Decision

Approval to extend instruction arrangement with Capsticks Solicitors for current and the new 11 additional shared ownership lease and conveyance sales for the schemes set out in the table of this record of officer decision.

Reasons for the decision

Due to continued high work pressures and reduced staffing capacity of the Legal Services team, Gloria Ben-Akaogu (Principal Solicitor - Property & Planning, Legal Services) informed it has not been possible to proceed with the current and the new 11 additional shared ownership lease and conveyance sales from Residential Development's schemes. A copy of Gloria's email can be found at the end of this record.

Capsticks LLP have agreed to extent the current arrangement with the new additional 11 shared ownership lease and conveyance sales at the same set-up and plot fees as agreed in November 2025. A copy of Capsticks email can be found at the end of this record.

[Price details redacted]

On 6 November 2025, Legal Services accepted Capsticks' quotation following a tender exercise that was issue to five solicitors, of which only two submitted a response. This record relates to an extension of the original quotation approved by Legal Services and, as such, there is no requirement to undertake a further tender exercise.

This record is required to formally extend the original arrangements with Capsticks LLP previously approved and allow for the payment of invoices.

Properties as detailed in the table within the attached document.

See the attached document for considerations in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution.

Alternative options considered

If the Capsticks Solicitors are not instructed for the lease and conveyance of these shared ownership homes and the work falls to Wiltshire Council’s Legal Team, there could be significant delays due to other workload priorities, that may cause buyers to reconsider or terminate their purchase and would not reflect well on Wiltshire Council.