| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL | ||
| GP 10/020 |
Legal Services Partnership |
Further to the decision of the Council on 18 February 2010 to agree a proposal to share management of the legal services function with Sevenoaks District Council for an initial three year period (Minute C 10/020), the Central Services Director reported progress on the arrangement and sought approval to create a joint legal services team between the two authorities. The report outlined the merits of joint working which would be to the advantage of both authorities. A business plan was presented for the formation of a joint legal service in which the existing teams would remain at their authorities but officers would deliver legal services to both Councils. It was proposed that the arrangement would run for five years with a review after one year. Members welcomed the proposal which would build on the positive experience of the current partnership arrangement. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposal to create a joint legal services team as set out in the business plan at Annex 1 to the report be approved; (2) the Council be requested to amend the scheme of delegations to enable officers from Sevenoaks District Council to act on behalf of Tonbridge and Malling; and (3) the terms of the current partnership arrangement and appointment of the Legal Services Partnership Manager be realigned to dovetail with the proposed creation of a joint legal services team. *Referred to Council |