Decision details

The aim of the report is to secure a decision in response to a request for  atransfer of a package of local assets to Midsomer Norton Town Council. The report covers the background, community benefits and key financial, legal and other consideration.

The Cabinet Member agrees to:

1)  Delegate to the Head of Property / Corporate Property Officer authority for the completion of the disposal of the assets set out in the report into a final agreement in line with the Heads of Terms attached.

2)  Note that the transfer of the assets will be in accordance with Heads of Terms approved by the Head of Property in compliance with statutory responsibilities under s123 Local Government Act 1972, in pursuance of the recommendations in paragraphs 2.1 above

3)  Note that the Corporate Capital Planned Maintenance programme includes a programme of works planned to be undertaken to Midsomer Norton Town Hall, which have a total value of £170,000. These works are more fully set out within the Appendix.

This option has been chosen as it enables the Council to secure significant investment into a local asset whilst securing its future to deliver clear and sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities. It therefore helps to deliver the Council Corporate Strategy aim of supporting community asset transfers “where this can be achieved without excessive cost to the Council and where community benefits clearly arise”.

The Council has historically considered full commercial disposal but the potential for community benefits through community asset transfer having been pursued with the town council, has led to the proposal set out in the report.