Agenda and minutes

Members of the public are entitled to address the Joint Committee on reports contained within the agenda.  One person can speak in support of each item, and one against, with a limit of three minutes each.  It would be helpful if any person wishing to speak would give prior notice to the Democratic Services Officer named below.

In the absence of members of the public, the Joint Committee proceeded to its next item of business.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2010.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th March 2010 be approved as a correct record.

To consider an extension to these two shared services.

The Joint Committee considered a report which provided an update on activity related to transitional shared services.  The report also outlined the reasons for a proposed extension to the sharing arrangements for two services; namely, Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Archaeological Planning and Advisory Service.

The proposed changes for these services had been agreed with operational managers from both Councils and the Shared Service managers in accordance with the general shared service governance.  The changes would allow for the transition to alternative service delivery arrangements which could not be achieved by 31^st March 2010.

RESOLVED:

That the legal sharing arrangements of the following services be extended as indicated –

(a)               Drug and Alcohol Action Team – to 30^th April 2010;

(b)               Archaeological Planning and Advisory Service – to 30^th June 2010

To consider the cessation of this shared service.

The Joint Committee considered a report which requested the cessation of the shared International Unit, with effect from 31 May 2010, with responsibility for its functions passing to the newly-created Prosperity Commission which had the role of co-ordinating and integrating economic development, transport and housing.  The Prosperity Commission would replace the existing Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance.

Recent changes to the sub-regional architecture within Cheshire and Warrington had resulted in the creation of seven commissions which would allow for a more effective, efficient and focused sub-regional approach.  Moreover, the shared International Unit was subject to a strategic review.  The Brussels accommodation sub-lease was due to expire on 31 January 2011 and it was considered that the functionality of the unit currently provided for both authorities could be provided by the newly-formed Prosperity Commission.

RESOLVED:

1.         That authority be granted to the cessation of the Cheshire East-hosted International Unit, with effect from 31^st May 2010;

2.                  That authority be granted to make any consequential amendments to the legal documentation;

3.                  That Officers be required to ensure, as far as possible, the level of services be no lower than that currently provided by the International Unit and to use all efforts to ensure that the two Councils’ influence at Brussels is enhanced; and

4.         That Officers be requested to ensure that the totality of the sum required be funded from the Prosperity Commission.

The reports relating to the remaining items on the agenda have been withheld from public circulation and deposit pursuant to Section 100(B)(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the matters may be determined with the press and public excluded.

The Committee may decide that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

PART 2 – MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THE PUBLIC AND PRESS PRESENT

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and the public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer and Head of Assets Cheshire  East, and the Director of Resources Cheshire West and Chester.

The Joint Committee considered a report which outlined an application from a member of staff within the International Unit for voluntary redundancy and presented the business case to support this.

RESOLVED:

That the application for voluntary redundancy, as detailed in the matrix attached to the report, be approved with effect from 31^st March 2010 on the basis that the cost be met in the proportions 12.5% by Cheshire West and Chester Council and 87.5% by Cheshire East Council.