict legislative requirements and extended protections.

Councillor Boeck referred to section 2 and section 3 of the assessment and suggested that it had been poorly completed. Paul Coe, Executive Director for Adult Social Care, acknowledged the issue and commented that it should have been picked up in the quality assurance process, however he commented that the Strategy itself was sound.

Councillor Brooks commented that he was no longer comfortable adopting the Strategy and requested that the report be bought back to a later meeting.

Councillor Jo Stewart supported the need for a Carer’s Strategy but noted that there were a number of typographical errors within the Strategy.

Councillor Brooks invited Councillors Stewart and Boeck to liaise with Councillor Clark to review and amend the documents.

Councillor Boeck referred to Priority 6 within the Strategy and commented that the only support being offered was a couple of training sessions a year, and that young carers required far more support than the Strategy was offering.

Councillor Clark thanked both Councillors for their comments and acknowledged that the Council needed to get it right. In relation to Priority 6 Councillor Clark commented that it was recognition as well as training that the Strategy offered.

The report was deferred.

Purpose:  to seek approval to publish a Voluntary Ex ante Transparency Notice (“VEAT notice”), notifying the market of the Council’s intention to directly award a 3 + 2 year contract to enable bespoke Social, Emotional and Mental Health (“SEMH”) provision for complex learners with Education Health and Care Plans (“EHCP’s”) and to seek approval to enter into such a contract with an identified Provider, subject to no challenges being received.

Resolved that: Executive

·         It is recommended that the Executive resolves (1) to permit publication of a VEAT notice notifying the market of the Council’s intention to directly award a contract for SEMH Provision and (2) subject to the Council not receiving any challenges, to directly award the contract for SEMH Provision to an identified Provider for a 3 + 2 year term.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 21 February 2025, then it will be implemented.

Councillor Heather Codling introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 17), which sought approval to publish a Voluntary Ex ante Transparency Notice, notifying the market of the Council’s intention to directly award a 3 + 2 year contract to enable bespoke Social, Emotional and Mental Health provision for complex learners with Education Health and Care Plans and sought approval to enter into such a contract with an identified Provider, subject to no challenges being received.

Councillor Denise Gaines seconded the recommendation within the report.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon queried whether it was wise to publicly announce that there was only one provider, suggesting that it weakened the negotiating position of the Council. Councillor Codling responded that negotiations had already been undertaken and it would not have had any impact.

Councillor Denise Gaines seconded the recommendation within the report and commented that often sole providers were the experts in their field and consequently the Council had chosen the best option. 

Councillor Mackinnon urged the administration not to make such statements when the best value for money needed to be achieved at all times.

Recommendation: (Vote to be taken in Part II)

·         It is recommended that the Executive resolves (1) to permit publication of a VEAT notice notifying the market of the Council’s intention to directly award a contract for SEMH Provision and (2) subject to the Council not receiving any challenges, to directly award the contract for SEMH Provision to an identified Provider for a 3 + 2 year term.

Members of the Executive to answer questions submitted by Councillors in accordance with the Executive Procedure Rules contained in the Council’s Constitution.

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions is available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As.

RECOMMENDATION: That members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items 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. Section 10 of Part 10 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 Paragraphs 3 and 5 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 particular person)

Purpose:  to seek approval to publish a Voluntary Ex ante Transparency Notice (“VEAT notice”), notifying the market of the Council’s intention to directly award a 3 + 2 year contract to enable bespoke Social, Emotional and Mental Health (“SEMH”) provision for complex learners with Education Health and Care Plans (“EHCP’s”) and to seek approval to enter into such a contract with an identified Provider, subject to no challenges being received.

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

The Executive considered a report (Agenda Item 18), which sought approval to publish a Voluntary Ex ante Transparency Notice, notifying the market of the Council’s intention to directly award a 3 + 2 year contract to enable bespoke Social, Emotional and Mental Health provision for complex learners with Education Health and Care Plans and sought approval to enter into such a contract with an identified Provider, subject to no challenges being received.

RESOLVED that: the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.

Other options considered:

·         Do nothing – the existing contract will end on 31 August 2025 and there would be no ongoing services. This is not viable or recommended.

·         Direct Award – a 3 + 2 year contract term following use of a VEAT notice for transparency. This route would ensure a contract is in place to ensure the needs of our most complex students are met.

·         Framework – Provider’s for these types of Services are not currently on any procurement frameworks and therefore this route is not an option.

·         Open tender exercise – due to the very bespoke nature of the provision, the Service do not anticipate that this would result in any bids. This was confirmed by the PIN notice. This option would require a significant amount of time and resource and would leave the council at risk in the interim with no contract in place.  

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

(Paragraph 5 – information relating to legal privilege)

Purpose: to update the Executive with revised recommendations in relation to the disposal of West Street House as outlined within the exempt report.

Resolved that: the recommendation in the exempt report be approved.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      a delay in implementing the decision this would cause the Council serious financial implications or could compromise the Council's position.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

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

(Paragraph 5 – information relating to legal privilege)

The Executive considered an exempt report (Agenda Item 21), which related to the disposal of West Street House.

RESOLVED that: the recommendation in the exempt report be approved.