Agenda item

Potential for the provision of Building Control Services by South Lakeland District Council

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

 

Report of Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

Minutes:

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) which sought approval to enter into formal arrangements with South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to provide Building Control services on behalf of the City Council.

 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

 

 

 

Option 1: Not to enter into negotiations with SLDC to provide Building Control services

Option 2: To enter into formal negotiations with SLDC to provide Building Control services

Option 3: To enter into negotiations with another party to provide Building Control services

Advantages

None. 

SLDC have a strong brand and shared geographical boundary.  Such an arrangement would provide the public with a viable alternative choice to local private sector provision.

Non apparent at this time

Disadvantages

The Council cannot currently provide a viable Building Control service without further investment

The new service would be branded as an SLDC operation, however the current Lancaster city brand is weak in this service area so the disadvantage is minimal.

No other adjoining local authorities are able to consider providing such a service, and securing provision contracted to private sector organisations would be more costly due to the districts remoteness.

Risks

The further extension of the deficit in the Building Control Trading Account

SLDC being unable to secure more business from the Lancaster area and continuing losses in the Building control Trading Account

As per option 1

 

                      The officer preference is Option 2.  The Council must take steps to continue providing this service without continuing to build the deficit in its own trading account.  To do this the best alternative is to achieve economies of scale and changes in market perception by merging with another party.  Members have expressed the preference to achieve efficiencies by working with other local authorities.  There are also benefits in strengthening working relations with partners around Morecambe Bay where there is more commonality in local economies.

 

Although the new operation would be a SLDC service provided for the City Council, this is a confident local brand which is more likely to compete effectively with local approved inspectors than the City Council brand.  This arrangement would also secure employment for the small number of officers currently employed by the City Council should they wish to continue working in this field.  

 

Councillor Barry proposed, seconded by Councillor Bryning:-

 

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

 

Councillors then voted:-

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)             That Cabinet agrees that steps should be taken to enter into an appropriate formal arrangement for Building Control services to be provided by South Lakeland District Council on behalf of Lancaster City Council. 

(2)             That the Chief Officers (Regeneration and Planning), (Governance) and (Resources) be instructed to conduct the appropriate negotiations including taking any transitional steps required in the interim period and to report back to Cabinet for approval to formalise arrangements in due course.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

 

Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning)

Chief Officer (Governance)

Chief Officer (Resources)

 

Reasons for making the decision:

 

The Council has a duty to provide a basic Building Control Service.  South Lakeland District Council has a strong brand and our authorities share a geographical boundary. Such an arrangement would provide the public with a viable alternative choice to local private sector provision.

 

 

 

 

Supporting documents: