The Cabinet has decided to approve the transition from shared service model to managed service and strategic partnership arrangements for Libraries Shared Services and Cheshire Rural Touring Arts.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1983

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and Communities which provided an update on progress under the implementation plan to support a move from the shared service model for Libraries Shared Services (LSS) and Cheshire Rural Touring Arts (CRTA) to a managed service and strategic partnership arrangement respectively.  Members were informed that a newly drafted overarching Administration Agreement has been produced which would govern the retained shared services alongside revised Service Level Agreements for those retained services.   Members noted that at a meeting on 17th June 2022, the Shared Services Joint Committee agreed to the proposed changes to the shared services, in accordance with the recommendations set out in the Shared Service Review.  The approach to implementation of the changes was also agreed.  Members further noted that, in order to finalise the transition to the separate arrangements, on 25th April 2025 the Shared Services Joint Committee recommended to the Corporate Policy Committee of Cheshire East Council and the Cabinet of Cheshire West and Chester Cabinet to approve the proposed changes to the shared services and to delegate authority to the relevant officers to implement the changes. It was further reported that Cheshire East Council’s Corporate Policy Committee had approved these recommendations at its meeting on 12th June 2025.   Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.   Cabinet members welcomed the report and the proposals and thanked all those who had worked to bring this forward to this point.   DECIDED:    That   1)            the changes to the current shared services arrangements in accordance with the Shared Services Review, as described in the Shared Services Joint Committee Report of 17 June 2022 (see Background Documents) be approved; 2)            the proposed managed service and strategic partnership arrangements for CRTA and Libraries and the principle of the revised Administration Agreement be approved; and 3)            the relevant Officers within Cheshire West and Chester Council be delegated authority to work jointly with Officers at Cheshire East Council to implement the final transition to the separate arrangements including completion of the necessary legal agreements.   Reason for Decision   The recommendations set out in the report at 2.1 are recommended to ensure effective and continuous delivery of the services for residents of both boroughs of Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East.   Alternative Options   The only alternative option would be not to approve the changes to the shared services but this is not recommended as the changes have been advised as a proportionate approach to managing the services going forward.

Date of Decision: July 9, 2025