Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for non-attendance and details of Member substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillors Chandler, Gale, and Saliagopoulos. Councillor Howkins attended as Councillor Saliagopoulos’ substitute.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2024 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from members in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were none.

The Chair, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

There were none.

To note the Forward Plan for future Commercial Assets Sub-Committee business.

The Sub-Committee noted the reports due to be presented at the next meeting in January.

The Group Head – Assets advised that due to staff illness and capacity, two of the reports may be deferred until the February meeting, but this would be confirmed in early January.

The Sub-Committee resolved to note the forward plan for future committee business.

To move the exclusion of the Press/Public for the following items, in view of the likely disclosure of 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.

It was proposed by Councillor Beatty, seconded by Councillor Howkins and resolved to exclude the public and press for the following agenda items, in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it was likely to disclose 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 being able to undertake even-handed negotiations and finalising acceptable contract terms.

To receive an update on the rent collection, voids and arrears of the Commercial Portfolio.

The Sub-Committee received updates on the Commercial Portfolio from the Asset Manager and Group Head – Assets.

The Sub-Committee resolved to note the updates.

To consider a report on the proposed letting of 36b Kingston Road.

The Sub-Committee considered a new lease for 36b Kingston Road to Ultramech, Ltd.

The Asset Manager summarised the terms of the lettings as set out in the report.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

1)    Approve a letting of 36b Kingston Road to Ultramech Ltd on the terms set out in the report

2)    Authorise the Group Head of Assets in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commercial Assets Sub-Committee to agree to any variations to the proposed terms and authorise the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter the new lease and associated documentation.

To consider any urgent action that have arisen since last meeting.

The Sub-Committee received an Urgent Action for the award of a new valuation contract for the annual re-valuation of the investment portfolio.

The Sub-Committee resolved to note the urgent action that had been taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee.