How decisions are made and who represents you
Decision Maker: Head of Community Services
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Crawley Community Action (CCA), a voluntary
and community sector infrastructure organisation, have a lease
agreement (peppercorn rent) in place with the Council for The
Orchard, 1-2 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road, Crawley, West Sussex,
RH10 6AD, until December 2021.
CCA are seeking an extension to the lease agreement, forming part
of their business model to deliver their future programme of
work.
CCA sub-let part of the building to a number of other VCS
organisations such as Citizens Advice and these organisations are
entitled to six months notice from CCA to the proposed termination
of their agreement.
CCA have historically received significant funding through the
Council's Community Grants programme, however this ceased in
2021/22 in response to a change in focus by the Council,
necessitated by financial pressures and subsequent budget reduction
to the Grants programme. It should be noted that the favourable
lease agreement is an "in kind" form of funding from the Council
and as such will need to show clear outcomes for Crawley
residents.
Further to this reduction in funding, Council Officers remain in
positive dialogue with CCA to understand their future delivery
model and how it meets Council priorities for residents and
communities.
Option 2 - Agree a 6 month extension to the
current lease agreement, to June 21st 2022, with a view to further
extension based on CCA's future business plan.
This decision has been taken in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Public Protection and Community Engagement.
Option 1 - Cease the lease agreement with CCA
on 21st December 2021 with The Orchard returning to the Council's
operational control.
Option 2 - Agree a 6 month extension to the current lease
agreement, to June 21st 2022, with a view to further extension,
based on CCA's future business plan.
Publication date: 06/07/2021
Date of decision: 16/06/2021