Decision details

To agree the principles of future working with South Cambs and other councils to develop shared services.  To agree principle of developing business case for ICT and Legal.

Matter for Decision: The report provided members with an update on the Council’s current shared service arrangements and the potential for the further sharing of services going forward.  It also suggested an approach to governance around this subject.

Decision of the Leader

The Leader resolved:

       i.          To endorse the proposed outcomes for shared working in Section 4.1 of the officer’s report as the basis for shaping future shared service work for the Council.

     ii.          That a joint project governance structure be set up with a Member Steering Group overseeing the process supported by a shared service project board as described in Section 7 of the officer’s report.

   iii.          That the Council Leaders be appointed to that Steering Group with the power to co-opt individual relevant portfolio holders as required.

   iv.          That an ‘in principle’ agreement be given to a shared services between South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) and Huntingdon District Council (HDC) for ICT and Legal as set out in the report and that the project board be tasked with agreeing outline business cases by September 2014.

Reasons for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report from the Director of Business Transformation.

In response to member’s questions the Director of Business Transformation said the following:

       i.          The initial work would provide a ‘road map’ highlighting potential opportunities for shared services

     ii.          Improved ICT may open up opportunities for shared services elsewhere – i.e back office functions. 

The Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendations and endorsed them unanimously.

The Leader approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Leader (and any Dispensations Granted):

Not applicable.