Agenda item

Cabinet

1.     Noted progress to date on the implementation of the shared planning service.

2.     Agreed the development of the multi-phase programme for delivery of theproject (see Appendix 1 of the report).

3.     Approved the broad principles of the proposed management structure (Appendix 2) as the basis for the continued development of the organisationalstructure.

4.     Agreed the allocation of additional resources to support the programme as set out in paragraph 21 – 24.

5.     Agreed the early introduction of a “Greater Cambridge Planning Service” designation on signatures of emails from planning staff of bothCouncils

6.     Noted the need for seamless ICT systems across Greater Cambridge and to note the commitment to early work (and costs) on the procurement of a common ICT system for planning.

7.     Noted the high level objectives identified by the project team and invite them to consider adding to them the need to retain and support an understanding of Place in the way shared service was structured, delivered and managed.

8.     Noted the competitive market for planning staff, and asked officers to explore measures that will strengthen the recruitment and retention of planning staff.

Cabinet considered a report on progress being made in developing a Shared Planning Service between South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) and Cambridge City Council (CCC).

The Leader Informed Members that the report set out only the broad principles of the project, with the intention being that greater detail would be presented to Cabinet at its meeting in July 2017. Councillor Lynda Harford said that an effective ICT structure across the two Authorities would be fundamental to a successful shared planning service. It was important to secure the appropriate budget at an early stage. The Joint Director for Planning and Economic Development confirmed that a project initiation document for ICT was already in hand, and that on key service areas, effective ICT implementation would drive the implementation timeline. There would be further dialogue with ICT providers and the 3C ICT team. Councillor Harford emphasised the importance of key Members and officers showing their commitment to the project.

The Deputy Leader fully supported the proposed transition to a shared planning service, and cited West Suffolk as an example.

Councillor Simon Edwards welcomed the proposed management structure set out at Appendix 2 to the report. Turning to paragraph 7 of the same report, he sought clarification of the kind of opportunities that might arise from the commissioning approach to specialist services being developed in collaboration with stakeholders and partners. The Joint Director for Planning and Economic Development highlighted the opportunities to attract staff, and to share the Council’s capabilities with a range of different customers. This could include charging for allowing access to the skills and knowledge of the planning service’s specialists. Councillor Edwards supported the proposals set out in the report.

Referring to Recommendation number 8 in the report, Councillor Bridget Smith asked for clarification about the type of measures that might strengthen the recruitment and retention of planning staff. The Joint Director for Planning and Economic Development said that raising the profile of the service, and enabling new and existing staff to develop as a result of the significant professional opportunities in the area, would go some way towards improving the recruitment and, crucially, the retention of staff.

Councillor Edwards observed that South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Organisational Development Strategy already recognised the importance of shared services. Councillor Smith expressed the hope that the planning shared service would be a success from Day 1.

The Leader asked about the resources necessary to pursue the project effectively. The Joint Director for Planning and Economic Development said that steps were being taken to recruit another Project Officer. He added that, together with support from existing planning officers, the resources available should be sufficient.

Cabinet

1.     Noted progress to date on the implementation of the shared planning service;

2.     Agreed the development of the multi-phase Programme for delivery of theproject (see Appendix 1 of the report);

3.     Approved the broad principles of the proposed management structure (Appendix 2) as the basis for the continued development of the organisationalstructure;

4.     Agreed the allocation of additional resources to support the programme as set out in paragraph 21 – 24;

5.     Agreed the early introduction of a “Greater Cambridge Planning Service” designation on signatures of emails from planning staff of bothCouncils;

6.     Notedthe need for seamless ICT systems across Greater Cambridge and to note the commitment to early work (and costs) on the procurement of a common ICT system for planning;

7.     Noted the high-level objectives identified by the project team and invite them to consider the need to retain and support an understanding of Place in the way shared service was structured, delivered and managed; and

8.     Noted the competitive market for planning staff, and agreed that officers should explore measures that will strengthen the recruitment and retention of planning staff.