Decision details

The Director – Growth & Regeneration presented a report which sought to extend the current contract for the provision of the Council’s building control functions by the East Midlands Building Consultancy (EMBC) for a further 12 month period. The partnership ran for three years and was due to end in April 2019 but could be extended by agreement.

It was reported that following three years of operation EMBC had successfully arrested the previous financial decline of the service. The report demonstrated the reduction in the net costs of the service however the Director – Growth & Regeneration agreed to provide Members with a fuller explanation of the figures provided. EMBC had demonstrated success since its inception by increasing market share, fee income, staff resiliency, and reducing the level of deficit for all three partners. The forecast was that two of the partners would be in a position to clear any deficit within the 2018/19 financial year.

The report advised that the EMBC were turning their attention to future opportunities and on that basis a one year extension was recommended at this time. EMBC were to commission specialist advice for growth options which would be appraised in order to ensure they continued to meet the requirements of high quality, efficient service, reduce general fund contributions and generate profit.  It was noted that the commission would broadly focus on two options (continue with the three way partnership and ‘as is’ and servicing other Councils or a company model as a wholly owned trading company) accepting that there was a third option to bring the service back in-house.

AGREED (unanimously) that:

(a)        the existing contract with East Midlands Building Consultancy to continue to deliver Building Control Services in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and South Kesteven District Council be extended until April 2020; and

(b)        the commission to explore growth opportunities as detailed in paragraphs 3.3 – 3.5 of the report, and the intention to bring such options back to the Committee when complete, be noted.

Reason for Decision

To provide a sustainable Building Control service in partnership with neighbouring authorities.