Decision details

To request that the Executive approve the issue of a new shared service agreement between Bracknell Forest Council and neighbouring authorities for the continuing provision of a hosted Emergency Duty Service (EDS)

That the Executive agrees to

1          Authorise the Borough Solicitor to enter into an Agreement for EDS provision on behalf of Bracknell Forest Council with current partners of the service to take effect immediately upon the expiry of the current arrangement on 5 June and to cover a term of seven years.

2          The Agreement being based on Bracknell Forest standard terms with the Borough Solicitor being authorised in conjunction with the Executive Director (People) to make any necessary drafting amendments to the draft which are necessary to conclude the Agreement without materially effecting its intent

and substance

An Emergency Duty Service (EDS) is a statutory requirement demanded of all local authorities across the UK. EDS assumes responsibilities for Emergency Out of Hours (OOH) Social Care to safeguard vulnerable children and adults.

Bracknell’s Emergency Duty Team is contracted to supply out of hours emergency social care to itself and 5 other partner authorities: Reading, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham, Slough, West Berkshire.

The current EDS contract arrangements are due to expire on the 05 June 2020.

All local authorities in Berkshire are part of the joint arrangement, which seeks to reduce the administrative costs of invoicing for multiple services.

Engagement with partners throughout the service review established that there was no appetite to explore a shared Emergency Duty service option. The current arrangement is the most cost-effective delivery model for all.

Hosting the service allows Bracknell Forest to retain a higher degree of control over operations, which is advantageous when having to fulfil critical statutory obligations.

None.