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.