Decision details

(i)  To approve the next phase of the Accommodation Strategy to enable the potential vacation of One Guildhall Square, followed by Service Properties through the implementation of further accommodation changes to in order to generate ongoing revenue savings.

(ii)  Subject to the conclusion of successful negotiations with a third party, to approve the grant of a lease of the Council’s office space within OGS and delegate authority to the Head of Property, Procurement and Health & Safety and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to finalise the detailed terms and complete the lease.

(iii)  To add in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules a sum of £1,837,000 to the Resources Portfolio Capital programme in 2014/15 to enable the next phase of the accommodation strategy to be implemented.

(iv)  To vire in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules a sum of £742,000 from the Accommodation Strategy Action Programme (ASAP) and £1,095,000 from the Vacation of Marland House schemes within the Resources Portfolio Capital programme to the newly created scheme for the next phase of the accommodation strategy

(v)  To note the revenue under spend of £425,000 as set out in the report and approve the extended scope of this remaining budget to now include spend to support the next phase of the accommodation strategy.

(vi)  To note that the existing authority delegated to the Director of Corporate Services will continue to be applied, to allocate premises related resources (revenue and capital) to enable any works necessary to be delivered to ensure the implementation of this next phase of the Accommodation Strategy.

1. To approve the changes to the Accommodation Strategy and put in place appropriate funding and approvals for its ongoing implementation to facilitate future accommodation changes as required.
2. To enable the Council to lease its office space in One Guildhall Square to a third party to enable a further rationalisation of office accommodation to generate an ongoing saving to the council from both a reduction in running costs and an additional rental income.
3. To enable the Council to vacate and dispose of Service Property.

Leasing in new office premises is more costly than the proposals set out in this report.

None