Issue - meetings

This report sets out proposals for the freehold transfer of specified assets to Stamford Town Council.

Purpose of report

To set out proposals for the freehold transfer of specified assets to Stamford Town Council.

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves the freehold transfer of the public conveniences and the upper floor at Red Lion Square Stamford to Stamford Town Council for a nominal consideration of £1.

2.    Approves the disposal of the land at West Street Stamford to Stamford Town Council for a nominal consideration of £1.         

Alternative options considered and rejected

To not approve the asset transfers as set out in the report; this would result in the Council continuing to own and maintain two assets and incur the operational costs of each. The decisions enable the assets to be transferred to the local Town Council enabling local ownership.

Reason for decision

The Council engaged with local parishes to identify Council owned assets that could be transferred to local ownership in order to enhance responsibility and meet local operational requirements.

Positive dialogue with Stamford Town Council had led to the discovery of two such Council owned assets in Stamford; public conveniences (and the upper vacant floor) at Red Lion Square and the land at West Street Stamford. The assets would be transferred on an existing use basis to ensure there was no adverse financial impact on South Kesteven District Council (SKDC).

The Council had the benefit of a general consent from the Secretary of State for such disposals with an undervalue of less than £2million as long as the proposal contributed to the promotion of economic, social, or environmental wellbeing in its area. This would be achieved by placing the ownership and maintenance of these assets in the hands of the local community (through the Town Council).

The following points were noted during discussion:

·         The assets would be disposed of for a nominal sum whilst the use of them would be legally protected.

·         The Leader of the Council was present at the meeting of Stamford Town Council (STC) where the transfer of these assets was discussed. A unanimous decision to approve the transfer was reached during that meeting.

·         The transfer of the assets was in the best interests of both STC and South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). SKDC would save around £30,000 per year by transferring ownership of the assets, whilst STC would be best placed to make best use of the assets by being at the heart of that community.