Agenda and minutes

In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, councillors are reminded that it is a requirement to declare interests where appropriate.

Councillors must also declare if they are subject to their party group whip in relation to any items under consideration.

No disclosures or whipping of interests were made.

The Commission is asked to consider passing the following resolution:-

That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act by virtue of the paragraphs specified against the item.

RESOLVED

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act by virtue of the paragraph specified against the item.

Exempt Paragraphs 3 & 5

Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information); and

Information in respect of which a claim to legal privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

To consider report DCE/17 of the Deputy Chief Executive.

Report is to follow, as agreed with the Chair.

Exempt Paragraphs 3 & 5

Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information); and

Information in respect of which a claim to legal privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

The Commission considered report DCE/17 of the Deputy Chief Executive. The report outlined further information and an update on the project whilst seeking approval for the next steps.

During the discussion, Commission Members together with those Non-Commission Councillors in attendance commented and sought clarification on a number of aspects of the report. Councillors McCarthy, Belben, Jones, Crow, Charatan, Jaggard, Bounds and S Mullins asked questions on the item.  Areas discussed included:

·         The key milestones and processes which had taken place throughout the project were highlighted, together with the mechanisms in place to monitor and manage the deliverables.

·         Confirmation was provided on the financial aspects for each phase, together with the legal considerations.

·         Clarification was sought and obtained on the detail of the current and future options available, along with any opportunities that now afforded the Council.

·         It was acknowledged that any redevelopment would provide a benefit for the Council and residents. However, the risks involved were recognised, together with the importance for all Councillors to informed of the project.  It was confirmed that there had been and continued to be, Executive level oversight.

·         There was general support for an options appraisal to be undertaken with regards to the Phase 2 site for redevelopment.

RESOLVED

Having considered all the matters in detail, and as a result of the comprehensive discussion, the Commission noted the report and requested that the views expressed were fed back to the Cabinet, through the Commission’s Comment sheet.