The report is to review and recommend further delivery of the "better ways of working" (BWOW) initiative that enables employees to work flexibly and to consolidate use of premises.  This decision reflects on the impact and implications of Covid-19 on the plans that were set out and agreed by Cabinet on 27 February 2020.

The report specifically relates to the future occupancy of the Elgar House offices and the Nelson House building with a focus on Plough Lane as the key office location, along with maximising the potential of home working and use of multi-agency offices in the market towns.  The report reviews the required financial investment and associated savings, along with work practices that will enable effective use of workspace in the long and short term.

A key intention of BWOW is to reflect contemporary work practices that enable adaptable and flexible working arrangements that supports the workforce, aids staff morale and increases productivity.  The proposed approach to BWOW also supports the council's ambitions to reduce carbon emissions with a decreased number of sites using utilities and staff having less travel to work.

The recommendations are in place to approve the revised BWOW proposals.  Particularly to give notice on the Elgar House lease in time to meet the break clause otherwise the tenancy would continue until July 2023.