THAT:

(a)  In considering the need to put in place arrangements for the period beyond the end of the current contract in 2016, the preferred approach to the commissioning of support services be via a Teckal compliant entity operating under  control of the council and other shareholders and it’s board, subject to these services offering value for money;

(b)  A business case and implementation plan be developed, in partnership with Hoople and its board, for the establishment of appropriate legal entities to ensure that the council can continue to procure support services through a company with Teckal status and that a commercial trading company is able to continue to develop wider commercial benefits; and,

(c)  The business case and implementation plan required under recommendation (b) be the subject of a further report for consideration and approval by the Cabinet Member Corporate Services.