That:

1)        a formal arrangement be sought with Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) Council for the establishment of a shared Building Service / Operational Property Service;

2)        the shared service be structured in such a way that it can form the basis for a wider, technical shared service with other Berkshire authorities or with other neighbouring authorities or the blue light services;

3)        authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources and Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities, to enter into discussions required to finalise the business case and to establish the shared service, with a view to the new service being established as soon as practicable.

The Executive considered a report relating to the Future Delivery Options for Operational Property which proposed the establishment of a shared Building Service/Operational Property Service with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to be hosted by Wokingham Borough Council.

The Deputy Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities highlighted the benefits of the proposed shared service which included a substantial saving per annum and a future profit share.  Councillor Ashwell confirmed that the proposed shared service would be responsible for a number of areas including:  reactive maintenance; repairs to make good unplanned issues; planned maintenance; proactive repairs and maintenance of the Council’s estate; letting management of contracts etc.  It was noted that the proposed structure would allow other bodies to join in the future.

Councillor Ross asked that “blue light services” be added to recommendation 2 as there was a lot of synergy with these services.  This amendment was agreed.

RESOLVED that:

1)        a formal arrangement be sought with Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) Council for the establishment of a shared Building Service / Operational Property Service;

2)        the shared service be structured in such a way that it can form the basis for a wider, technical shared service with other Berkshire authorities or with other neighbouring authorities or the blue light services;

3)        authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources and Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities, to enter into discussions required to finalise the business case and to establish the shared service, with a view to the new service being established as soon as practicable.