Issue - meetings

Councillor Longley proposed and Councillor Nunn seconded the report which sought authority for budget provision to carried out for stage 1 of building adaptation works for the office optimisation programme. These related to the planned closure of the Lodge Road, Daventry offices for Council services and creation of a new Daventry hub.

Members made the following comments:

·       The Labour Group would be voting against the recommendations and would be calling in the decision.

·       Councillor McCord would be abstaining on this item.

RESOLVED:

1)    Council:

a)    Agreed the recommendation from Cabinet that the capital budget be amended to reflect the proposed new budget of £2 million to carry out Stage 1 of the Office Optimisation project and include works to both the Abbey Centre and possible works to the leisure centre.

2)    Noted that Cabinet:

a)    Authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to procure and award the contracts to deliver the Stage 1 works.

b)    Authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment in consultation with the Executive Director Finance and Cabinet Member for Finance to dispose of the Lodge Road offices, in whole or part, by leasehold or freehold, for the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

c)     Agreed that the Lodge Road offices be vacated by 31st March 2023 in order that the revenue savings and/or capital gains be achieved as quickly as practicable thereafter.

3)    Noted that the decision of Cabinet had been called-in by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.