Agenda and minutes

14.1     The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019.

15.1     Reports referred to in the minutes below are contained in the minute book.

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

16.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

DECISIONS

16.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) enter into a legal agreement for ESCC to accept a surrender of the current 125 year leasehold interest held over two Ark Helenswood Academy school sites – known as Upper and Lower sites;

(2)        authorise the simultaneous re-grant of a new 125 year interest on the Lower school site to Ark Alexandra;

(3)        declare the Helenswood Upper site surplus to requirements to County Council functions and  enter into the simultaneous transfer of the County Council’s freehold of the Upper site to the Secretary of State,  to facilitate the provision of a new Free special school - with ESCC retaining clawback and overage benefits on future land sales or development for non-education uses; and

(4)        Delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to conclude terms in accordance with s. 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Reasons

16.3     The County Council has been very supportive of, and has sought to facilitate, the evolving changes arising from the Ministerial decision to merge the Helenswood and William Parker colleges. In addition it has supported the Department in their delivery issues for their Free school requirements where possible.

16.4     Against this background, there has been no desire by the County Council to accept, nor impose, risk or any financial burden on its own taxpayers by taking back the full risks of an empty school, its buildings and/or wider site. The proposal to transfer the freehold for a nominal figure, but with future clawback, is assessed against the current value of the County Council’s interest (freehold but subject to a 125 year lease at the rent of a peppercorn). Whilst it is normal practice to consider the value released by reconfiguring /releasing legal interests (often known as marriage value) this is offset against the high cost, and risks, if the site were returned fully to County Council control.

17.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

DECISIONS

17.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) agree to procure the supply of gas and electricity for Council assets from the Crown Commercial Services Supply of Electricity and Gas Ancillary Services Framework RM6011;

(2)        agree to the recommendation for the supply of renewable electricity as part of these agreements; and

(3)        delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to take any actions necessary to give effect to or in consequence of recommendations 1 and 2.

Reasons

17.3     The Council needs to provide a secure and value for money supply of gas and electricity for its assets and properties, including schools. On its own, the Council does not have the appropriate demand and leverage to gain an optimum price and value for this supply and will benefit from partnering with the two other Orbis partners and the Crown Commercial Services, who purchase for a majority of the public sector to achieve this.

17.4     With regard to renewable options, all Corporate Sites and Street Lighting electricity supply will be purchased as 100% renewable and schools are encouraged to follow suit from the start of the new supply arrangements (01 April 2020). The cost of this is largely offset by the cost avoidance achieved from the new basket strategy being adopted.  The cost and benefit of purchasing renewable gas, by reviewing the cost from CCS, will be reassessed on a six monthly basis.