Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item

20 January 2005

Magistrates Courthouses - Transfer of Property

1

Summary

1.1

The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to conclude the transfer of property interests in Magistrates` Courts in Hampshire to the Department for Constitutional Affairs under The Courts Act 2003 on the basis that the County Council's continued use of parts of the assets to be transferred is protected by either retention of the freehold interest or taking a lease back in respect of the relevant parts, as set out in the report.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

The proposals respond to the property implications of The Courts Act 2003, whereby Magistrates' Courts Committees are shortly to be abolished.

2.2

This decision supports the following Aim of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 5 - Improving services by putting into place appropriate property ownership arrangements in response to The Courts Act 2003.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

None declared

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

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

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor T K Thornber