Agenda item

OPEN ACCESS TO EXEMPT MINUTES

1.      Mr Brian Collins (Deputy Leader) and Mrs Rebecca Spore (Director of Infrastructure) introduced the report regarding the Property Accommodation Strategy – Strategic Headquarters (SHQ). Ms Spore highlighted a non-material typographical error in the report at Section 3.5.1 where the last two options were ranked incorrectly and were in the wrong order.

2.      Further to questions and comments from Members the discussion included the following:

a)    Some Members expressed strong opposition to the proposed refurbishment of Sessions House and questioned its financial viability. Members commented on the building’s state of disrepair and the cost of necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance. The proposal was criticised as short-term thinking driven by potential Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). It was noted that if LGR did not proceed the Council could potentially be left without a suitable operating base.

b)    Members highlighted the disproportionate costs in the longer term required to refurbish Sessions House compared to Invicta House.

c)    Members emphasised the accessibility issues relating to Sessions House and the inadequacy of the building for those with mobility issues. Mr Collins acknowledged the challenges with accessibility and running costs at Sessions House, noting that efforts were underway to improve efficiency where possible but recognised the building’s limitations. Mrs Spore explained that accessibility improvements had been made within existing financial constraints, but some upgrades would require significant capital investment.

d)    It was commented that there was a need for contingency planning and financial reserves due to the unpredictable nature of refurbishment costs in old buildings.

e)    A Member expressed concern over the exclusion of key financial details such as running costs and capital allocations from public documents.

f)     A Member asked for clarity on possible council chamber provision at Invicta House, and Mrs Spore confirmed that while the atrium could accommodate a chamber, it was not included in the current base option of the previous decision and would require separate funding if pursued.

g)    The assumption was that Block B of Sessions House would remain empty and not be occupied by staff. There could be capacity in Block B in the future at an additional cost.

h)    A Member questioned the rationale for returning to office-based working given the success of remote working over recent years.

3.      The Chairman proposed the motion to exclude the press and public for exempt business and it was agreed.

4.      RESOLVED that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

5.      The Chair put the recommendation to endorse the decision as set out in the report to the vote and the voting was as follows:

For (8)

Mr Burns, Mr Chamberlain, Mr Chapman, Mrs Emberson, Mr Finch, Mr Hespe, Mr Mulvihill, Mr Wibberley

Against (4)

Mr Brady, Mr Hook, Mr Stepto, Mr Rayner

Abstain (0)

Carried.

6.      RESOLVED that the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee endorses the proposed decision to:

1.         Agree to discontinue with the Preferred Option as set out in decision 24/00100;

2.         Given the proposed Local Government Reorganisation timetable indicated by Government, confirm Sessions House will continue to be the strategic headquarters for KCC for the remaining life of the Authority;

3.         Allocate £4m from the 2025-34 approved capital budget to enable the essential and urgent backlog maintenance works at Sessions House to be completed;

4.         Withdraw from the sale of Sessions House and Albert Street car park with immediate effect;

5.         Dispose of Invicta House and the associated car park as soon as practical to reduce holding costs and liabilities for the Council;

6.         Realign the capital and revenue budget as required to enable the above to be implemented;

7.         Delegate authority to The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to authorise the execution of necessary contractual and land agreements required to implement the above.