Decision details

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Leisure and Culture in association with the Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health seeking to extend current arrangements with Solent Mind regarding the lease of Mayfield Nursery which is currently used to provide a service for people with mental health problems.

(i)  In principle, to agree to the disposal of Mayfield Nursery by a lease to Solent Mind for a period of 10 years upon such terms as the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services considers reasonable.

(ii)  To authorise the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services to advertise the proposed disposal in accordance with Section 123 Local Government Act 1972.

(iii)  Should any objections be received, to refer these objections to Cabinet for determination.  If no objections are received, to authorise granting a lease of Mayfield Nursery on the terms set out in this report without further referral to Cabinet.

1. To enable the grant to be spent on improvements to the site, which will ensure the continuation and expansion of a valuable service.
2. To enable works to be undertaken which will protect the value of this site for the City Council.

1. The City Council have been approached to fund some of the required repairs but this has not been prioritised within current budgets. More critically, there is a danger that the boiler will break down irreparably in winter which will cause the closure of the whole service.
2. Consideration has been given to delaying repairs and upgrades by undertaking short term repairs.  This has become less cost effective and, in relation to an industrial boiler, engineers consider a replacement is essential.
3. Applications have been made to other grant bodies but to date this is the only successful application.
4. Consideration has been given to closing the whole service if these essential repairs cannot be undertaken.  This is not considered a realistic option as it would entail alternative services being provided for current service users.