That the Leader of the Council:
1. Approves a variation to the council’s contract with Matrix SCM Ltd for the supply of agency workers to extend the term of the contract by two one-year increments from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028 at an estimated cost of up to £45m per annum.
2. Notes the large majority of contract spend will be transferred by Matrix SCM Ltd to agencies in their supply chain for the purpose of paying agency workers and meeting associated costs such as employer’s national insurance.
3. Notes the establishment of an agency worker reduction programme, which will include a comprehensive range of measures to drive down agency worker usage and spend.