Agenda item

12.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to the registration of High Hazels Park as a Charitable Trust.

12.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves registration of High Hazels Park as a charitable trust at the Charity Commission;

(b)

approves the trust deed for the future governance and management of High Hazels Park; and

(c)

agrees to start using the proposed trust deed for High Hazels Park as the charity’s governing document.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

The recommendation for registration of the Park as a charitable trust will ensure that the Council is compliant with the provisions of the Charities Act 2011.

12.3.2

The registration of High Hazels Park as a charitable trust will regularise the Council’s previous and future management of the Park and uphold public trust and confidence in the Council by extending the protection afforded by charities legislation and ensuring transparency in the Council’s future management of the Park.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

The only alternative option is not to register the Park as a charity. However, this would potentially damage the Council’s reputation and erode public trust due to incorrect information previously being given to the public regarding the Park’s status as a charitable trust.

12.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

12.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

12.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place.

12.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

12.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to the registration of High Hazels Park as a Charitable Trust.

12.2

Cabinet requested it to be placed on record their thanks to Sylvia Hamilton and Paul Campbell for the work of the Friends of the Park Group along with the work undertaken by all Friends of Park groups across the City.

12.3

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves registration of High Hazels Park as a charitable trust at the Charity Commission;

(b)

approves the trust deed for the future governance and management of High Hazels Park; and

(c)

agrees to start using the proposed trust deed for High Hazels Park as the charity’s governing document.

12.4

Reasons for Decision

12.4.1

The recommendation for registration of the Park as a charitable trust will ensure that the Council is compliant with the provisions of the Charities Act 2011.

12.4.2

The registration of High Hazels Park as a charitable trust will regularise the Council’s previous and future management of the Park and uphold public trust and confidence in the Council by extending the protection afforded by charities legislation and ensuring transparency in the Council’s future management of the Park.

12.5

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.5.1

The only alternative option is not to register the Park as a charity. However, this would potentially damage the Council’s reputation and erode public trust due to incorrect information previously being given to the public regarding the Park’s status as a charitable trust.