Issue - meetings

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in agreeing final financial and contract terms with the preferred bidder. If the bids were to be made public then it may make the Council vulnerable to a renegotiation with the preferred bidder.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Council considered the recommendation from Cabinet on the construction costs for Victory Place, Ashford.

The increase in capital spend for construction works would deliver an additional 19 units over and above the initial feasibility for much needed key worker (a version of affordable) and S106 affordable, housing primarily for our Borough’s key workers including adjacent NHS staff.

Resolved to approve the increase in Capital spend for construction works, from £16.25m to £25.93m.

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in agreeing final financial and contract terms with the preferred bidder. If the bids were to be made public then it may make the Council vulnerable to a renegotiation with the preferred bidder.

Council considered the recommendation from the Cabinet in relation to Victory Place construction costs.

It was moved and seconded that Council approvesthe increase in Capital spend for construction works, from £16.25m to £25.93m.

Councillor Nichols indicated that he had a question in relation to the exempt report to Cabinet. The Mayor advised that the question would be taken in a Part 2 session at the conclusion of this meeting.

Councillor J. McIlroy

To consider an exempt report and make a recommendation to Council on an increase in spend to deliver an additional 19 units for this development.

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in agreeing final financial and contract terms with the preferred bidder. If the bids were to be made public then it may make the Council vulnerable to a renegotiation with the preferred bidder.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Cabinet considered an exempt report on the construction costs for Victory Place, Ashford.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

·         Delay works

·         Do nothing

Resolved to:

1.    Recommend to Council to approve the increase in Capital spend for construction works, from £16.25m to £25.93m. This increase delivers an additional 19 units over and above the initial feasibility;

2.    Authorise the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to implement this construction project; and

3.    Approve the appointment of the contractor to undertake these works as contained in this paper.

Reasons for Decision

·         To facilitate the development of much needed key worker (a version of affordable) and S106 affordable, housing primarily for our Borough’s key workers including adjacent NHS staff. The site also has a history of antisocial behaviour and our proposals will contribute towards the regeneration of this area.

·         To reflect the Council’s firm intention to provide more affordable housing in the Borough.

·         To meet the needs of local residents by improving the quality and quantum of residential accommodation within the Borough.

·         To increase the provision of well managed and affordable rental properties within the Borough.