Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025

Purpose: Cabinet is recommended to consider the options appraisal on extending, remodelling or ending the current joint venture at the end of the current contract in March 2027 and agree the next steps for the joint venture.     

Content: Cabinet:   (1)          approved that the council activates its option to extend the JV for a five-year period up to 2032, including a contract variation to remodel the JV, to embed new statutory requirements and service delivery;   (2)          endorsed the commencement of activity to enhance Norse Evolve as set out in paragraphs 3.11-3.14 of the report; and   (3)          delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Capital Strategy and Delivery, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Law, to finalise the contract extension and the new legal framework for the JV arrangements.   Options & Alternatives Considered As part of the review, four strategic options were considered by the council. Ending the JV was discounted due to the financial impact to the council and complexity of the transition, which would place additional strain on council resources. Revising the contractual terms to remove exclusivity and introduce full competition was not supported by the JV partner and presented significant delivery and commercial risks. Continuing under existing arrangements would not address performance challenges and legislative changes during the review. The preferred option, to extend the JV with targeted contractual amendments provides stability to the council with improved delivery and responsiveness to the Council’s current financial context.