Decision details

1.1       The Cabinet delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Environment and Development Services and the Head of Development Services to enter into a Service Level Agreement with South Staffordshire Council to provide a conservation service up to 31 March 2021.

2.1       Lichfield District Council has provided a Conservation Service to South Staffordshire Council since April 2015 under a Service Level Agreement (SLA).  The current SLA ends on 31 March 2018 and the proposal is to renew for a further 3 years (31 March 2021).

2.2       Both Lichfield District Council and South Staffordshire Council consider that the existing SLA and has worked well and provided benefits to both Councils.  Lichfield has received income to help reduce the net cost of the service (cashable savings), and South Staffordshire Council has been provided with a professional conservation service to advise its planning team.

2.3       The Service is provided for one day (7.5hrs) a week, usually a Tuesday with the officer based at South Staffordshire’s Codsall office.  The service is provided on a full cost-recovery basis with this year’s income estimated at £18,500 per annum (£55,500 over the 3 year agreement).  Therefore, as income is estimated to exceed £50,000 Cabinet approval is required.

2.4       Over the last 3 years, the provision of this part-time service has not adversely impacted on the planned work programme or performance of the Conservation and Urban Design Team.  

2.5       Cabinet approval is therefore sought to enter into a further SLA with South Staffordshire Council to provide a part-time conservation service to 31 March 2021.

3.1       Not to renew the contract and use the resources to discharge Lichfield District Council duties.   This was discounted as the team’s performance has not been adversely affected by the SLA.  Furthermore, failure to renew the SLA would result in a loss of income - representing a significant financial pressure.

3.2       To expand the service with South Staffordshire.  This was discounted as South Staffordshire Council are satisfied with the current level of service provision.  Furthermore, any expansion on behalf of Lichfield District Council may impact on the team’s capacity to deliver the current work programme.