Agenda item

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

It was RESOLVED that

a)            PSP Rushcliffe LLP be wound up and any outstanding accounts settled within existing budgets;

b)            Rushcliffe Enterprises Limited be made dormant and retained in name only to allow the Council to use the company in the future if it wishes;

c)            the revised company and governance structure set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report be adopted to provide proportionate oversight and governance of Streetwise Environmental Ltd and Streetwise Environmental Trading Ltd; and

d)            the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer be requested to make the necessary changes to existing company models and articles before the end of the municipal year.

The Leader presented the report of the Chief Executive, outlining the current governance structure for Council-owned companies, and suggested measures to simplify and streamline the structure, to ensure Council oversight of its companies.  

The Leader gave a brief overview of the governance structure that had been in place since 2017, and stated that it was proposed to have a more simplified structure, to ensure best practice, particularly in light of the recommendations that have been made following the review of the management of Robin Hood Energy by Nottingham City Council.  Reference was made to the review undertaken in February 2018, and the adoption of a revised structure, which had allowed additional companies to be set up under the holding company, Rushcliffe Enterprises Ltd.  Following that review, a Limited Liability Company (LLP) with a Public Sector Partnerships Limited (PSP) had been established.  The LLP had undertaken various feasibility studies into a number of projects, which were highlighted in the report.  Cabinet noted that none of the projects had progressed beyond the feasibility stage as none had made a strong enough business case to be taken forward.

The Leader confirmed that going forward it was proposed to simplify the structure and that PSP had submitted a Notice of Dissolution to the Council.  Cabinet noted both the existing company structure in place, together with the proposed new company structure, details of which were highlighted in the report.  As part of the new structure, the Leader advised that a Streetwise Oversight Board would be established to receive operational updates from the Streetwise Board.  In conjunction with this, to ensure a robust and transparent scrutiny process, the Governance Scrutiny Group would take a key monitoring role.  The Leader concluded by stating that the new arrangements would provide appropriate governance and scrutiny arrangements, and allow the Council to add companies in the future, if deemed appropriate.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Edyvean referred to the work undertaken by PSP to ensure that the Council made appropriate use of its assets, to ensure value for money for residents.  The importance of reviewing the Council’s assets as part of that process was reiterated, and it was possible that some of the highlighted schemes would be revisited in the future.  It was noted that Streetwise would be monitored by both the Oversight Board and the Governance Scrutiny Group.

Councillor Upton referred to the importance of regularly reviewing governance arrangements and stated that the timing of this review was appropriate.

The Leader advised that it was good practice for the Council to review its assets and it would continue to do so.  Having a partner to look at those assets had been very helpful, with a number of projects tested against a sound business case, risks and opportunities.  Projects including the Bingham Hub and the Abbey Road development were progressing and the Council would continue to provide facilities and services to local residents, whilst ensuring the best value for money.  

It was RESOLVED that

a)     PSP Rushcliffe LLP be wound up and any outstanding accounts settled within existing budgets;

b)     Rushcliffe Enterprises Limited be made dormant and retained in name only to allow the Council to use the company in the future if it wishes;

c)     the revised company and governance structure set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report be adopted to provide proportionate oversight and governance of Streetwise Environmental Ltd and Streetwise Environmental Trading Ltd; and

d)     the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer be requested to make the necessary changes to existing company models and articles before the end of the municipal year.