The Director - Planning & Growth presented a report which provided an update on the outcomes of the Practitioner Led Service Review of the service which included the financial position for the East Midlands Building Consultancy (EMBC) and the Council, and the recommended next steps for the partnership and extension of the contract.
The service review was undertaken by Capita with the aim to analyse the current service provision and provide suggested solutions to improve the service in the short, medium and long terms. Three service improvements were suggested: option 1 – business as usual with service improvements; option 2 – joint ventures – larger informal partnership with other councils / partners; and option 3 – a joint authority wholly owned trading company.
The outcome of the review was option 1 - to continue with the existing partnership with South Kesteven District Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council with service improvements which would still allow for services to be provided to other local authorities on a consultancy basis rather than a formal partnership.
The report provided full details of the EMBC financial position which took into account the impact of Covid-19 on income and furloughing staff. Based on income to date the forecast position was that there could be a trading deficit of £8,256 and general fund contribution of £74,167 per partner.If accurate this would comprise an increase of £474 on the budgeted contribution per partner.
AGREED (unanimously) that:
a) the existing contract with East Midlands Building Consultancy for Building Control Services in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and South Kesteven District Council be extended until April 2023, subject to annual review; and
b) the financial position of the East Midlands Building Consultancy be noted.
Reason for Decision
To provide a sustainable Building Control service in partnership with neighbouring authorities.