Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations for the Annual Business Plans were approved.
summary: The decision involves approving the 2026-27 Annual Business Plans for four companies that provide services to the Council.
topline: The Finance and Legal Portfolio Holder has decided to approve the 2026-27 Annual Business Plans for four Council companies.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the Council's governance arrangements and the alignment of company plans with the Council's priorities.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Council Companies", "Shareholders"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2069
Decision Maker: Finance and Legal Portfolio Holder
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: 1) The Council has material shareholdings in four companies that provide services to the Council, or on its behalf. As part of its governance arrangements, the Council retains a number of powers which enable it to ensure these companies continue to operate in ways that support the Council's strategic priorities and objectives. 2) One of the key controls is the requirement for each company to produce an Annual Business Plan (ABP) which is reviewed and approved by the Council in its role as shareholder. 3) This report seeks shareholder approval for the 2026–27 Annual Business Plans for Brio, Cheshire West Recycling Limited (CWR), Avenue Services and Edsential. The report also summarises the scrutiny process undertaken as part of the Council's governance arrangements and highlights the key priorities, financial forecasts and risks identified within each business plan.
Content: 1) The Council has material shareholdings in four companies that provide services to the Council, or on its behalf. As part of its governance arrangements, the Council retains a number of powers which enable it to ensure these companies continue to operate in ways that support the Council's strategic priorities and objectives. 2) One of the key controls is the requirement for each company to produce an Annual Business Plan (ABP) which is reviewed and approved by the Council in its role as shareholder. 3) This report seeks shareholder approval for the 2026–27 Annual Business Plans for Brio, Cheshire West Recycling Limited (CWR), Avenue Services and Edsential. The report also summarises the scrutiny process undertaken as part of the Council's governance arrangements and highlights the key priorities, financial forecasts and risks identified within each business plan. That: 1) the 2026-27 Annual Business Plans of the following Council Companies be approved: · Cheshire West and Chester Leisure CIC (trading as Brio Leisure) · Cheshire West Recycling Limited (CWR) · Avenue Services (NW) Limited · Edsential CIC 2) the findings and recommendations arising from the Council Companies Scrutiny Review considered by Cheshire West and Chester Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 6 July 2026 be noted and endorsed. 1) The proposals set out in the Business Plans help to ensure that the companies' strategic plans remain aligned to the Council's core priorities and Borough Plan objectives. 2) The Business Plans have been reviewed through the Council's shareholder governance arrangements and pre-decision scrutiny by the Council Companies Scrutiny Task Group and Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 3) Endorsing the recommendations arising from the scrutiny process demonstrates the Council's commitment to effective governance and continuous improvement across its company portfolio. 1) The plans could be rejected and the companies asked to submit revised proposals. This should only be considered where there are valid reasons to reject the plans which the companies could then factor into any resubmission. 2) The plans have been developed through established governance arrangements and subjected to scrutiny prior to consideration. They are therefore recommended for approval.
Date of Decision: August 4, 2026