Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 08 February 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 8 February 2023 were confirmed as being correct.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Councillor Orson declared an interest in any items relating to Leicestershire County Council due to his role as a County Councillor.

No items have been referred from Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

No items had been referred from Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

The Portfolio Holder for People and Communities to submit a report on the current position update including an overview of achievements to date, continued partnership engagement, ongoing activities and the work proposed over the next 3-6 months, as part of the Council’s Cost of Living action plan.

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the actions completed to date to support communities with rising costs of living.

2.    ENDORSED the proposed actions for the next 3-6 months through a programme of work to mitigate the impacts of cost-of-living increases for households across the Borough.

3.    DELEGATED to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for People and Communities, authority to finalise a scope and progress procurement and project management arrangements to enable enhanced access to household provisions across the borough through a mobile solution funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report, the purpose of which was to update Members of the current position. Including an overview of achievements to date, continued partnership engagement, ongoing activities and the work proposed over the next 3 to 6 months.

The Portfolio Holder for People and Communities, Councillor Malise Graham was pleased to present the report showing how the Council has been proactive in supporting residents.  He said there are no easy solutions, but the Council should be enabling prosperity in communities to reduce the risk and need for intervention in the future.  He was delighted to confirm that on the 16 March together with our partners, the Council will be hosting a community support and information day for residents to drop into Parkside. It is hoped that the event will be repeated in a rural location, at later date.

It was asked if all Members had been advised about the event, confirmation was given that members will be sent the information, along with a list of agencies supporting the event. Along with a social media campaign to promote the event.

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the actions completed to date to support communities with rising costs of living.

2.    ENDORSED the proposed actions for the next 3-6 months through a programme of work to mitigate the impacts of cost-of-living increases for households across the Borough.

3.    DELEGATED to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for People and Communities, authority to finalise a scope and progress procurement and project management arrangements to enable enhanced access to household provisions across the borough through a mobile solution funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Reason for Recommendations:

Cost of living increases are impacting households across the country, impacting financial resilience and wellbeing across communities. It is important that the council understands local needs and takes appropriate and proportionate action to support residents at a time of significant pressure on household finances.

Through a cost-of-living plan, a range of actions have been progressed / are in delivery. More actions and opportunities to support residents with their financial resilience and wellbeing are planned and / or due to commence. The Council will need to continue to be dynamic in its response in response to local need and impacts, and through a cost-of-living project group is overseeing a range of actions and interventions.

The rising costs of living and associated implications create both an immediate risk and a longer-term challenge. There are no easy solutions. The Council must do all that it can to support residents with their immediate needs, mitigate financial pressures for households, progress appropriate preventative solutions where possible to reduce household bills and costs, whilst also focussing on enabling prosperity in communities and reducing the risk and need for such interventions in the future.

The council was successful in its application for funding to support a cost-of-living project through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Feedback from residents and local partners has helped to guide focus  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services to submit a report providing an update on the Council’s approach and response to damp and mould both with council homes and the rented sector.

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the approach to preventing, assessing, and responding to damp and mould in the rented sector and action plan to further strengthen this approach.

2.    NOTED the positive compliance position in relation to damp and mould in Council Homes.

3.    APPROVED the damp and mould policy for Council Homes.

Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report the purpose of which was to provide Members with assurance of the Councils approach and response to damp and mould across the rented sector, and as a local authority landlord. 

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services said that although this issue had recently been highlighted due to tragic circumstances, the Council had already been looking at the damp and mould issue as part of the Asset Management Programme. Officers are proactive and look out for this issue, not waiting for it to be reported.  He gave assurance that procedures are in place to follow up on any reported issues. The Portfolio Holder receives quarterly reports on new cases and existing ones. This issue is in all wards and is taken seriously, because of the Councils response to this issue it will have a positive impact for our tenants and their families.

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the approach to preventing, assessing, and responding to damp and mould in the rented sector and action plan to further strengthen this approach.

2.    NOTED the positive compliance position in relation to damp and mould in Council Homes.

3.    APPROVED the damp and mould policy for Council Homes.

Reason for Recommendations:

Melton Borough Council has an important role to play in keeping tenants safe, including taking action to address hazards that occur and seeking to prevent hazards where possible. It is important that the Council is proactive and is transparent in its approach, and that as a local authority landlord and strategic housing authority, can demonstrate that the highest housing standards can be met. Scrutiny is an important part of this. Scrutiny committee comments and feedback are welcome to further develop work on damp and mould.

The Council has submitted formal responses to provide information and assurance to the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The Council’s Scrutiny Committee considered a report on damp and mould in January 2023. Feedback from this meeting has been shared with Cabinet and has helped to shape a specific damp and mould policy for council homes. This policy is recommended for approval by Cabinet. 

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to submit a report on a service leadership and collaboration arrangement proposal with a neighbouring authority to improve resilience, achieve better use of resources and better enable a shared approach to preparations for legislative and regulatory change.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED a service leadership and collaboration arrangement between Harborough District Council and Melton Borough Council for delivery of Waste and Environmental Maintenance Services from 1st April 2023.

2.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, authority to:

2.1      Determine and conclude the actions required to establish arrangements for a shared leadership post.

2.2      Review the shared leadership and collaboration arrangements for Waste and Environmental Maintenance Services within six months, to determine whether a shared approach is extended and to enter into required arrangements to enact this.

3.    APPROVED a service leadership and collaboration arrangement between Harborough District Council and Melton Borough Council for delivery of Regulatory Services from 1st April 2023.

4.    DELEGATED to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, authority to:

4.1. Determine and conclude the actions required to establish arrangements for a shared leadership post and any subsequent reviews.

4.2. Agreed the terms of a reciprocal arrangement for mutual aid with Harborough District Council and record the same in a memorandum of understanding.

4.3. Amend the establishments as identified in section 9.10 of this report and undertake recruitment to resource the teams fully.

5.    NOTED the practical actions required to give lawful effect to the mutual aid arrangement.

Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report the purpose of which updated Members of the proposed service leadership and collaboration arrangement with a neighbouring authority to improve resilience, achieve better use of resources and better enable a shared approach to preparations for legislative and regulatory change.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement said that the Council is committed to deliver excellent service but has to look at ways of being cost effective. This proposal to collaborate with a neighbouring authority will give a better use of services and resources and will enable us to use the expertise, knowledge and skills to give us more resilience in service delivery -  This arrangement is initially for six months and will then be reviewed, regular updates will be given as to how successful it has been.  The Council receives complimentary reports on the quality of our waste service collection particularly with our collections over holiday periods and bad weather, so it is important we still maintain the good service we deliver.

The Leader also commented on the good service we deliver and that the Council is judged by the service we deliver.  This paper had been to Harborough District Council a couple of days previously to also agree to this collaboration.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED a service leadership and collaboration arrangement between Harborough District Council and Melton Borough Council for delivery of Waste and Environmental Maintenance Services from 1st April 2023.

2.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, authority to:

2.1      Determined and concluded the actions required to establish arrangements for a shared leadership post.

2.2      Reviewed the shared leadership and collaboration arrangements for Waste and Environmental Maintenance Services within six months, to determine whether a shared approach is extended and to enter into required arrangements to enact this.

3.    APPROVED a service leadership and collaboration arrangement between Harborough District Council and Melton Borough Council for delivery of Regulatory Services from 1st April 2023.

4.    DELEGATED to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, authority to:

4.1. Determined and concluded the actions required to establish arrangements for a shared leadership post and any subsequent reviews.

4.2. Agreed the terms of a reciprocal arrangement for mutual aid with Harborough District Council and record the same in a memorandum of understanding.

4.3. Amended the establishments as identified in section 9.10 of this report and undertake recruitment to resource the teams fully.

5.    NOTED the practical actions required to give lawful effect to the mutual aid arrangement.

Reason for Recommendations:

Further to a vacancy management review and consideration of future delivery options, a service leadership and collaboration arrangement with a neighbouring authority is proposed for each of these key operational services.

This will improve resilience, achieve better use of resources, value for money and better enable preparations for legislative and regulatory change.

The proposed arrangements for Waste and Environmental  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

The Leader of the Council to provide an update on the risk management arrangements and outline the current significant risks that have been captured by the recent review of the Council’s Strategic Risk Register.

Cabinet:

NOTED the content of the report and the updated Strategic Risk Register and associated risk management action plan, as attached at Appendix A.

Director for Corporate Services introduced the report, the purpose of which provided Members with an update on the risk management arrangements and outlined the current significant risks that have been captured on the recent review of the Councils Strategic Risk Register by the Senior Leadership Team.

The Leader said that it can be difficult to influence some items on the risk register, in particular the NNDR, but some areas we can make significant differences as we have with the Housing Business Plan, this is a testament to all the hard work that has taken place. As we are an ambitious Council there will always be new risks taken, such as the Levelling Up Fund and UKSPF, we should not avoid these risks but recognise and take steps to manage the risks.

Cabinet:

NOTED the content of the report and the updated Strategic Risk Register and associated risk management action plan, as attached at Appendix A.

Reason for Recommendations:

Whilst Risk Management forms part of the Audit and Standards terms of reference it is important that cabinet have oversight and awareness of the strategic risks that could impact on the Council and to review the risk management arrangements in place and the activities that are being undertaken to mitigate those risks.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity to provide an update on the successful Levelling Up Funding Programme, to identify governance requirements and implications and to seek approval to accept the money and commence the work for implementation.

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the successful outcome from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid.

2.    NOTED that in line with prior approvals and the bid submission, that, subject to Rutland County Council (RCC) approval, RCC will be the ‘Lead Authority’ and accountable body for the funding and endorse their acceptance of the required grant agreements with DHLUC.

3.    Subject to council approval of recommendation 4:

3.1. APPROVED entry into the necessary and relevant legal agreements with Rutland County Council to enable Melton Borough Council to access its share of the Levelling Up Fund.

3.2. APPROVED entry into an agreement with SMB Group to enable delivery of the theatre project as set out within the bid.

3.3.  DELEGATED authority to the Director for Corporate Services, in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to develop, finalise and sign any associated legal documentation in relation to the agreements set out in 2.3.1 and 2.3.2

3.4. DELEGATED authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree any necessary amendments with DLUHC to enable the funding to be secured for Melton’s projects, should Rutland County Council be unable to fulfil the accountable body role.

3.5. NOTED that regular updates on progress on the LUF programme will be provided to the LUF Executive Board 

4.    RECOMMENDED to Council:

4.1. The acceptance of Melton’s proportion of the LUF funding and approval to enter the capital scheme for the Stockyard project totalling £11.1m to the capital programme for 2023/24 to enable its delivery.

4.2. The Approval to provide match funding of £1m through capital receipts, and if not possible, fund through borrowing.

4.3. That authority be delegated to the Director for Corporate Services to update the capital programme with the spend profile across the relevant financial years for the Stockyard project once the detailed budget plan has been prepared.

Director for Growth and Regeneration introduced the report the purpose of which provided Members with an update on the successful Levelling Up Funding programme, and the key Melton specific projects within it. It also sets out governance requirements, obligations and implications and seeking approval to commence the work for implementation.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity said that the relevance of the paper is about the governance of the funding, how it will meet the targets and the need to consider the risks involved and how we will be able to deliver and be accountable, Officers have worked hard along with Rutland County Council to ensure we are able to deliver, and the work will fit within the framework we already have. This funding will give great opportunity to the town and borough particularly when coupled with the UKSPF funding and will turn a vision into a reality.

During the discussion the following points were raised

1. The Parish Councils need to be involved in the discussions regarding the local transport -  Assurance was given that Parish Councils and Members will be involved with the decisions made.

2. Determine which villages will be serviced by this proposed transport and is a map available -  Members were advised that a conception map is available with the proposed transport services.

3. As it is such a big project confirm that Audit and Scrutiny will be looking at this project -  this is being considered at the next Audit and Standards meeting.

4. Ensure that increased building costs had been taken into consideration when submitting the bids - assurances were given that costs will be considered and reviewed during the project.

5. It is hoped that Melton Borough Council will benefit from the increased prosperity with the success of the Stockyard – Confirmation was given that the new units will generate additional income.

The Leader gave thanks to the local MP for her hard work in respect to the funding. He also gave thanks to all the Officers involved as they had put a lot of time and effort in getting this bid ready.

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the successful outcome from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid.

2.    NOTED that in line with prior approvals and the bid submission, that, subject to Rutland County Council (RCC) approval, RCC will be the ‘Lead Authority’ and accountable body for the funding and endorse their acceptance of the required grant agreements with DHLUC.

3.    Subject to council approval of recommendation 4:

3.1. APPROVED entry into the necessary and relevant legal agreements with Rutland County Council to enable Melton Borough Council to access its share of the Levelling Up Fund.

3.2. APPROVED entry into an agreement with SMB Group to enable delivery of the theatre project as set out within the bid.

3.3. DELEGATED authority to the Director for Corporate Services, in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to develop, finalise and sign any associated legal documentation in relation to the agreements set out in 2.3.1 and 2.3.2

3.4.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity is to submit a report which recommends to Cabinet, that Council proceeds with the disposal of Cemetery Lodge at auction to generate a capital receipt.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED the freehold disposal of Cemetery Lodge in accordance with the Asset Disposal Policy.

