Issue - meetings

This report seeks Committee approval to commence a public consultation, in line with best practice, on the future delivery of the Council’s building control service.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously to:

(1)      Agree that officers commence consultation with the public and other interested parties as soon as possible to obtain views on the future delivery of the building control service;

(2)      Delegate authority to the Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration to approve the final consultation document; and

(3)      Note that a further report will be brought to this Committee on the outcome of the public consultation and seek a decision on the future delivery of the service.

The Committee received a report seeking approval to commence a public consultation, in line with best practice, on the future delivery of the Council’s building control service.

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Director of Environment, Housing & Regeneration.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Nature of consultation: The Officer confirmed that extensive work was being undertaken to explore the different options available. The Committee was informed that although the Council was currently working with Elmbridge Mutual following the retirement of its Building Control Surveyors, this did not in any way  influence the outcome of the consultation, and that the Council was open to other options.

b)            Partnership arrangements: Members spoke about the possible arrangements regarding partnerships with other Local Authorities. It was noted that should the option to go into a shared service be taken forward, the Council would become an equal partner of a mutual partnership.

c)            Consultation: Members spoke about the importance of the consultation being representative of the whole community, as well as being inclusive of residents who are not IT-literate or have access to the internet. These comments were noted.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously to:

(1)      Agree that officers commence consultation with the public and other interested parties as soon as possible to obtain views on the future delivery of the building control service;

(2)      Delegate authority to the Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration to approve the final consultation document; and

(3)      Note that a further report will be brought to this Committee on the outcome of the public consultation and seek a decision on the future delivery of the service.