Lead Member – Mr Mike Owen, Portfolio Holder for Resources, Finance and Support.

Exempt report of the Head of Commercial Services is attached, marked 17.

Contact – Steph Jackson – 01743 253861

(a)  That approval be given to an extension to the Council’s current policy in response to the consultation feedback, to provide for existing tenants to be compensated for the surrender of their tenancies.

(b)  That negotiations commence with those tenants requesting to purchase their holding and the Head of Commercial Services be given delegated authority to settle terms and conclude such sales, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder where the value exceeds £500,000.

(c)  That negotiations commence with the tenants requesting compensation to surrender their tenancies to allow vacant possession and that if acceptable terms are agreed, that these surrenders take place.

(d)  That Cabinet note that subject to the outcome of the first two recommendations, work commences to prepare a report for full Council for a decision on the potential disposal of the remaining estate following further consultation once the six months period has expired.

72.1    The Portfolio for Finance, Resources and Support presented an exempt report – copy attached to the signed exempt Minutes – on the Council’s smallholding estate.

72.2    RESOLVED:

(a)  That approval be given to an extension to the Council’s current policy in response to the consultation feedback, to provide for existing tenants to be compensated for the surrender of their tenancies.

(b)  That negotiations commence with those tenants requesting to purchase their holding and the Head of Commercial Services be given delegated authority to settle terms and conclude such sales, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder where the value exceeds £500,000.

(c)  That negotiations commence with the tenants requesting compensation to surrender their tenancies to allow vacant possession and that if acceptable terms are agreed, that these surrenders take place.

(d)  That Cabinet note that subject to the outcome of the first two recommendations, work commences to prepare a report for full Council for a decision on the potential disposal of the remaining estate following further consultation once the six months period has expired.