URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4443

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Patrinos re-declared an other registerable interest and left the meeting during the consideration thereof.   The Committee considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding the Lynton Agency Performance Review.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised the following:   ·       The Council had delegated a number of functions to Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council for the administrative area of Lynton and Lynmouth which also included Lynmouth harbour.  The Town Council managed these functions on behalf of North Devon Council. ·       The functions delegated to the Lynton and Lynmouth Agency were detailed in paragraph 1.2 of the report. ·       The Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council provided regular reports to the Harbour Board regarding the harbour. ·       The work was undertaken by Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council staff and the costs were recharged to the Council.  These costs were detailed in Appendix B of the report. ·       The net income over expenditure came back to the Council.  ·       The costs for Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council were less than compared to the Council directly managing these functions as due to the locality the Town Council could be more responsive and quicker to respond. ·       The agency arrangement could be replicated in other areas, however the costs and benefits would need to be considered.   In response to questions, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised the following:   ·       The business rates were in relation to the Council’s assets and were a cost to the Council.  The Town Hall was the responsibility of Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council, however, some of the costs associated with the Town Hall would be recharged to the Council such as staffing costs.   RESOLVED:   (a)  That the annual report and that the actions being taken to ensure that performance against the 14 review recommendations is at the desired level be noted; (b)  That the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive be delegated, in consultation with the Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, to agree the terms of the new agency agreement with Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council;   RECOMMENDED:   (c)   That North Devon Council enter into a new agency agreement with Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council with effect from 1 April 2026 for a period of 3 years, with a formal review on that date.    

Date of Decision: December 1, 2025