Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the creation of a Joint Venture Local Authority Trading Company

Cabinet received an exempt report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the creation of a Joint Venture Local Authority Trading Company.

The context and background to the report and the creation of a Trading Company for the provision of agency staff was set out, including challenges relating to the needs of service provision and the needs of the workforce. It was confirmed that this was not a move to zero hours contracts and that agency workers would always be able to transfer to become permanent members of staff if a suitable vacancy existed.

It was heard that the proposal was to go into partnership with Kent County Council because of organisationally similar issues and objectives. Furthermore joint working in this way would enable a much speedier and reliable establishment of the new arrangements and Kent’s existing success in this market was noted. Other options, including establishing Hampshire’s own agency, or buying an existing agency were outlined and the reasons why they were less desirable set out.

It was questioned why the item was exempt and clarified that this was essential to maintain commercial confidentiality. However should the recommendations be agreed, subsequent discussions would be necessary which remove the need for such confidentiality.

The recommendations in the report were proposed and agreed. The decision record is attached.