Decision details

To agree amendments to the Asset Transfer Policy and Processes to waive the rent for a building where that would enable a community – led proposal to keep a Children’s Centre open that would otherwise have to close.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Harrod, seconded by Councillor Lindsay-Gale and it was agreed to:

(a)          Maintain the terms of the existing Asset Transfer Policy in considering transfers of children’s centres to community groups;

(a)          Extend additional support (as outlined in para 31) beyond 1^st April to help community groups develop a viable business case fully;

(b)          Agree that a deadline is set for these cases to be brought forward to be considered at a 3^rd and final round of the Transition Fund, no later than the Cabinet meeting in July;

(c)          Offer a defined, short-term rent-free period of up to a maximum of 6 12 months to support mobilisation, where the business case would otherwise not be viable with a review after 6 months to consider progress. After this initial period the rent would increase in line with the asset transfer policy, to 50% of the commercial rent level for the property.

N.B. the 12 month period to start on 1 April 2017.