Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillors Button, S Doran, Geach, Howkins and Rybinski.

Councillor Clarke attended as substitute for Councillor Howkins.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

Councillors Mooney and Sexton declared that they were also Surrey County Councillors.

The Leader made the following statement:

“Today this authority received a letter from the government outlining the next steps for Spelthorne following the publication of the Best Value Inspection report. The report is available on our website.

This Council takes pride in delivering services for its residents and businesses; however, it nevertheless recognises that there are now immediate and key actions that need to take place prior to local government reorganisation.

This Administration has faced a challenging time and has been actively pursuing the right solutions to manage the historical debt that we have inherited. We understand the seriousness of the recommendations and we have agreed to work in partnership with colleagues from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to take decisive action in the remaining time we have before Spelthorne loses its sovereignty in 2027.

Across the whole of Surrey there are significant financial pressures, with a debt totalling £5.6 billion, which is why these steps are necessary for Spelthorne to take an active approach to reduce our debt. This administration continues to demonstrate that we have a solid track record of delivering services for our communities and our pledge remains that we will always put residents at the heart of everything we do”.

The Committee is asked to make a recommendation to Council to approve the disposal of the Summit Centre.

Concerns were raised in respect of the Council’s Business Hub that currently occupied the front part of 33 Hanworth Road on both floors. This Hub provided a service for start-up business in the Borough by providing hot desking, office space and mentoring/training. The Committee were advised that the Assets and Economic Development Teams were working together to find suitable alternative space in which to relocate the Hub.

The Chair called for a named vote.

The Committee resolved to recommend to Council that it approves the disposal of the Summit Centre on the terms set out in this report and detailed in the appendices.

The meeting ended at 19.16pm