Decision details

Further to Minute No. 122 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member - Technical Services held on 15 December 2010, the Cabinet considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director advising of the current situation with regard to the support and funding for the Merseyside Engineers Laboratory Service (MELS) for which Sefton Council was the lead Authority and accountable body on behalf of the five Merseyside Districts; and highlighting the current and future budget situation that impacted on the viability of the Business Unit and hence staff resources.

RESOLVED:            That

(1)       the Merseyside Districts Authorities' view that sufficient funding and hence commissions will not be available in the foreseeable future to maintain the Merseyside Engineers Laboratory Services as a viable Business Unit, be noted;

(2)       in accordance with the Service Agreement with the Merseyside Districts Authorities, the withdrawal of Sefton Council's consent to act as Designated Council and the termination of the MELS Agreement be approved;

(3)       it be noted that this will involve a reduction in staff, to be achieved through the Council's normal personnel procedures and if necessary compulsory redundancies.  Under the terms of the Agreement, all the Merseyside District Authorities will be responsible for considering redeployment opportunities and to share any costs; and

(4)            officers continue to seek the full co-operation of the partner District Authorities to seek redeployment of the staff and to explore opportunities for the potential future utilisation of these specialist skills and equipment, including by private sector interests.