The Cabinet - Shareholder Group of Wiltshire Council met to discuss amendments to the Nomination Agreement with Stone Circle Housing Company, approve appointments to the boards of Stone Circle companies, and review the 2024/25 business plans for Stone Circle companies. Key decisions were made to delegate negotiation of the Nomination Agreement and to appoint Emma Legg to the boards of Stone Circle companies.

Nomination Agreement

The Shareholder Group reviewed a report proposing changes to the Nomination Agreement between Wiltshire Council and Stone Circle Housing Company. The amendments would allow the company to offer properties to alternative groups when the Council’s Housing team cannot provide a suitable nomination and to refine the lettings policy and related indemnity.

Councillor Gordon King and Councillor Adrian Foster raised concerns about the five-year timescale in the policy, suggesting a reduced period of two or three years. However, the Leader and Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that the five-year period is an industry standard, providing necessary security to Stone Circle.

The current timescale of 5 years detailed in the policy is an industry standard and affords the necessary level of security to Stone Circle, said the Leader and Deputy Chief Executive.

The Group resolved to note the requested changes and delegate negotiation and approval of the wording to the Corporate Director Resources & Deputy Chief Executive.

Board Appointments

An urgent report was considered to approve appointments to the boards of Stone Circle companies. The Shareholder Group was asked to replace the Director of Finance as s151 Officer with the Director of Adult Social Care on the boards of Stone Circle Holding Company, Stone Circle Housing Company, and Stone Circle Development Company.

The Group approved the appointment of Emma Legg, Director of Adult Social Care, to the boards and delegated authority to the Corporate Director, Resources to implement this decision.

Stone Circle Company Business Plan

The Shareholder Group reviewed the 2024/25 business plans for Stone Circle companies, as required under the shareholder agreement. Nick Samuels, Chairman of Stone Circle Housing Company and Stone Circle Development Company, provided a high-level overview of the business plans and responded to comments and technical questions.

The Group resolved to approve the proposals detailed in the report, as amended during the meeting.

This report is the outcome of that proposal and the consideration by the Shareholder Group of amended business plans for the forthcoming financial year, noted the Corporate Director Resources & Deputy Chief Executive.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the business plans, ensuring the growth of the companies and protecting the interests of the Council as a shareholder.