Issue - meetings

Please note that Essential Reference Paper B is enclosed for Members only as it contains exempt information as defined by paragraph 5 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

That (A) the report be noted; and

(B)     in principle, the project move forward and a full business case be submitted for approval in the autumn of 2014.

The Leader reminded Members that Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted contained exempt information, as defined by paragraph 5 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.  He stated that the press and public could be excluded from the meeting if Members wished to discuss any of its detail.

The Executive Member for Community Safety and Environment submitted a report updating Members on the progress of the Hertfordshire Building Control project.  He detailed the background to the work that had been undertaken to date by those Authorities that had expressed an interest.

In response to Members’ comments and questions, the Executive Member stated that doing nothing was not an option as the future of the Building Control service needed to be secured.  The proposed partnership would provide resilience and enable the service to remain competitive. 

The Head of Planning and Building Control referred to the scoping work of the Solutions Centre and advised that the business case to be developed would provide the necessary detail to justify the proposal.  He advised Members that professional standards would be ensured by the usual competent bodies.  Also, the management structure of the proposed arm’s length company would include senior Officer and Member representation from all of the participating Authorities.

The Executive approved the proposal now detailed.

RESOLVED - that (A) the report be noted; and

(B)      in principle, the project move forward and a full business case be submitted for approval in the autumn of 2014.