Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to the outcome of consultation with employees and Trade Unions on proposals made following a review of Print Point and to the revised proposal to suspend this service for a period of 12 months. 

The alternative options to that being recommended, but which were discounted, included continuing to subsidise the service and restructure or outsourcing the service as a going concern.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the proposal to suspend the Print Point Service for a period of 12 months as set out in the report be approved.

(ii)

That the temporary redeployment of the four Pint Point employees as set out in the report be approved.

(iii)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet on the outcome of an assessment of the Council’s future demand for print, to be carried out throughout 2021/22 as set out in the report, with a recommendation as to how those needs can best be met, consistent with the Council’s policy priorities.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

Implementation of the approved Council Budget 2020/21.

(B)

To ensure the Council is able to provide efficient and effective print services in line with its priorities for Gateshead including the Digital Strategy and Climate Change ambition.

(C)

To enable the Council to focus resources on the delivery of services that make Gateshead a place where everyone can Thrive.