Decision regarding the future operating model to enhance service delivery.

Cabinet resolved that: 

That under section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12(A) of the Act, as indicated below and it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. 

3. Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person. 

PUBLIC REALM SERVICES

The Cabinet considered the Public Realm Services report, full details of which appeared before the members and group leaders in their agenda packs. 

The Cabinet member for Community Services and Assets introduced the report.  The contract was awarded in 2013 and delivered highways, traffic management, public rights of way, parks and open spaces, street cleaning and street lighting.  The contract model was heavily outsourced with the Council retaining a small client and contract management function.  Public rights of way and traffic management services were brought back in house in 2021. 

The contract term is until 31 August 2026. An enhanced contract management team was introduced to improve control and performance of the contractor but despite improvement in recent years a further review concluded that the current contract model will not deliver the services to the Council’s current requirements.  The prospect of modifying the contract with BBLP was assessed to establish new processes and procedures that became known as the Future Operating Model (FOM).  However legal advice concluded that the degree of contract modification required to instigate the FOM would not be permitted under procurement regulations. 

Therefore it has been agreed with BBLP that the contract will not be extended and will end 31 May 2026 and the Cabinet member supported the recommendation for the Council to serve the two year no fault termination notice effective from 31 May 2024.  A further report would be brought back to Cabinet in June 2024 regarding the future operating services.  Noted that both parties are committed to working together for the remaining term of the contract to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements from 1 June 2026. 

Cabinet member for Finance and Corporate services commented that in paragraph 28, the proposed additional funding for the project costs is fully funded and costed from the ear marked reserves balance.

Group leaders gave the view of their groups. The leader for the Green party thanked Cabinet for confirming they will amend the wording relating to the consultation with them and confirmed they were happy for this matter not to be called in at this point.  Noted that this matter will be looked at in detail and scrutinise all the steps going forward. It was confirmed that Independents for Herefordshire supported this decision, its reasons and why it was being held in closed session.  It was requested that the timeline doesn’t slip when the next report comes forward in June and there be a continued focus to progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116