Decision Maker: Executive Scrutiny Committee
Decision status: Recommendations approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
As part of the Property Strategy
(Neighbourhood Centres) consultation carried out between May and
August 2016, community organisations have had the opportunity to
express an interest in taking on the running of County Council
buildings where they are no longer required for the delivery of
County Council services.
The report will set out where community asset transfer proposals
have been submitted and are considered viable and appropriate at
this stage and enable officers to work with community organisations
to ensure there is a managed and sustainable handover of the
building and/or service to communities where possible.
The Committee considered a report in relation to the business cases submitted by community organisations interested in in taking on the running of county council building where they were no longer required for the delivery of council services.
The report summarised the assessment of the bids to date and provided recommendations on the way forward. The report also clarified the approach to be taken regarding any further expressions of interest/business cases which may be received.
The Committee's attention was brought to the Great Harwood Young People's Service property ((Bid reference number 78a) and the Heysham Children's and Young People's Centre (Bid reference 102b) bids that were included in table 4 - proposals that were considered to be unacceptable. Having considered the bids further and in light of additional information, it was proposed that Cabinet be asked to move to table 3 to enable the bids to be further clarified and developed. This amendment would be reported to Cabinet at its meeting on 6 October 2016.
Members agreed that it was important to give community groups and others the maximum opportunity to take over surplus buildings to enable them to enhance and develop their vital community work including the creation of independent community libraries. It was noted that whilst the County Council would welcome further bids from community groups, there was a need for the bids to be submitted for consideration as soon as possible.
Resolved: That therecommendations setout inthe reportto Cabinet including the proposed amendment mentioned at the meeting be noted,and thatno additional commentsor suggestedalternative recommendationsbe made.
Reason Key: Significant effect in 2 or more electoral divisions;
Divisions Affected: (All Divisions);
Contact: Mike Kirby Email: mike.kirby@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772 533285.
Report author: Mike Kirby
Date of decision: 04/10/2016
Decided at meeting: 04/10/2016 - Executive Scrutiny Committee
Accompanying Documents: