Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 August 2019 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman to move:

‘That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business which involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 indicated below’

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business which involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 indicated.

The Sub-Committee considered the options available for rationalising the amount of office space leased from South Staffs Council at their Codsall offices for use by various Children’s Services Teams. New arrangements were required following restructuring of the Teams, the wish to introduce flexible working practices and the need to meet target savings in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

RESOLVED – That:

(a)   approval be given to continued discussions with South Staffs Council on the rationalisation of office space utilised by the County Council, involving the surrender of the 2 existing leases with South Staffs Council and the entering into of a10 year lease for revised space; the terms of such lease to be agreed by the Head of Commercial and Property, and

(b)   approval be given to the investment of a maximum of £151,000 in new office accommodation at South Staffs Council’s Codsall Office to facilitate flexible working for County Council staff.

Approval was sought to the finalisation of the lease of land and a building at Belvedere Park Club at a nominal rent to Belvedere Bowls Club for use as a private bowling club and associated pavilion and car park.

It was reported that the lease had originally been agreed in 2012 as part of land transactions to facilitate the provision of 2 Academy Primary Schools in the area.  The transaction did not constitute undervalue as the land would normally be rentalised at a cost equivalent to its value. That rental value was being forgone as part of the school development arrangement and the Clubs agreement to fund all out goings and VAT payable now or during the life of the lease.

RESOLVED – That a lease be entered into with Belvedere Bowls Club in accordance with the Terms originally agreed in in 2012