Agenda item

The Leader to submit a report detailing the opportunity to explore the establishment of a strategic partnership with Harborough District Council.

Cabinet:

(1)  NOTED that through a strategic partnership review, Harborough District Council had identified Melton Borough Council as a preferred strategic partner and had formally approached the Council to explore this further.

(2)  ACKNOWLEDGED the outcome of the review carried out by Harborough District Council and AUTHORISED working with them to develop a full business case and approach to operating such a partnership to be considered by Council in December 2022.

The Chief Executive, Mr Edd de Coverly, introduced the report, the purpose of which provided Cabinet with details of a recent review undertaken by Harborough District Council (HDC) and the subsequent invitation from them to explore the potential for establishing a strategic partnership with Melton Borough Council (MBC). The report is also seeking to confirm MBC’s interest in exploring this opportunity further and its commitment to develop a full business case with a view to this being considered further by both Councils in December 2022.

Mr de Coverly advised members that for the business case to be developed it will need to provide a robust and comprehensive assessment of potential opportunities benefits and risks across a range of factors including the potential to work jointly on shared priorities, skills and capacity and improving organisational resilience. The business case will also include wide engagement across both organisation and stakeholders.

The Leader, Councillor Joe Orson, thanked Mr de Coverly for the report. The Leader emphasised to the Cabinet that this proposal is not a merger nor represents a loss of sovereignty or identity. The Leader highlighted that as MBC and HDC share a number of common characteristics, these could be worked on jointly together in reducing duplication and helping us to do more and improve our impact. The business case will allow MBC to explore whether by collaboration with a trusted partner in certain areas we can better deliver for our residents.

During the discussion the following points were made:

·       There would need to be an element of trust and openness from both parties for this proposal to work.

·       The business case will clarify the extent of the potential opportunities that could be realised.

·       The Council would remain open and have regular discussions with staff as to ensure that any partnership is ultimately positive.

·       There would be the potential for stronger financial stability due to the pressures on local authorities so we can deliver better services.

Members agreed that developing a business case to fully understand the opportunity with HDC would be welcome. It was also noted that the opportunity to work together to reduce duplication, share learning, and share capacity, as well as increase resilience and learn from good practice was compelling and should be explored further through the business case.

The Leader advised that there will be a meeting taking place at Harborough on Thursday 13 October 2022 which himself, Councillor Graham and Mr de Coverly are attending and can provide further information following this.

Cabinet:

(1)  NOTED that through a strategic partnership review, Harborough District Council had identified Melton Borough Council as a preferred strategic partner and had formally approached the Council to explore this further.

(2)  ACKNOWLEDGED the outcome of the review carried out by Harborough District Council and AUTHORISED working with them to develop a full business case and approach to operating such a partnership to be considered by Council in December 2022.

Reasons for Recommendations:

To enable the preparation of a comprehensive business case which will formally set out the benefits, opportunities and risks of a strategic partnership, enabling the Council to make an informed decision about the considerations and implications on the Council and the community. The business case will enable the Council to respond meaningfully to the invitation form Harborough District Council.