The Executive Leave for Finance and the Executive Head for Commercial Servicespresented the budget proposals for the business unit to the Board.

The Board questioned whether the reduction in posts within Commercial Services would have an adverse impact on child protection issues. They were advised that there would be no impact.

The Board questioned whether in the event of pressure on the service, for example child protection / legal challenge, whether the local authority would be able to respond or would we have to pay for external services previously provided in-house.

The Board were advised that the service would be provided internally as far as possible. The Board were advised that sometimes officers may need to seek advice externally i.e. specific legal advice on particular projects. The Board were also advised that a “virtual” shared service was in place with the Devon Solicitors Group to cope with peaks and troughs of work.

To discuss the Revenue Budget 2012/13 Provisional Spending Targets for Commercial Services