Decision details

Decision: Service Level Agreement relating to the delivery of ecological services to Exeter City Council by Dorset Council’s Natural Environment Team 

This SLA is entered into as a horizontal cooperation agreement between Dorset Council and Exeter City Council under Schedule 2(3) of the Procurement Act 2023. The arrangement supports the discharge of shared statutory public functions in the field of ecology and development management. The agreement runs until 16 July 2026 unless terminated or extended in accordance with the terms of the agreement.   

The services provided by Dorset Council’s Natural Environment Team are delivered on a cost recovery basis. This amounts to a fixed charge of £52,083 payable by Exeter City Council to Dorset Council. 

Under the provisions of the scheme of delegation in Dorset Council’s Constitution, the Executive Director for Place the following delegated authority: 

40. To enter into an agreement with any voluntary agency, charity or public sector organisation, where the Council has or is proposing to offer financial and/or other assistance to that body. 

I can confirm that under the Local Scheme of Nomination for Planning, I have delegated authority to perform this function. 

In the public interest of promoting sustainable development and optimizing the financial self-sufficiency of the NET team to maintain expert ecological advice, which is to the benefit of Dorset Council. 

Not offering the service would be an option but this would diminish an income stream for the team and undermine the ability to retain ecological expertise within Dorset Council.  

N/A