Issue - meetings

This report provides a summary of the work undertaken in the development and creation of the CELTAS (Community Equipment Loan & Warden Call/Telecare Service) Community Interest Company (CIC).  It gives an update on progress and seeks approval for a 1 April 2014 start date for the CIC subject to the completion of the remaining preparatory work.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to a start date of 1 April 2014 for the new CELTAS Community Interest Company, subject to completion of all the necessary preparatory work.

Reason:              To create a viable Community Interest Company opportunity that will provide services to a wider customer base whilst providing value for money to the Council. 

Members considered a report which provided a summary of the work underway in the development and creation of the Community Equipment Loan and Warden Call/Telecare Service Community Interest Company (CIC).

Following agreement to the creation of a mutual CIC organisation to provide the Warden Call/CELS services in May, Cabinet approval was sought for a 1 April 2014 start date.

Further details of the work carried out within the service to prepare both management and staff for the transition to the public sector were reported. Work included due diligence on the business plan and financial model, creation of a Council Project Board, support for branding and arrangements for a Governance and Advisory Board.

It was confirmed that an assessment of the full financial and operational issues associated with pension decisions was currently ongoing. Particular reference was made to consideration being given to the suitability of the new organisation becoming a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme, for which a final decision was due on 20 February 2014. Following the recent decision to increase customer charges details of the increases to customers were set out at paragraph 27 and details of the revised 5 year forecast were reported at Annex 1 of the report.

Officers highlighted the financial implications and risks involved, in particular those associated with the Pension Fund contribution rates.

The Cabinet Member expressed her thanks to the report author and her team for all the work undertaken, over a very short period of time, in preparation for the CIC.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to a start date of 1 April 2014 for the new CELTAS Community Interest Company, subject to completion of all the necessary preparatory work. ^1.

Reason:              To create a viable Community Interest Company opportunity that will provide services to a wider customer base whilst providing value for money to the Council.