Decision Maker: Charity Trustee Sub-Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 20, 2026

Purpose: To seek approval to the grant of a lease to Cascade Multi Academy Trust. To regularise the current occupation and secure the future of this Nursery provision.

Content:   11.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which asked for consideration of the granting of a lease of the Nursery at the First Start Centre, Firth Park.     11.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee: - Notes the contents of the report; (a)  Agrees that granting a lease to Cascade Multi Academy Trust is in the best interest of the Firth Park Charity, and therefore approves the lease proposal based on the terms set out in the closed Appendices attached to the report; and (b)  Authorises the Head of Property Services and the Head of Legal Services to complete the legal documentation.         11.3 Reasons for Decision     11.3.1 The proposal to grant a lease of this nursery facility: ·       Makes a positive contribution that is within the charitable objects of The Firth Park charity. ·       Enables the demised property to be occupied for one of the purposes of the charitable objects of the Charity. ·       Complies with the statutory provisions contained within the Act and further with the requirements of the Charity Commission. ·       Safeguards delivery of good quality services and advances early years education to children in the area local to Firth Park. ·       Contributes to the running costs of the First Start Centre.         11.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     11.4.1 Do Nothing (Leave the existing occupational arrangements in place) Reasons for rejection: The current occupational arrangement is based upon a tenancy at will which is an arrangement designed to be on a temporary basis to allow a tenant to occupy a property before completion of a lease. A tenancy at will does not give a tenancy security and can be terminated at any time and is always intended to be replaced by a lease upon settlement of terms between the landlord and the tenant. This is not satisfactory to either party as it does not offer certainty. It is in the best interest of the Charity to put a commercial lease in place to secure the provision of a nursery in fulfilment of the charity’s object of advancing education and a contribution to the maintenance and running costs of the building into the short to medium term.