Purpose

This report seeks Cabinet endorsement for the annual PartnershipOne 2026/27 Business Plan, marking the second full year of company operations under the Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) delivery model.

Decision

Cabinet approved the PartnershipOne Annual Business Plan 2026/27.

Reasons for the decision

In-line with established shareholder governance arrangements, Cabinet is required to approve the Annual Business Plan to authorise the company's operational mandate for the financial year.

Endorsement ensures that the company remains strategically aligned with the Council's corporate priorities while maintaining strict performance management safeguards over critical public-facing services.

Alternative options considered

Rejecting or deferring the Business Plan was considered as an alternative. This option was rejected because it would disrupt company governance, delay strategic development, and create operational ambiguity across the three partner councils