RESOLVED that CABINET RECOMMENDS to FULL COUNCIL that: -

1.       Upon expiry of the initial contract with Capita for Planning & Building Control Services in June 2024, that these services should return to the Council.

2.       The Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Member for Strategic and Operational Planning, is given delegated authority to take the necessary action to formalise the end of contractual arrangements with Capita for Planning & Building Control Services.

3.       The Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Member for Strategic and Operational Planning, is given delegated authority to take any necessary actions for the return of Planning and Building Control Service to the Council and associated changes in budget and establishment.

The return of services to the Council at the end of the contract with Capita will provide the Council with an annual revenue saving of £200,000.

The return of services to the Council at the end of the contract with Capita will provide the Council with the greatest opportunity and flexibility with regard to future service design and delivery models. 

The contract is coming to an end and whilst Breckland has benefited from the arrangement over the last 14 years, now is the appropriate time to bring the services in house and ensure that they are ready to best meet the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Options:

At the expiry of the initial contract with Capita for Planning & Building Control Services in June 2024 there are a number of options available to the Council, namely: -

1.   To extend the contract for a 5-year period.

2.   To tender for a new supplier and retain the outsourced model.

3.   To share services with another local authority.

4.   To let the contract expire and bring the services back in house.

(An Options analysis is included within the report)