Many local authorities share services in order to improve efficiency, service delivery and enhance the resilience and capacity of individual councils.

The Council has a number of different arrangements to assist in delivering its services to the public. This report sets out for the committee what arrangements are currently in place.

After a full discussion, Cllr Tumbridge MOVED and Cllr Mrs Hones SECONDED an amendment to the recommendations to state:

1.            An updated report to come to the Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee in September with the cost of each outsourced arrangement, and an assessment of their value for money.

2.            The following service arrangements will be reviewed and recommendations for alternative provision will be brought to the next Policy, Resource & Economic Development Committee in September - Planning & Licensing from Thurrock; Revenue & Benefits from Basildon; Data Protection from Thurrock; Legal from Barking & Dagenham.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

Reasons for Recommendation

For members to be informed of the different arrangements in place for Council services.