The purpose of the report was to seek approval for a delegation of authority to Brentwood Borough Council to enter into agreements with Basildon Borough Council under Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, in relation to the delegation of Housing Repairs and Maintenance functions.

The approval would formalise the partnership between Brentwood Borough Council and Basildon Borough Council – supporting the Council’s partnership aspirations to deliver quality front and back office services in partnership.

In order for the proposed collaboration to achieve maximum success, it was recommended that Full Council granted the approval for the Council to enter a sharing agreement contract for Housing Services only for the scope of the Repairs and Maintenance functions.

Cllr Mrs McKinlay MOVED and Cllr Hossack SECONDED the recommendation in the report.  During the debate and in response to  a Member’s questions, the Chair of Community, Health and Housing Committee advised that a progress report on the partnership arrangements would be made to Members at least annually, also that Tenants Talkback representatives would continue to be part of the process. Following a full discussion it was

RESOLVED:

1. To approve that the Council enters a new sharing agreement for provision of the Housing Repairs and Maintenance responsibilities with Basildon Borough Council on the basis set out in Appendix A of this report.

2.That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council as appropriate, to agree and formally enter the agreement once negotiations have been completed.

Reasons for Recommendation

To enable the Council to deliver effective and efficient Housing Services for the benefit of the Council and its customers.