Contact: Jane Graham, ext 7211

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:
Approval of the sum of £30,000 to fund a landscaping scheme at Orchard Close.

Approval of the arrangements for accessing the Orchard Close Trust Funds.

2 Reason(s)

2.1 To fund a landscaping scheme including a sensory garden which would allow service users to easily access the grounds throughout the year including wheelchair users.

The opportunity is also being taken to ensure that the grounds not only benefit service users but protect and provide a suitable environment for animals and plants.

2.2 To ensure a process is in place to access the Orchard Close Trust Fund that satisfies the requirements of the Chief Executive Departments the County Treasurer and the Charity Commission.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 N/A

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or a Member or Officer consulted

4.1 N/A

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 N/A

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 N/A

Approved by: Date of decision:

Councillor Felicity Hindson

Contact: Jane Graham Ext: 7211

1 Introduction

The Adult's Services Sub Committee 6 October 1998 approved a combined building feasibility and design project appraisal to upgrade and extend xxxxxxx at Orchard Close. Funded in part from the sale of the site.

1.1 Orchard Close is a short stay unit for adults with learning disabilities and is vested in a charitable trust of which Hampshire County Council is now the sole trustee.

2 Landscaping

2.1 At the time of the refurbishment there was little option in terms of funding to develop the grounds. Following the sale of part of the site for a greater then expected capital receipt the xxxxx is now being xxxxx to develop the grounds further to benefit the areas of the service.

3 Trust Funds

3.1 In order to access Trust Funds in a way that is acceptable to the County Council and the Charity Commission the following is proposed.

3.2 The individuals from within the County Council would need to approve the access and proposed funding arrangements namely Operational Service Manager and the Head of Financial Services from the Social Services Department plus an officer from the corporate finance unit.

4 Financing

4.1 The estimated cost of a landscaping scheme at Orchard Close, which would include the access part to the seafront is £30,000 and it is proposed that this be funded fro the capital receipt generated from the sale of part of the site.

Recommendations

1 That approval be given to the funding of a landscaping scheme at Orchard Close to the sum of £30,000 and this be funded from the capital receipt generated from the sale of part of the site.

2 That approval be given to the system desolved where 3 named officers from the County Council are able to agree the access arrangements of the Trust Fund.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

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