Agenda and minutes

There were none on this occasion.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting of the Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee held on 24 January 2014 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman

Report of the Cabinet Member, Economy and Infrastructure

The Committee considered the report of the Director for Place and Deputy Chief Executive that gave details of a decision due to be taken by Cabinet to select a partner to deliver services in relation to physical infrastructure.

The report highlighted the competitive dialogue approach that had been taken to develop the new outcome based contract approach rather than a traditional input output contract.  It also included details of the reasons for taking this approach, the intended outcomes and services that were in scope.  A detailed procurement process had been undertaken and AMEY LG Ltd had been selected as the preferred bidder and it was recommended that Cabinet agree to enter into a strategic partnership at its 19 March 2014 meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure highlighted the innovative nature of the proposed strategic partnership, which had led to national interest in the process.  He emphasised the importance of democratic input into the process and confirmed that one of the key drivers was improved feedback mechanisms for the public.  The Head of Place Delivery Ventures outlined key points from the business case for the project, including:-

·          The intention had been to move away from a traditional infrastructure based contract to improve outcomes for the public, within the context of financial challenges facing the authority whilst allowing for future growth and benefit.

·          The ending of the current highway maintenance contract, had provided an opportunity to include additional linked services in the overall scope and internal work had been undertaken to identify appropriate services to include.

·          He summarised key elements of the procurement process, including work to assess the value of the individual elements of the contract, not just the overall cost.  This had included assessment of identified cost elements such as staffing and the preferred bid from Amey had key benefits in this area through the life of the contract.

·          Other key benefits from the preferred bid included learning from work in other areas that would deliver efficiency as well as technical benefits including linkages with the Council’s Customer Relationship Management system.  The bid also identified growth areas, including the environmental specialists managing Cannock Chase and a proposal to locate a ‘design hub’ in Staffordshire for wider work.

·          Details were given of engagement with staff and other key stakeholders, which had been vital in developing a sustainable vision for the future.  There would some staff transferring to Amey as a result but overall accountability for delivery of functions would remain with the Council.

·          Discussions were ongoing around the detail of governance arrangements, in particular an effective approach to managing the contract given its innovative nature.

·          Key risks for the project were also highlighted, in particular reputational issues due to the high visibility of the services involved.  Other risks included outcome delivery and financial considerations relating to pensions.

During the discussion, Members raised the following points.

·          The importance of the strategic partnership delivering benefits for the public was emphasised.  In particular, Members highlighted the need to improve feedback and demonstrate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

The Committee considered its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year.  The Scrutiny and Support Manager commented on the number of items scheduled for the March and April meetings and confirmed that she was in discussions with relevant officer to determine the priority of individual items.  She also confirmed that a request had been made to add an item on Household Waste Recycling centres and she was seeking further detail on this.

Members asked whether there would be value in undertaking further work on flood risk assessment and it was agreed that this would be added for consideration in the next municipal year along with the suggestion from the Cabinet Member in relation to Shugborough.

RESOLVED – That

1)     Subject to further clarity on the timing and content from the Scrutiny and Support Manager, an item on Household Waste Recycling Centres be added to the work programme.

2)     The work programme for the March and April 2014 meetings be confirmed by the Chairman following confirmation on the priority of individual items.

3)     The recommendation of the Select Committee in regard to raising their concerns with Defra over the channelling of future flood risk funding be deferred until later in the year.  This matter had been agreed in consultation with the Cabinet Member.