Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:  1) That authority is given to the Assistant Director – Property and Projects to revise the lease arrangements, as outlined for the specific case detailed within the report.

2) To delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Property and Projects, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business Development, and the Council’s Assistant Director – Resources, the ability to review individual lease arrangements for the commercial portfolio, on a case by case basis, as they arise in line with the parameters set out in the report.

Reason for Decision

To ensure adequate flexibility to protect the Council’s financial interests and work with local businesses during the current challenging economic climate.

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The Property Services Valuer presented a report which explained that the Borough Council managed a mixed portfolio of commercial premises that generated an income for the Council and provided business accommodation for small and medium sized businesses.

The report explained that the current Scheme of Delegation was relatively prescriptive and it was considered that, in the current economic climate due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Assistant Director – Property and Projects needed a greater degree of flexibility in managing the commercial portfolio.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Joyce confirmed that the Council as landlord had to be flexible and try to look to the future and he considered the approach was sound.

RESOLVED:  1) That authority is given to the Assistant Director – Property and Projects to revise the lease arrangements, as outlined for the specific case detailed within the report.

2) To delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Property and Projects, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business Development, and the Council’s Assistant Director – Resources, the ability to review individual lease arrangements for the commercial portfolio, on a case by case basis, as they arise in line with the parameters set out in the report.

Reason for Decision

To ensure adequate flexibility to protect the Council’s financial interests and work with local businesses during the current challenging economic climate.