Purpose

Cabinet is recommended
to:

Endorse the policy
framework and principles of a VCS Leasing Policy.
Approve further
consultation with VCS tenants and wider stakeholders on these
principles and development of the policy in full.
Note that the policy
will be piloted with an initial tranche of approximately 10 VCS
Tenants over the forthcoming year, with the full policy returning
to Cabinet for approval in approximately 12 months.

 

Content

Cabinet:

(1)         
endorsed the policy framework and principles of a VCS Leasing
Policy attached as Appendix 2 to the report;

(2)         
approved further consultation with VCS tenants and
wider stakeholders on these principles and development of the
policy in full; and

(3)         
noted that the policy will be piloted with an
initial tranche of approxmately 13 VCS Tenants over the forthcoming
year, with the full policy returning to Cabinet for approval in
approximately 12 months.

 

OPTIONS & ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

To do nothing is not an option for the reasons set out in this
report. Primarily it would result in a missed opportunity by the
Council in the effective use of its assets to invest in the VCS,
support sector growth and enable the community sector to support
residents. In addition, unleased properties with inadequate
maintenance presents a risk to the Council that requires remedial
action.

Other approaches to this challenge have been explored, including
considering further use of the CBAT tool as previously procured.
However, extensive engagement and analysis has shown that the
sector would benefit from a more forward-looking, strength building
approach that seeks to deepen the relationship between VCS tenants
and the Council and builds capacity and resilience through the
process. This is regarded as better value for money and more likely
to result in successful implementation.

Implementation without a pilot phase has been identified as
unlikely to result in successful outcomes for the Council or VCS
tenants. Using a pilot phase will enable us to develop supportive
processes, a shared vision and to ensure that financial viability
can be achieved.