The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services advised members that the Council jointly funded the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service, which provided specialist advice on the Local Development Framework and planning applications.  Technical expertise and funding was shared between the five Merseyside District Councils and Halton Borough Council, thus providing economies of scale and specialist services that could not be effectively provided at District level.

Members’ agreement was sought to a renewal of the contract for provision of that important advisory service for the period to 31^st March 2009 in accordance with paragraph 5.1.2 of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.  Funding was to be shared between the Corporate Services and Technical Services Departments and could be accommodated within existing budgets.

Resolved – That, In accordance with paragraph 5.1.2 of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules, Cabinet agrees to extend the MEAS contract on the terms described above until 31^st March 2009, at a cost of £31,673 for 2008/09.