Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report.

The Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, advised members that the report detailed an administrative process to transfer ownership of the building between directorates, to enable future use of the building to be determined. A report on future use of the building will be brought to Cabinet in due course.

Members commented that organisations leasing community centres are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building. Who is responsible for monitoring the maintenance of the buildings and ensuring that lease conditions are adhered to.

The Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing advised members that community centres are outsourced on full care and maintenance leases, therefore the responsibility to maintain and monitor the building falls to the tenant.

The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning confirmed that there is no capacity within the local authority to inspect leased buildings.

Members questioned whether there would be an opportunity to recover any grant funding if a leased building had not been maintained.

The Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing confirmed that the lease on the Cross Community Centre has already been terminated and there is no scope for grant recovery.

Members commented that organisations need awareness of the responsibilities of taking on a full care and repair lease; the buildings are public assets. Members expressed concern that the facility was well used and questioned whether there was adequate provision at alternative venues within the area.

The Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, commented that this was not directly related to the report but confirmed that many venues in the area such as; the Arts Centre, Leisure Centre, Library, The Heritage Centre and Town and Community Council facilities had available space to hire.

The Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning commented that when significant issues with the building condition were identified, new facilities were found for tenants quickly.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth stated that Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) money had been allocated for building repairs and modifications of leased community buildings. There may need to be awareness raising to advise of the availability of funding to help maintain the condition of leased buildings.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report.