Decision details

Purpose of report: To provide Members with a briefing on the Shared Audit & Fraud Service with North Yorkshire.

Members are asked to: Note progress made.

RESOLVED: (i)         That approval be given to proceed with the implementation of the wholly owned company as the appropriate long term organisational structure for the shared service (Option 1), in accordance with the details set out in the report and the attached Business Case.

REASON:      To enable the implementation of the appropriate long term structure for the shared service (Part II of the strategic plan).

                        (ii)        That the appointment of the Executive Member for Corporate Services and the nominated Officers to the Board of Directors of the shared service company be agreed.

REASON:      To ensure appropriate governance and accountability for the shared service company.

                        (iv)       That the shared service be authorised to carry out functions relating to housing benefit and council tax benefit, using Section 70 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 and the Contracting Out (Functions of Local Authorities: Income-Related Benefits) Order 2002.

REASON:      To ensure that staff employed by the shared service company can properly undertake future investigations into benefit related fraud.

                        (v)        That the Council be authorised to enter into a Premises Licence with the shared service company for the future use of office accommodation.

REASON:      To enable the Council to provide fully serviced accommodation to the shared service company.

                        (vi)       That the Council be authorised to enter into an agreement for an overdraft facility with the shared service company.

REASON:      To ensure that the shared service company has adequate funds to cover its working capital requirements.

                        (vii)      That Officers report to a future Executive meeting on the staffing issues that remain to be determined.

REASON:      To ensure that these matters are satisfactorily addressed.