To provide information in respect of the council’s contractual arrangements with Balfour Beatty Living Places and update Cabinet on progress made following recommendations made by its external auditors in the Auditor’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2022

That Cabinet :

(a)   Notes the contractual arrangements in respect of the council’s public realm contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited and its agency company status; and

(b)  Notes the recommendations made by external auditors in respect of this arrangement and the actions taken by the council in response.

To novate the contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited. This is not recommended as the council is satisfied that the arrangements in place represent an appropriate contractual relationship which does not expose the council to risk of contract delivery or remove the option of legal recourse in the event of a breach of contract