Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning seeking approval to surrender and renew the leases on the premises in Canford Close and Tickleford Drive to the Scouts at a rental of £1 per annum.

The new leases will contain a provision to allow the Scouts to underlet the facilities to a Day Nursery Provider.

On consideration of the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, Cabinet agreed the following:

(i)  To authorise the surrender and re-grant of new leases at £1pa to the Scout Groups occupying premises at Canford Close and Tickleford Drive requiring the Scouts to underlet to a nursery provider.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Head of Property and Procurement to authorise any similar future proposals for lease renewals to Scout or Guide groups or other community or charitable organisations which include any underlet for any purpose authorised by s.2 Local Government Act 2000 at rents less than best consideration where it is proposed to underlet to a nursery provider or similar community use.  

1. There are currently insufficient Early Years places for children of 3 and 4 years of age within many areas of Southampton.  The Childcare Act 2006 creates a duty for the Local Authority to ensure there are sufficient early years places in response to demand.  The proposal will enhance the existing asset, improve the facilities for the Scouts and assist the Council in carrying out its statutory duty. The proposals in the report represent value for money as if other facilities were needed to be found to house the nursery an open market rental would need to be paid.
2. There are no delegated powers to grant a lease at less than best consideration.

To not grant new leases but continue with existing lease terms.  This will not allow the Scouts to underlet to a nursery provider which would create a shortfall in nursery places in the Millbrook and Weston area of the City.