Issue details

Transfer of PLUSS to a Community Interest Company

Currently PLUSS is a wholly owned company of Torbay, Devon, Plymouth and Somerset Councils. The proposal is to transfer ownership of PLUSS to a Community Interest Company (CIC) by April 2016.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Partnership involving transfer of Council services or element of risk transfer;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 26/08/2015

Decision due: 22 Oct 2015 by Council

Lead member: Executive Lead for Adults

Lead director: Director of Adult Services and Housing

Contact: Lisa Finn Email: lisa.finn@torbay.gov.uk.

Consultation process

Pluss and Owner Board meetings and staff via trade union process.

Consultees

Four local authorities who are presently the owners of PLUSS, board and staff of PLUSS.

Reason for inclusion in Forward Plan: The Pluss Organisation Ltd offers employment, development and training opportunities for people in Devon who have disabilities. The organisation wishes to change its governance and form to become a Community Interest Company (CIC) from the current form - which is the ownership by four local authorities. The Pluss board believes this form offers more opportunity for the organisation to thrive and matches its business plan which is already delivering work outside of Devon. The council has the ability to reduce any future risk by no longer being an owner of the company. This does not prevent the council contracting with Pluss now, or in future, for the delivery of services, in the normal way.

Key Risks: The four local authorities do not agree within an agreed timescale and the transaction does not go ahead and the benefits do not take place. There is a risk to Pluss regarding future success of its business plan, but that would not be a risk to the council if the decision for the organisation to become a CIC is transacted.

If you want to make representations contact:: Caroline Taylor, Director of Adult Services, Telephone (01803) 208949, Email caroline.taylor@torbay.gov.uk.

Agenda items