LGR Consultant Contract Award
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Members heard again from the Head of Policy and Strategy, regarding the ongoing work to do with Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). It was explained that since the announcement and receipt of the Statutory Invitation on 5 February 2025, which set out the parameters and timescales for LGR, the Council had worked with consultants to support the development of the Council’s response to Government requirements with the focus of ensuring that the outcome of LGR would meet the needs of West Lindsey residents, businesses and stakeholders.
The ongoing support from the consultants had also enabled the Council to enhance its capacity for delivering complex programmes and driving organisational transformation. Continuing the positive relationship with the consultants to support with the Council’s response to LGR was considered the most appropriate approach to take, specifically when considering what the partnership had delivered to date and their knowledge of the Council, which was particularly important when considering the timescales for response to Government requirements which continued to be very short.
Members of the Committee reiterated previous concerns regarding the costs involved with LGR. The breakdown of costs as presented in the report were clarified by the Section 151 Officer, explaining the contract was to be funded from a variety of budgets, given the remit of work being undertaken.
With the details of the arrangements confirmed, and having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was
RESOLVED that
a) the matters set out within the report, specifically acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges that Local Government Reorganisation presents, be noted; and
b) the award of a contract through the Crown Commercial Services procurement framework to the nominated consultants for the value of £225,000 be approved, and authority delegated to the Section 151 Officer to sign the contract on the Council’s behalf.
Note: Councillor T. Young and Councillor L. Rollings requested that their abstention from voting be recorded in the minutes.