Agenda item

Committee is asked to:

1)    Consider the proposed disposal terms as set out in this report; and

2)    Recommend that the Council:

2.1       Approve the disposal terms set out in this report;

2.2       Delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer and group Head of Assets, in consultation with Chair and Vice-Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to agree minor variations to the Heads of Terms and adjustments to the sale price; and

2.3       Delegate authority to Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into a transfer to complete the disposal and any ancillary legal documentation required in relation to the proposed disposal.

Appendices 2-6 (inclusive) contain 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 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 any contract or other type of negotiation with a prospective purchaser who could then know the position of the Council.

Committee resolved to make a recommendation to Council to:

1.    Approve the disposal terms set out in this report,

2.    delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer and Group Head of Assets, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to agree minor variations to the Heads of Terms and adjustments to the sale price; and

3.    Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into a transfer to complete the disposal and nay ancillary legal documentation required in relation to the proposed disposal.

It was proposed by Councillor Bateson, and seconded by Councillor Turner to extend the meeting beyond 10pm. The motion fell.

The Committee considered the disposal of 12 Hammersmith Grove. The site had been fully marketed, with the suggested price in excess of the target price range.

It was proposed by Councillor Sexton, and seconded by Councillor Boughtflower to exclude the public and press for part of the consideration of this item in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government 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 circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because the 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.

A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Clarke.

Committee resolved to make a recommendation to Council to:

1.    Approve the disposal terms set out in this report,

2.    delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer and Group Head of Assets, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to agree minor variations to the Heads of Terms and adjustments to the sale price; and

3.    Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into a transfer to complete the disposal and nay ancillary legal documentation required in relation to the proposed disposal.