Consultation Hub

We are currently consulting Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations in the borough on changes that are being proposed to the Council’s accommodation policy for VCS organisations.

The Council owns a range of buildings (including schools), most of which are used for the delivery of Council functions.  A significant proportion is also let to both commercial and not-for-profit organisations.

The Council considers each case on its merits and utilises the financial arrangement it considers best for the circumstances of each case. It has in the past resolved to transfer property as a gift, and utilises off-market sales as necessary. It does not offer discounted leases, choosing instead to provide financial support towards accommodation costs for those organisations that are supported by its Directorates where the organisations are directly contributing to the delivery of corporate priorities. This ensures transparency and removes hidden subsidies in the use of property.

The approach recognises that the Council has a limited stock of buildings and that it has an overriding requirement to ensure that its property asset base is kept under review so that in terms of quantity, fitness for purpose and condition, it is kept aligned with the goals and objectives of the borough.

We would very much like to hear your thoughts on our proposed accomodation support arrangements, so be sure to take part in this consultation before it closes at the end of July.

Consultation ends in 71 days (31/07/2013)