Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Deputy Leader of the Council

Councillor R Ashman presented the report. As legislation relating to Phase 2B of HS2 was likely to be considered by Parliament in mid to late 2021 it was considered appropriate that Parliamentary Agent services be sought so the Council would be represented at this initial stage and beyond.

The report set out the role of a Parliamentary Agent, and the reason why a Waiver of the Contract Procedure Rules was required to award a contract for Parliamentary Agent services directly to Sharpe Pritchard LLP.

Members spoke in support of the proposals, although the costs were not insignificant there were sufficient funding available from the named reserves and it was important that the Council be represented when the legislation was considered by Parliament.

It was moved by Councillor R Ashman, seconded by Councillor N Rushton and

RESOLVED THAT CABINET

Agrees to waive the Standing Orders at Clause 5 of the Contract Procedure Rules in order that a contract for the provision of Parliamentary Agent Services in relation to HS2 be directly awarded to Sharpe Pritchard LLP.

Reason for decision: To waive the Council’s Contract Procedure rules in order that a direct award of a contract to Sharpe Pritchard LLP to provide Parliamentary Agent Services in relation to HS2 can be made.