Bracknell is set to keep a partnership running that is in charge of upholding trading standards, tackling flytipping, managing alcohol licenses and more.
Bracknell is extending its partnership that oversees trading standards, flytipping, and alcohol licensing. The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) is a joint effort by Bracknell Forest, Wokingham, and West Berkshire councils.
The partnership’s responsibilities include enforcing sales regulations and processing licences for food and alcohol establishments. The councils plan to prolong this partnership by four years.
Sean Murphy, Bracknell's service lead for public protection, highlighted cost savings as a key reason for the extension. He stated, “Sharing costs of management and ICT systems allows access to significant grant funding, currently around £400K per year.”
Running these services independently would cost the council over £250,000. Murphy noted, “An injection of £250-£300K would be needed to establish a standalone service, including management and ICT costs, plus lost grant income.” He warned that many benefits of the partnership would be lost if it ends.
At a recent cabinet meeting, council leader Mary Temperton said, “By sharing with West Berkshire, there are efficiencies from economies of scale. I recommend we make the new arrangement as soon as possible.”
A full decision on the PPP’s extension until March 31, 2029, must be made at the upcoming meeting on November 26. There's also a consideration to extend it for ten years instead.
Currently hosted by West Berkshire, the partnership could be affected by local government reorganisation, with plans for a merger with two Oxfordshire councils. To ensure flexibility, the extension is recommended until 2029.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
