Purpose

Bath & North East Somerset Council is
implementing an Estate Rationalisation project to improve service
efficiency, reduce property costs, and support its capital
investment programme.

A key part of this initiative is the proposed sale of Lewis House,
which will generate capital receipts and save the Council in
running costs. To enable the disposal, Council services currently
based at Lewis House will be relocated to refurbished facilities at
the Guildhall, Parkside, and Pixash.

The project includes a £2.69m investment to upgrade these
sites, with sustainability improvements at Parkside supporting the
Council’s 2030 Decarbonisation targets.

This rationalisation supports the Council’s long-term goals
of financial sustainability, improved service delivery, and
environmental responsibility.

Decision

(1) 
To approve the relocation of operational services
currently based at Lewis House. The Housing Welfare and Advice
Service (HWAS), Safeguarding/Case Conferences, and Youth Justice
will move to the Guild Area of the Guildhall. The Mail Room, CCTV,
Emergency Planning, and Environmental Protection/Safety Standards
will relocate to Parkside. Taxi
Licensing will be transferred to Pixash.
 
(2) 
To approve an increase
in the Asset Rationalisation capital
programme from £60k to
£2.69m. This funding will support refurbishment works at both the Guildhall and Parkside and
includes a £140k repayment to the Project Initiation Fund as
well as a £50k transfer from the Security Surveillance Hub
Plan budget.

Reasons for the decision

The decision to relocate services from Lewis
House and increase the Asset Rationalisation capital programme is
driven by the Council’s strategic goal to improve operational
efficiency, reduce property- related costs, and support long-term
financial sustainability.

Alternative options considered

An alternative option considered was to take no action.
However, this would not address the ongoing need for suitable
office accommodation. It would also hinder efforts to reduce the
costs associated with operating the Council’s corporate
properties and would delay the disposal of assets required to
support the capital programme.