Members were reminded that, as outlined in the ‘New Ways of Working’ business case presented to Members in February 2013, it was agreed that efficiency reviews of Council services would be considered. As part of this initiative officers had been investigating a number of options for the improvement and delivery of the Revenues & Benefits Service at reduced cost.

It was anticipated that the introduction of Universal Credit would generate savings for the Council and change working structures and practices. However, there had been a number of problems with the implementation of Universal Credit and whilst this was now due to be introduced in Essex from March 2015 on a small scale, there was no definite timescale for full implementation.

The options for the transformation of the Revenue & Benefits service had included exploring internal in house transformation, sharing the service delivery with neighbouring Councils and outsourcing.

Following consideration of the above options officers had recognised that the shared service model could engender both savings and improved service delivery in the short to medium term.

Cllr Aspinell MOVED and Cllr Lloyd SECONDED the recommendations in the report  and it was RESOLVED that:

1.  Delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer to sign the Revenues & Benefits Shared Services Partnership Agreement between Brentwood Borough Council and Basildon Borough Council.

2.  Approval be given for funding to implement this shared service arrangement as set out in 4.12 of the report.

3.  A review of the Revenues & Benefits Shared Services Partnership be undertaken by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee 12 months after the agreement comes into effect.