Issue - meetings

The Council considered the recommendation from Cabinet at its meeting held on 18 July 2018 on approval of capital expenditure for a design team for the redevelopment of the White House site for 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Resolved to approve the budget for the design phase of the project for the creation of a target of 28 affordable units on part of the White House site.

Councillor Harvey

To consider a report on the appointment of the White House construction advisors and design team and make a recommendation to Council.

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 the bidding procurement of contracts by allowing other parties to know the position of the Council.  This in turn prejudices the Council by (i) distorting the procurement process and (ii) prejudicing the opportunity for the Council to place contracts for the prudent management of its financial affairs.

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 recommending capital expenditure for a design team for the redevelopment of the White House site across 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

To formally withhold approval of the budget for the design phase.

Resolved to:

1.    Recommend to Council approval of the budget for the design phase of the project for the creation of a target of 28 affordable units on part of the White House site;

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

3.    Delegate the appointment of the advisors and design team to the Group Head of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Reasons for recommendation and decision

Redevelopment of the site will provide affordable housing for Borough residents and the ongoing revenue stream (once the works have been completed) will assist in the future long-term financial stability of the Council.

Approval will be sought subsequently for the construction Capital budget.