Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

Executive Member, Policy & Resources

Date of Decision:

19 May 2009

Decision Title:

Provision of Legal Services to New Forest National Park Authority

Decision Reference:

729

Report From:

Chief Executive

Contact name:

Kevin Gardner, Head of Legal Services

Tel:

01962 847381

Email:

[email protected]

1) The Decision:

1.1. That it be agreed in principle to explore with the New Forest National Park Authority a new successor arrangement for provision of legal services on a partnership basis.

1.2. That the Head of Legal Services be authorised to conclude the terms of such an arrangement in consultation with the Executive Member, Policy & Resources.

2) Reasons for the decision

These are the reasons for this decision being made, including any links to the corporate strategy.

2.1. The income from shared services arrangements enables the Council's Legal Practice to retain a body of in-house lawyers with the capacity, expertise and experience to advise on a wide range of local authority and public law issues, so enhancing the range and quality of legal advice and representation that is available in-house to the County Council. A growing and diverse client base also assists with the attraction and retention of high quality legal staff.

2.2. The arrangements with the National Park Authority make a further contribution towards these benefits being achieved. The arrangements also contribute to the Corporate Strategy aim of enhancing our quality of place, by supporting the Authority in the conservation and enhancement of the New Forest National Park, and the promotion of understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.

2.3. Finally, the development of a shared service is consistent with the outcomes of the Corporate Services Review of Legal Services.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: The Council is under no obligation to provide legal services to the Authority. It is an option therefore, to bring current arrangements to an end.

3.2. Risk Assessment: It is proposed to continue to provide legal services to the Authority, and to develop this as a modern shared service. The costs incurred in doing so would be fully recovered, and the Legal Practice would advise the Council, not the Authority, should any conflict of interest arise.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker:

None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent :

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

--------------------------------------------------

Date:

19 May 2009

Executive Member for Policy & Resources

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE