Issue - meetings

To agree the structure of future discussions around joint working with other councils.

Please note that appendices 2 and 3 of this report are exempt.

The report aimed to provide a structured approach to collaboration discussions and identify areas where collaboration with other local authorities could be pursued with a view to addressing financial and recruitment pressures.  Collaboration did not need to be limited to other Surrey districts, although there could be considerations should a partnership be formed with a much larger authority.  Care also needed to be given to avoiding resources being drawn away from Spelthorne.

There was discussion about whether more collaboration would result in the formation of unitary authorities.  It was generally felt that this was unlikely, particularly because SCC’s recent interest in this had been dismissed by the government.

The Committee:

·         Noted the progress made to date on discussions with other local authorities on opportunities for collaborative/joint working arrangements.

·         Agreed to the formation of a Councillor/Officer Working Group.

·         Agreed the Terms of Reference for this Working Group

·         Appointed Councillors Beardsmore, Boughtflower, Nichols and Sexton to the working group.