Contact: Helen Clanchy Ext: 01420 545678

1. Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this report is to update the Executive Member on the progress of the creation of a charitable trust to run Rushmoor Healthy Living (RHL). This is in accordance with the submission made to the New Opportunities Fund, prior to the award of almost £800,000 over 5 years for the nine programmes. Details of the project are attached (Annexe A). It recommends the appointment of a representative to the new company.

1.2 Charitable Trust

1.2.1 The Current interim Management Committee, consisting of an officer representative of Rushmoor, the County Council and the Primary Care Trust, has engaged external solicitors to advise on the formation of a charitable trust. This will be in the form of a company limited by guarantee, with charitable purposes.

The company will need to show the Charity Commission that it is independent of any of the three statutory agencies and should not to fall foul of the provisions of capital controls in Part V of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. It needs this independent status to attract funds from other sources. It will therefore be necessary for approximately 12 trustees to be appointed. NOF also requires that there be representation from interested parts of the community and the Management Committee is actively seeking candidates with necessary skills, interest and commitment to take responsibility.

1.3 Appointment of Director/Trustee

1.3.1 The three current members of the Management Committee will need to be formally appointed by their employers to take up their positions as directors of the new company when it is incorporated.

Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 enables the County Council to do anything which will promote the economic social and environmental well-being of the area. This allows the County Council to set up companies to promote such objectives and to appoint its officers or members to that outside body.

It is the view of the Director of Social Services that the, Partnership Manager (Helen Clanchy) should continue to represent the County Council by her appointment to the new charitable company when it is formed. This approach is also being adopted by Rushmoor Borough Council and the Blackwater Valley and Hart PCT.

Regular reports on the progress of this new charitable company will be supplied on request from the Executive Member Social Care.

2 Recommendation

2.1 It is recommended that the Partnership Manager (BV+H/Hampshire Social Services) be appointed as a director to the new company on its incorporation.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

None

Helen Clanchy

Partnership Manager

Tel: 01420 545678