Proposed decision – to cease the delivery of services at the Hardelot Centre in France.
Reason for the decision
- Required in response to consideration of where Council resource is prioritised, the financial viability of the services currently delivered and asset condition issues.
Background
- The Hardelot Centre is a well-established facility in northern France where a range of services (e.g. accommodation, activities and trips) have been delivered for over 20 years. It provides accommodation and ancillary facilities alongside a programme of activities for schools and other groups across England and partners on the Straits Committee (France, Belgium and the Netherlands). The revenue budget for the service is -£30k. In the last three financial years, the service has not delivered a surplus. The revenue pressure was £25.8k in 2022/23, £8.8k in 2023/24 and £45k in 2024/25.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
- Option one – do nothing.
- Option two – undertake the necessary works and develop a viable service model to support the long-term delivery of services.
- Option three – cease the services (proposal recommended for progression)
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
Alignment with Aim 2: ‘Reforming Kent County Council’ and its supporting objectives
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/02/2026
Decision due: Not before 25th Mar 2026 by Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects
Lead director: Stephanie Holt-Castle
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Tom Marchant, Head of Strategic Development and Place Email: tom.narchant@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 10 March 2026.
Financial implications: The report to Cabinet Committee will assess the financial implications of each option. There are potential impacts on the Growth, Environment and Transport revenue budget and Infrastructure Corporate Landlord revenue budget. Row Ref 89, Key Service ‘Growth – Place’ (p. 72). In the event a Key Decision is taken to cease the delivery of services at the Hardelot Centre, the property will be surplus to operational requirements within the Growth, Environment and Transport Directorate. As part of the Council’s asset management approach, consideration will be given to other services which the Council provides. Should the Hardelot Centre be surplus to operational requirements, its disposal will generate a capital receipt for reinvestment to support the delivery of the adopted capital programme and the priorities set out within the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan.
Legal implications: Legal advice will be required to assist (from the perspective of both French and English & Welsh law) with implementation if the Key Decision is taken. Legal advice will be arranged through the Council’s Legal Services.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An EqIA has been completed Data Protection implications A DPIA screening tool has been completed