2.    DELEGATED authority for the Director for Growth and Regeneration to finalise and effect the legal documentation in relation to the conditions of sale and transfer of the property.

Director for Growth and Regeneration introduced the report the purpose of which was to recommend to Members that the Council proceeds with the disposal of Cemetery Lodge at auction to generate a capital receipt.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity said that although the building was over 100 years old and was a fine looking building. Taking consideration of options for this building, sale by auction would be the most viable.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED the freehold disposal of Cemetery Lodge in accordance with the Asset Disposal Policy.

2.    DELEGATED authority for the Director for Growth and Regeneration to finalise and effect the legal documentation in relation to the conditions of sale and transfer of the property.

Reason for Recommendations:

Taking a commercial approach to the management of our assets is a key area of focus under priority 3 of the Corporate Strategy 2020-2024.

The recommendation of disposal through auction is in accordance with the Council’s Assets Disposal Policy (2020).

The sale of Cemetery Lodge would generate a much needed capital receipt for the Council to support the work in extending capacity of the current cemetery and future-proofing cemetery provision in the borough.

The disposal would remove the ongoing financial liability of the property in terms of repair and maintenance, property checks and inspections made by the caretaking staff and the on-going security risk.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to provide an update on the Council’s Community Grants Scheme and seek approval for the award of Community Grants for the financial year 2023/24.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED the award of Community Grants in line with the Community Grants Policy as set out in the report and detailed in Appendix A.

2.    APPROVED utilisation of allocated UKSPF funding to support additional community grant allocations as detailed in Appendix A.

3.    DELEGATED to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, authority to assess and award community grants for the one-off King’s Coronation Grants Scheme with the remaining Community Grants budget (£8,796)

Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report the purpose of which was to seek approval from Members for the award of Community Grants (including those funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) for the financial year 2023/24.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement said that she had enjoyed awarding the community grants, this year we have received extra funding from the UKSPF which has enabled us to reach out further than previous years. Because of this extra funding from UKSPF the Council now have more robust and formal procedures in place, and this allows us to be more transparent when the grants are allocated.  She was delighted to announce the one-off Coronation Grant scheme to help communities to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED the award of Community Grants in line with the Community Grants Policy as set out in the report and detailed in Appendix A.

2.    APPROVED utilisation of allocated UKSPF funding to support additional community grant allocations as detailed in Appendix A.

3.    DELEGATED to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, authority to assess and award community grants for the one-off King’s Coronation Grants Scheme with the remaining Community Grants budget (£8,796)

Reason for Recommendations:

The Council invests in a Community Grants Scheme which supports communities with delivering activities that benefit the residents of the Borough and bring positive social value. The grant supports the corporate theme of “Helping People” and the Council’s role both as supporter and enabler of community-based activities.

Utilising allocated UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies alongside the Council’s Community Grants budget has enabled the panel to assist as many requests as possible, achieve maximum value for money and create a one-off Coronation Grants Scheme to enable communities across Melton to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

In 2022, the Council successfully extended the reach of the community grants budget to enable celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in communities across the Borough through a one-off grants scheme. As a community leader, it is positive that the Council can replicate this to deliver and award funds to eligible applicants through a one-off grant fund to mark the King’s Coronation.

Timely award of grants for the King’s Coronation is important, to enable community groups sufficient time to plan and prepare for their events in time for the Coronation in May 2023. Delegated authority to awards the Coronation grants will enable this.

The recommended allocations follow a robust assessment process by a panel consisting of the Portfolio Holder and lead officers. The Panel assessed the grants in line with the criteria set out within the approved Community Grants Policy.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity to provide an overview of the work undertaken to date since the Council secured investment to deliver its UKSPF investment plan.

Cabinet:

1.    CONFIRMED commitment to delivery of the UKSPF Investment plan as previously submitted to Government.

2.    DELEGATED Authority to Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to authorise spend and undertake decisions, approvals and awards of contract that ensure continued delivery of the UKSPF programme in line with the investment plan. This is to include, not only council led projects, but also where funding needs to be released for delivery by a third party (via grants, commissioning, procurement of services etc).

3.    DELEGATED authority to Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to make amendments to the plan, as required, and to submit change requests to Govt, relating to the delivery of Melton’s UKSPF programme, in accordance with the requirements of the fund.

4.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio holder for Growth and Prosperity, to agree and implement the Council’s Business Grant policy and to make any future amendments required to continue to deliver the UKSPF investment plan.

Director for Growth and Regeneration introduced the report, the purpose of which provided Members with an overview of the work undertaken to date since the Council secured £1.19m of investment to delivery its UKSPF investment plan. They were advised that significant work has been undertaken to ensure the programme is ready to begin delivery to provide support to residents and local businesses.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity said that the UKSPF has come from the vision that partners, stakeholders and workshops held over the last two years, the benefits are now starting to be seen in the town centre and rural borough. The Council has significant responsibilities to meet the requirements and ensure we meet the agreed timelines.  Monitoring is in place to ensure that all the requirements are met a local advisory board is being set up with local stakeholders and partners to evaluation delivery of the programme.

Members asked for clarification for members of the public that the funding will be used for investment in the town centre and rural communities.  That business that are struggling with energy costs will be helped and there will be  improvements for the street scene in the town centre.

Cabinet:

1.    CONFIRMED commitment to delivery of the UKSPF Investment plan as previously submitted to Government.

2.    DELEGATED Authority to Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to authorise spend and undertake decisions, approvals and awards of contract that ensure continued delivery of the UKSPF programme in line with the investment plan. This is to include, not only council led projects, but also where funding needs to be released for delivery by a third party (via grants, commissioning, procurement of services etc).

3.    DELEGATED authority to Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to make amendments to the plan, as required, and to submit change requests to Govt, relating to the delivery of Melton’s UKSPF programme, in accordance with the requirements of the fund.

4.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio holder for Growth and Prosperity, to agree and implement the Council’s Business Grant policy and to make any future amendments required to continue to deliver the UKSPF investment plan.

Reason for Recommendations:

The UKSPF programme is an allocation made to the council to support its local communities and economy. Its successful implementation will directly support growth throughout the borough. Following significant consultation with partners across the borough, all with direct experience of the issues being faced by our communities and local businesses, the UKSPF programme interventions have been prioritised and selected precisely because they directly target and provide support where it is most needed.

The UKSPF programme is a package of interventions that will align with, and are complimentary to, the recently successful Levelling Up Fund submission to further support extensive growth within key sectors and key locations. The UKSPF will deliver key interventions that have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

The Portfolio Holder for People and Communities to submit a report on the leisure procurement framework and to seek approval to commence the procurement of an operator for the Council’s leisure facilities from 1st April 2024.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED the Leisure Procurement Framework (Appendix A).

2.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio holder for People and Communities, to make minor amendments to the leisure procurement framework and to finalise the associated procurement documentation.

3.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities to commence a procurement process to seek a leisure operator for the Council’s Leisure Facilities from 1st April 2024.

Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report the purpose of which was to update Members on the Leisure Procurement Framework and seek approval to commence the procurement of an operator for the Council’s leisure facilities from 1st April 2024.

The Portfolio Holder for People and Communities said that leisure is a big part of people lives and huge benefit to both mental and physical health.  The Council needs to ensure that good leisure facilities are available to our communities, and it is important for us to find a provider who will deliver both high quality and affordable facilities for our communities.

Members gave their thanks that this work is going ahead to ensure the town has the leisure facilities that it needs.

Cabinet:

1.    APPROVED the Leisure Procurement Framework (Appendix A).

2.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio holder for People and Communities, to make minor amendments to the leisure procurement framework and to finalise the associated procurement documentation.

3.    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities to commence a procurement process to seek a leisure operator for the Council’s Leisure Facilities from 1st April 2024.

Reason for Recommendations:

To maintain the provision of leisure facilities in Melton, a procurement process is required to seek and to secure an operator for Melton Borough Council’s leisure facilities from 1st April 2024. This process will need to commence before the end of the current financial year. The current contract cannot be extended.

The leisure procurement framework has been developed with the support of sector experts and is informed by market engagement and workshops with a range of officers with experience and expertise in relevant areas (for example property, health and leisure, legal, finance, procurement). It has also been shaped through a workshop with the council’s scrutiny committee and with Portfolio Holders.

The leisure procurement framework will directly inform the associated tender and evaluation documents. Approval of the leisure procurement framework is required to enable conclusion of the preparatory work and commencement of the procurement process.

The leisure procurement framework seeks to achieve a balance between achieving the council’s financial and social value requirements whilst also ensuring the opportunity is attractive to the leisure market. It provides an important opportunity for the council to test the market, and assess the viability, affordability and quality of proposals from the leisure sector before any decisions on contract award would be made.

Final decisions in respect of contact award would be reserved for Full Council through consideration of a preferred provider following the procurement process (recommendation from Cabinet).