Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

A shared building control service has the potential to be a more sustainable and resilient business model for future service delivery and cost effectiveness.

The City Council has been asked to explore the benefits of joining the shared Building Control Service already committed to by Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire District Councils. The Officer’s report sought approval to undertake that work.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport

Agreed that the viability and benefits of developing a shared Building Control Service should be explored, and the business case and conclusions brought back to the scrutiny committee at the earliest opportunity for consideration.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Planning Services.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

       i.          The location of the shared Building Control Service was an important consideration.

     ii.          Welcomed the principle of exploring the business case, it needed to be practicable.

   iii.          Considerations for the service business case: Resilience, cost and specialist knowledge.

In response to Members’ questions the Head of Planning Services said the following:

       i.          The Building Control Shared Service included administration of Building Regulations and a statutory function of public protection.

     ii.          Fees for work did not include travel time, so this would affect the choice of location for the service. The service was expected to be located near to its customers.

   iii.          An advantage of the shared service would be the ability to market it to generate revenue. In order to be competitive, Inspectors would need to be customer facing and not hindered by layers of bureaucracy.

The Director of Environment said the shared service could be based in more than one location. Shared management and service support was being explored to ensure resilience.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.