Agenda item

(a)  That the granting of the leases on the terms proposed in the confidential appendix A to the report be approved; and

(b)  That the Strategic Director of Regeneration, Housing & Resources be authorised to seek such consents from the Secretary of State for the grant of such leases as the Head of Legal Services may advise are required to be obtained for this purpose.

The Strategic Director of Regeneration, Housing and Resources introduced a report which sought approval for the grant of three leases to a Refuge Service Provider to regularise their present occupation of and continued future use of three Council properties.

Details of the properties and financial terms of the proposed leases were included in Appendix A which contained exempt information and was contained in Part II of the agenda.  The Cabinet agreed to consider the matters in the Part II Appendix during Part I of the meeting without disclosing any exempt information.

Members were informed that the Refuge Service Provider worked in close contact with partnership authorities across Berkshire and victims of domestic violence were accommodated to ensure the best and safest location to meet their needs.  The Cabinet noted the financial implications and terms of the leases as set out in the Part II Appendix and considered the legal advice which stated that the Secretary of State would need to give consent as it was proposed that the provider be charged below market rent.  Following due consideration, the Cabinet agreed to grant the leases on the terms proposed and to authorise the Director to seek any necessary consents from the Secretary of State.

Resolved –

(a)  That the granting of the leases on the terms proposed in the confidential appendix A to this report be approved; and

(b)  That the Strategic Director of Resources, Housing & Regeneration be authorised to seek such consents from the Secretary of State for the grant of such leases as the Head of Legal Services may advise are required to be obtained for this purpose.