Meeting documents

People Scrutiny Committee
Tuesday, 8th April, 2014 6.30 pm

The Cabinet Minutes

Date:
Tuesday, 18th March, 2014
Time:
14:00
Place:
Civic Suite, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea
 

Attendance Details

ItemDescriptionResolution
Part I
856 Accommodation proposal for Seabrook College
Scrutiny Comment for item 856
Business for item 856
Resolved:-

1. That the challenges be noted and that the necessary action to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people, including the proposed accommodation changes, be approved.

2. That the Crown College building be acquired on a leasehold basis by the Council and a provision be made in the budget for the estimated rent and running costs of £100,000 per annum to include rent of no more than £50,000 per annum which will be funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. The capital costs of any necessary improvements, alterations and set-up costs will be met by Seabrook College along with the securing of an option to purchase or a right of pre-emption in the lease by officers.

3. That the terms for a lease be agreed with Eastwood School to enable the expansion of the nurture provision there and a provision be made for the estimated rent and running costs of £40,000 per annum to include no more than £20,000 per annum initial rent funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. Any necessary adaptations and improvements to make the available space fit-for-purpose will be funded by Seabrook College.

4. That once the Shoebury Centre at the Renown is vacated, it be declared surplus and considered for demolition (subject to the Secretary of State's approval) pending disposal and/or the redevelopment of the wider area (including Friars Library and Community Centre).

5. That Seabrook College continues to operate out of Priory School as its main base.

6. That the accommodation at Stock Road be maintained for the foreseeable future for vocational courses and reviewed in the longer term.

7. That agreement to detailed terms of any leasing arrangements be delegated to the Head of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Executive Councillors for Children and Learning and Corporate Support Services.

Reason for Decision

To enable changes in the accommodation for Seabrook College to meet service needs and to ensure its continued improvement.

Other Options

1. Continuing with the existing accommodation has been considered. Whilst with investment the accommodation could be improved, this will not resolve all the issues and meet the current service needs of the school efficiently.

2. Options for alternative sites for primary and secondary provision have been considered but discounted either because they were deemed non-viable on account of space and/or cost and/or availability.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call-in to People Scrutiny Committee and Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillors:- Courtenay and Moring.
*Called in to:- People Scrutiny Committee
14:00/15:30

Attendance Details

Present:
Councillor N Holdcroft (Chairman)
Councillors J I Courtenay, T Cox, J M Garston, D J Jarvis, J L Lamb, A J Moring, L P Salter
In attendance:
R Tinlin, J K Williams, S Holland, S Leftley, A Lewis, J Chesterton, J Ruffle, A Atherton, A Keating and C Gamble

Also present: Councillors Crystall and Lewin

Scrutiny Comment

ItemComment
856 Called in by Councillors I D Gilbert and M L Borton.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 10:56
Supported by G Longley, P Collins
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the challenges be noted and that the necessary action to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people, including the proposed accommodation changes, be approved.

2. That the Crown College building be acquired on a leasehold basis by the Council and a provision be made in the budget for the estimated rent and running costs of £100,000 per annum to include rent of no more than £50,000 per annum which will be funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. The capital costs of any necessary improvements, alterations and set-up costs will be met by Seabrook College along with the securing of an option to purchase or a right of pre-emption in the lease by officers.

3. That the terms for a lease be agreed with Eastwood School to enable the expansion of the nurture provision there and a provision be made for the estimated rent and running costs of £40,000 per annum to include no more than £20,000 per annum initial rent funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. Any necessary adaptations and improvements to make the available space fit-for-purpose will be funded by Seabrook College. [Note - This Cabinet proposal will no longer be proceeding, as stated in the preamble to this Minute].

4. That once the Shoebury Centre at the Renown is vacated, it be declared surplus and considered for demolition (subject to the Secretary of State's approval) pending disposal and/or the redevelopment of the wider area (including Friars Library and Community Centre).

5. That Seabrook College continues to operate out of Priory School as its main base.

6. That the accommodation at Stock Road be maintained for the foreseeable future for vocational courses and reviewed in the longer term.

7. That agreement to detailed terms of any leasing arrangements be delegated to the Head of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Executive Councillors for Children and Learning and Corporate Support Services."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillors:- Courtenay and Moring.

Business

ItemBusiness
856The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People providing an update on the current challenges facing the accommodation for Seabrook College and proposing changes which would facilitate on-going improvements.

 

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