Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Education and Change and the Cabinet Member for Resources and Leisure detailing the progress made in implementing the Transformation Programme.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council, approval of the following recommendations:

(i)  To approve the Outline Business Case set out in Section A of this report.

(ii)  To endorse and recommend for approval by Full Council the new operating model for the Council set out in Section D of this report.

(iii)  To approve the high level implementation plan set out in Appendix 1 of this report.

(iv)  To note that regular updates on the position and progress of the Transformation Programme will be provided to Cabinet and (by agreement with the Chair) Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

(v)  To authorise the Chief Executive to take any further action necessary to give effect to the decisions of the Executive in relation to this matter.

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

(vi)  To approve in principle, the procurement of a strategic partner to deliver the transformation programme and delegate authority to the Chief Executive following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Change to enter into such an arrangement.

(vii)  To note that the Head of Legal & Democratic Services consequentially has authority to seal any contractual documentation arising from this.

The financial challenges faced by the Council and the changing demands for all services makes it imperative for us to adopt radical and different approaches to meeting customer needs, service delivery models and maximising the potential of our staff. The report to Cabinet in July 2014 explained that in the next phase of the Transformation Programme, we will need to seek approval to take specific actions to become a sustainable Council, one which will help us deliver the savings and become more customer-focused and commercially minded. This report provides the detail and seeks approval of specific recommendations, including a proposed Target Operating Model for the council.

The option of continuing to reduce services without making radical changes in how we work and deliver services was considered and rejected because this will not deliver a sustainable Council.