Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Policy and Resources Item 21

23 July 2008

Beaconsfield House, Andover Road, Winchester

Report of the Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

(Summary of an EXEMPT decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

a) that approval be given to the sale of Beaconsfield House, Andover Road, Winchester on the basis set out in the report; and

b) the Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Interim Head of Estates) be authorised to settle the detailed terms and conditions of sale.

2

Reason

2.1

The proposal will secure the disposal of surplus office accommodation to the main occupier, Community Action Hampshire, which is a registered charity receiving financial support from the County Council. This will secure a capital receipt for subsequent reinvestment and at the same time will remove Hampshire County Council's annual expenditure on the property.

2.2

The proposal supports the County Council's Corporate Priorities and in particular that of maximising wellbeing by enabling Community Action Hampshire to take both ownership and control of management of the asset, in line with the conclusions of the recent "Quirk Review".

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

The possibilities of a sale in the open market and also continuing with the current arrangements are considered in the report and rejected, because the sale to the organisation identified in the report will provide an early capital receipt and reduce annual expenditure.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted - None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - None