Decision details
Review of Publica Governance Agreement and Extension of Service Agreement
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Decision:
The purpose of this report was for the Cabinet to consider proposals for amendments and an extension to governance arrangements following the conclusion of the Publica Review. The report also sought delegated authority to make any minor adjustments to the Publica specification in the run-up to Local Government Reorganisation should it become necessary.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the report and explained that it reflected the significant changes to the Publica shared service arrangements following the Publica Review, including revised governance structures and reduced service provision. Members noted that the updated arrangements clarified roles and responsibilities and aligned service specifications with current delivery, while supporting preparation for potential Local Government Reorganisation. It was noted that amendments would be implemented primarily through deeds of variation to existing agreements to minimise cost, with delegated authority granted for minor amendments as required. The changes applied to the Articles of Association, Members’ Agreement, Service Agreements and Service Specifications, and included the extension of Service Agreements to October 2030, while retaining flexibility for service exit with appropriate notice.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
Cabinet RESOLVED to:
1. Approve in principle the changes to the governance agreements set out in section 3.
2. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise and enact through appropriate legal documentation, the detailed changes to the agreements, in line with the principles agreed.
3. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to approve minor amendments to the scope of services delivered by Publica to Cotswold District Council in advance of Local Government Reorganisation.
Voting record:
7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Report author: Angela Claridge
Publication date: 17/04/2026
Date of decision: 16/04/2026
Decided at meeting: 16/04/2026 - Cabinet
Effective from: 25/04/2026
Accompanying Documents:
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