Agenda and decisions

To confirm the appointment of Councillor Muhammed Butt as Chair and Councillor Mili Patel as Vice Chair of the Trust Committee for 2024-25.

RESOLVED to confirm the appointment of Councillor Muhammed Butt as Chair and Councillor Mili Patel as Vice Chair of the Trust Committee for the 2024-25 Municipal Year.

For the Committee to note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mili Patel (with Councillor Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth, with Councillor Nerva attending as a substitute.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

No interests were declared at the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 24 January 2024 as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous Trust Committee held on Wednesday 24 January 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

This item presents the annual report for the Barham Park Trust for 2023-24. There is a statutory requirement to produce an Annual Report, including the Accounts each financial year.

The Trust Committee were advised that consideration of the Trust Accounts and Annual Report 2023-24 had been withdrawn from the agenda and would be resubmitted for consideration at an additional meeting of the Trust to be arranged for that purpose.

Eligible for call-in: No

This report provides an update on the the strategic options for addressing the current challenges and improving the Barham Park Estate to better deliver the Trust's charitable purposes.

RESOLVED:

(1)        In relation to the Strategic Property Review options outlined within the report, to adopt development option 1 (bronze) with redevelopment and strategic investment beginning in 2031.

(2)         To authorise officers to develop proposals for expanding the Trust's charitable purposes to be submitted for approval to the Charity Commission to allow broader uses of the buildings and bring a report on the proposals to a future Trust Committee meeting.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 17 September 2024

This report provides an update on various operational property issues relating to the Barham Park Estate and has been submitted for consideration alongside Agenda Item 8 - Strategic Property Matters which outlines the overarching strategy from which operational activities will flow for ensuring the Barham Park Estate is sustainable, well-maintained, and aligned with the Trust's charitable objectives.

RESOLVED to:

(1)        Delegate day-to-day Trustee functions and decision-making authority to the Director of Property and Assets, replacing the Director, Public Realm (formerly the Operational Director for Environmental Services, as detailed within paragraph 3.4 of the report.

(2)        Authorise the Director of Property and Assets to renew the expired leases for Units 1, 2, and 8 and regularise any associated subtenancies, as outlined in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

(3)        Authorise the Director of Property and Assets to let Unit 7 for meanwhile use as outlined in paragraph 3.8 of the report.

(4)        To approve the use of restricted funds, under existing Charity Commission permissions, to carry out essential repairs (year one) identified in the Watts analysis, valued at £269k plus professional fees, ensuring the building remains safe and compliant, as detailed within paragraphs 3.20 to 3.26 of the report.

(5)        Note that the Director of Property and Assets will implement service charges for all tenants under their lease terms, starting from the 2025-26 fiscal year, as detailed in paragraph 3.9 of the report.

(6)         Note that the Director of Property and Assets will continue negotiations with Zenaster Properties Ltd for the potential amendment to the restrictive covenant at 776 and 778 Harrow Road, as outlined in paragraph 3.12 of the report.

(7)        Note that the Director of Property and Assets will finalise terms, submit necessary applications to the Charity Commission, address any related issues, and, if required by the Charity Commission under Section 283 of the Charities Act 2011, provide public notice of this resolution.

(8)         Note that the Director of Property and Assets will seek to agree on repayment plans with tenants in arrears, which may include re-gearing leases to ensure sustainability. If an agreement cannot be reached or a default occurs, leases may be terminated for breach, as detailed within paragraph 3.10 of the report.

(9)        Authorise the Director of Property and Assets to seek the consent of the Charity Commission where required to fulfil the recommendations in this report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 17 September 2024

To update Members on operational issues at Barham Park and on current progress on projects.

RESOLVED to note the updates provided within the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 17 September 2024

No items have been identified in advance of the meeting that will require the exclusion of the press or public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Deputy Director Democratic Services or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

None.

It was noted that further meetings of the Trust Committee would be arranged as required during the year.