Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted:

A     The governance improvements made through the Leader’s shareholder decision of 12 March 2026.

B     The emerging themes from the ongoing review of ASDV management and governance, supported by external specialist advice, and the alternative arrangements being developed to implement the emerging themes and support the Leader’s shareholder functions, expected to be put in place in October 2026, including an advisory panel.

C     That the council is considering how proportionate business planning and performance reporting could be applied to other council operations, drawing on the approach being developed for its ASDVs.

D     That the immediate priority is to put in place a clear business or investment plan for each ASDV and establish regular reporting against those plans through the proposed advisory panel arrangements.

E     The further work set out in this report to strengthen contract management, shareholder governance and the performance of the council’s companies and commercial operations in delivery of Building Harlow’s Future.