To note changes proposed by central government to the delivery of community equipment services nationally and to highlight pressures on the pooled revenue budget and requirement for capital investment.

THAT  (a)        the premises and transport issues facing the Integrated Community Equipment Service be noted and that these form part of the Council's forthcoming scheme selection process for future capital projects;

(b)the associated staffing/revenue costs of £37,000 be included in the Council’s budget allocation process;

(c)the initial Government guidance regarding the role of the Third Sector in equipment service be noted and that a further report be made on these options once the full guidance is available;

(d)               the progress made on the action plan from the Cabinet report of 20th April 2006 at Appendix 1 be noted; and

(e)               a further report be brought back to Cabinet on the savings and cost benefits and on how this will be progressed.

Since the Cabinet report on 20^th April, new Government guidance has been published which indicates a greatly enhanced role for the Third Sector. 

A successful local pilot of a new method of delivery/fitting has demonstrated efficiencies; however, in order to progress, this model requires additional capital and revenue investment.

Potential has been identified to extend the services to include those currently provided by partner organisations.  However, the current site restricts these being developed.

Alternative options explored in Appendix 2