Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for the establishment of a general trading company, and outlines recommended governance and membership arrangements.

Having considered the options identified within the report, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To agree the making of arrangements by the Director of Legal, HR Audit & Investigations, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment and the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, for the establishment of a general trading company, including any additional legal or constitutional issues to be reserved to the Council as shareholder and any necessary agreements between the company and the Council.

(2)      To note and agree the recommendations regarding the governance arrangements for the trading company and board members, as detailed within the report.

The Lead Member for the Environment, Councillor Krupa Sheth, introduced the report which sought approval to form a general trading company as a vehicle to trade commercially (under the powers introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and Local Government Act 2003) for the provision of funeral services. Cabinet heard that Brent had been innovative in forming an in-house funeral service offering low-cost funerals to residents and managing the cost in delivering the legal duty for public health funerals. Increasing demand for this service had, however, required the Council to consider a new way of operating, whilst ensuring an affordable service could be maintained.

Cabinet supported the proposal, noting that the formation of the company would allow the Council to continue supporting residents in addressing funeral poverty.

Members noted the exempt appendix to the report in relation to the financial implications of the proposal.

RESOLVED that having considered the options identified within the report, Cabinet:

(1)      Agree the making of arrangements by the Director of Legal, HR Audit & Investigations, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment and the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, for the establishment of a general trading company, including any additional legal or constitutional issues to be reserved to the Council as shareholder and any necessary agreements between the company and the Council.

(2)      Note and agree the recommendations regarding the governance arrangements for the trading company and board members, as detailed within the report.