Issue - meetings

BCP FCERM are already working collaboratively with multiple authorities across the South-West region. Through those improving relationships and following our recommendation, East Devon District Council (EDDC) have proposed entering into a Shared Service Agreement (SSA) for FCERM activities in recognition of BCP capabilities and the mutual benefits that will bring. They are also taking a paper to their Cabinet in January 2024.

A SSA has distinct and strong advantages to all parties: a ‘one team’ culture; ability to use permissive powers on behalf of EDDC to seek grant funding; builds capital programme generating income, reduces net service cost, allows growth of the service & skills; communities made more resilient to climate change; greater resilience for service provision; more attractive in recruitment market; smooths capital programme allowing consistent resourcing; less reliance on consultancy support.

The proposal aligns with our service vision / is fully supported by the Environment Agency (strategic overview of national FCERM).

RESOLVED that Cabinet agree to enter a Shared Service Agreement for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management with East Devon District Council, delegating authority to Service Director (Infrastructure) to sign, in consultation with S.151, Monitoring officers and Portfolio Holder.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Follows the Corporate Strategy:

Work with others to make the most of all our strengths; Use our limited resources sustainability by transforming the way we plan, develop and deliver services; Held people, nature and places to adapt to the changing climate.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that BCP FCERM are already working collaboratively with multiple authorities across the South-West region, and that through those improving relationships and following our recommendation, East Devon District Council (EDDC) have proposed entering into a Shared Service Agreement (SSA) for FCERM activities in recognition of BCP capabilities and the mutual benefits that will bring and are also taking a paper to their Cabinet in January 2024.

Cabinet was informed that SSA has distinct and strong advantages to all parties: a ‘one team’ culture; ability to use permissive powers on behalf of EDDC to seek grant funding; builds capital programme generating income, reduces net service cost, allows growth of the service & skills; communities made more resilient to climate change; greater resilience for service provision; more attractive in recruitment market; smooths capital programme allowing consistent resourcing; less reliance on consultancy support.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the proposal aligns with our service vision and is fully supported by the Environment Agency (strategic overview of national FCERM).

RESOLVED that Cabinet agree to enter a Shared Service Agreement for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management with East Devon District Council, delegating authority to Service Director (Infrastructure) to sign, in consultation with S.151, Monitoring officers and Portfolio Holder.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Follows the Corporate Strategy:

Work with others to make the most of all our strengths; Use our limited resources sustainability by transforming the way we plan, develop and deliver services; Held people, nature and places to adapt to the changing climate.