1.      That the outcome of the selection process for a provider of a legal shared service be noted.

2.      That the provider shown as the winning tender, as set out in the exempt report, be approved as the preferred provider and request the Director of Improvement and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to seek to agree Heads of Terms to establish the Legal Services shared service with the winning provider whilst also ensuring that the interests of Central Bedfordshire Council are protected, and thereafter, if satisfactory, to enter into a formal agreement.

3.      That the intention to discuss the proposed arrangements with the Council’s external auditors before being finalised, be noted.