How decisions are made and who represents you
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive
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.
A 6 month extension to the current lease agreement, to June 21st
2022, was agreed on 16th June 2021 with a view to further extension
based on CCA's future business plan.
Agree an 18 month extension to the current
lease agreement, to December 21st 2023, based on CCA's business
plan. In signing the lease, CCA agree to;
•provide ongoing infrastructure support to voluntary and
community groups in Crawley.
•meet with representatives from CBC on a quarterly basis to
provide feedback against these outcomes. (this way we can manage
ongoing relationships)
•continue to ensure that existing and new voluntary and
community organisations are able to access and use the space at The
Orchard making it a hub for the voluntary and community sector in
Crawley.
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 June 2022 with The Orchard returning to the Council's
operational control.
Option 2 - Agree an 18 month extension to the current lease
agreement, to December 21st 2023 based on CCA's future business
plan.
Publication date: 24/08/2021
Date of decision: 13/08/2021