Purpose

The decision ensures that suitable legal resource is available to advise and support the Council in meeting the requirements of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).  This provides additional capacity within the legal support

Decision

To award a contract to Browne Jacobson for the provision of legal services to support the delivery of LGR. The estimated value of the contract is up to £850K.

Reasons for the decision

·       To obtain expert legal advice and guidance that ensures the Council complies with statutory and regulatory obligations during LGR.

·       To mitigate legal, governance and corporate risks and to safeguard the Council’s interests throughout the reorganisation process.

·       To advise on and facilitate effective decision-making and the implementation of reorganisation measures.

Alternative options considered

The Council could continue with no contract in place for ongoing legal support and associated services and rely on a large number of direct awards under various frameworks to meet ongoing demand for legal services.

This decision has been made based on the need to:

i.                 meet internal LGR timescale pressures

ii.                ensure the provision of efficient, orderly and timely support

iii.              secure legal advice and guidance that ensures the Council’s compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations