Issue details

Decision

a)    That Dorset Council makes the necessary arrangements to leave the Stour Valley & Poole Partnership (SVPP) and bring these services in-house to be delivered by an expanded Dorset Council Revenues & Benefits Team (as set out in the business case attached at appendix 3);

b)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Corporate Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy, to implement decision (a) above, including authority to give notice to terminate the Council’s involvement in the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership;

c)    That Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee be asked to oversee the future Service’s integration into Dorset Council, where it can support further transformation, insight, strategic service development and performance, as set out in the business case.

Reason for Decision

The creation of a single revenues and benefits service for Dorset Council will provide a better level of customer service for Dorset Council residents, with a single process and contact details, making it easier, clearer and more accessible for people to pay council tax and make benefits claims.  As such, it is the best strategic fit for Dorset Council.

Consultees

N/A

Budget Implications

Financial implications are set out in paper to Cabinet 7 December 2021 and in the appendices and alongside the options available for future service delivery.

Legal Implications

Any Legal implications are set out in the paper to Cabinet 7 December 2021

Reference documents

Cabinet 7 December 2021 (including exempt papers)