Issue - meetings

To receive and consider report 100/09 of the Head of HR, IT, and Customer Services (attached).

(Time: 3.05pm to 3.08pm)

The Executive received and considered report 100/09 of the Head of HR, IT, and Customer Services.  This proposed the adoption of a business continuity strategy to allow the council to continue to deliver its services to the public in the event of a disruption or emergency.  The strategy had been developed jointly with South Oxfordshire District Council; its Cabinet was due to consider the draft strategy on 8 February 2010. 

The portfolio holder for HR, IT, and Customer Services recommended the strategy was adopted.  The Executive welcomed the strategy, believing that it would result in better management of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. 

RESOLVED

that the business continuity strategy appended to report 100/09 be adopted. 

To receive and consider report 91/09 of the Head of HR, IT, and Customer Services. 

The committee received and considered report 91/09 of the Head of HR, IT, and Customer Services.  The report proposed a new business continuity strategy.  This had been prepared jointly with South Oxfordshire District Council. 

Councillors welcomed the strategy and noted that reciprocal arrangements were proposed between the councils for emergency operation of services.  It was noted that Wantage Civic Hall was a site that would be used by South Oxfordshire in the event of an emergency.  This was charged on a use-only basis.  Members noted that a reciprocal arrangement was not yet in place for the Vale’s services.  The committee asked that the Executive’s attention was drawn to this and to think about costs as there was no reciprocal arrangement at present. 

RESOLVED

that the Executive be recommended to adopt the business continuity strategy and consider the costs of providing an emergency venue to South Oxfordshire District Council as there is no reciprocal arrangement at present.