Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Environment and Culture

1.      The appointment of Northgate Kendric Ash (via its partner AMTEC) to be a value for money partner to the council for a period of two years from 1st September 2009 is agreed.

2.      It is noted that there is no cost commitment at this stage directly arising from agreeing to appoint a value for money partner and that the financial implications of the appointment are likely to be significant if the value for money partner is successful in achieving high value savings.

3.      It is noted that, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders, a work programme will be developed to establish a programme that will deliver service improvements, efficiencies and better value for money.

Councillor Clarke addressed Cabinet asking why there was a need for a VFM partner when there was an in-house team delivering the 2^nd most efficient waste collection service in the east midlands. He did not see the need for additional staff and pointed out that efficiency savings could always be made at the cost of the quality of service.  He further questioned whether the relevant portfolio holder was aware of the item on the agenda.

As Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Crake presented the report to Cabinet seeking their approval for the appointment of a value for money partner to work with the Directorate of Environment and Culture and with other council directorates, other councils and partner agencies, if opportunities arose.  She pointed out that efficiency savings needed to be found and explained that there was always room to find better value for money.  She was fully aware of the substance of the issue and the implications of any proposed partnership with Daventry.  She was clear that any decision would come back to Cabinet based on solid facts.  Councillor P.D. Varnsverry, as co-sponsor of the report, confirmed he had been consulted on the report although its contents did not refer to areas within his portfolio.

It was agreed that the exercise was not only about cutting costs but also about providing a better service and the proposed partners, Kendrick Ash, had a proven track record with the Council following significant improvements in the Revenues and Benefits department as a result of their input.

RESOLVED

1.      That Cabinet agrees to appoint Northgate Kendrick Ash (via its partner AMTEC) to be a value for money partner to the council for a period of two years from 1st September 2009.

2.      That Cabinet notes that there is no cost commitment at this stage directly arising from agreeing to appoint a value for money partner and that the financial implications of the appointment are likely to be significant if the value for money partner is successful in achieving high value savings.

3.      That Cabinet notes that, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders, a work programme will be developed to establish a programme that will deliver service improvements, efficiencies and better value for money.