(i)         that PLUSS is sold to Turning Point upon the terms as outlined in the submitted report; and

(ii)        that the Executive Head Finance be delegated the authority to agree all necessary documentation to enable the sale of PLUSS to be completed.

To enable the four member Councils to transfer their ownership of PLUSS to Turning Point to meet the long term aspirations of PLUSS.  Turning Point is best suited as the preferred partner for PLUSS primarily due to their core values and vision.

Alternative options are set out in the submitted report.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Wednesday 18 December 2013 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

PLUSS was established in 2005 by Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Councils as a local authority controlled company.  It provides employment and training programmes for people with disabilities and delivers services to the three member Councils (plus Somerset County Council who joined in 2006) through a series of contracts and provides services to external organisations.  PLUSS is now one of the leading organisations of its type in the country.  The value of its contract with the four local authorities has now reduced and the Councils agreed to review the ownership of PLUSS to enable it to focus on its future. 

Turning Point is a registered charity, operating as a social enterprise with a focus on improving lives and communities.  The transfer of PLUSS to Turning Point will enable joint benefits in terms of expanding services, particularly employment support services.

The Mayor supported the recommendations of the Council made on 5 December 2013, as set out in his decision above.

Councillor Stocks declared a non-pecuniary interest as a non-executive Director of PLUSS.