Agenda item

8.1

The committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood  Services containing correspondence received from the Charities Commission regarding Graves Park and setting out a proposed response.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee:-

·       Approve the contents of the proposed response letter to the Charity Commission with the following additions:

o   wording to make it clear that the income received from the tennis courts is income from the operator and not direct income

o   reference in the section on conflicts of interest to the fact that there is now a specific committee separate to the Committee responsible for Parks more generally that takes decisions on behalf of the Council and Charity Trustee

o   reference to the intention of members of the Committee to do a site visit to Norton Nurseries

o   specific reference in the next steps section to the fact that regularising the position at Norton Nurseries will include applying for any necessary consents/orders from the Charity Commission

·       Request that officers will forward this correspondence to the Charity Commission by way of an emailed letter, within 3 working days of the decision.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Responding to the Charity Commission maintains the ongoing relationship with the Charity Commission which is essential to ensure that whatever plans the Trustee settles on for the various matters in Graves Park and the wider charitable interests are implemented lawfully.

8.3.2

To maintain good governance, it is important for the Graves Park Charity Trustees approve any significant correspondence with the CC.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

Do nothing. This could lead to the outcome set out at paragraph 4.3.1 of the report and also cause reputational damage to the Council

8.1

The committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood  Services containing correspondence received from the Charities Commission regarding Graves Park and setting out a proposed response.

8.1.1

It was moved by Cllr Auckland and seconded by Cllr Williams, as an amendment, that further additions be made to the response, prior to it being sent to the Charities Commission. The amendment was put to the vote and carried.

(NOTE: The result of the vote was FOR – 5 Members; AGAINST – 0 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Members.)

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee:-

·       Approve the contents of the proposed response letter to the Charity Commission with the following additions:

o   wording to make it clear that the income received from the tennis courts is income from the operator and not direct income

o   reference in the section on conflicts of interest to the fact that there is now a specific committee separate to the Committee responsible for Parks more generally that takes decisions on behalf of the Council and Charity Trustee

o   reference to the intention of members of the Committee to do a site visit to Norton Nurseries

o   specific reference in the next steps section to the fact that regularising the position at Norton Nurseries will include applying for any necessary consents/orders from the Charity Commission

·       Request that officers will forward this correspondence to the Charity Commission by way of an emailed letter, within 3 working days of the decision.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Responding to the Charity Commission maintains the ongoing relationship with the Charity Commission which is essential to ensure that whatever plans the Trustee settles on for the various matters in Graves Park and the wider charitable interests are implemented lawfully.

8.3.2

To maintain good governance, it is important for the Graves Park Charity Trustees approve any significant correspondence with the CC.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

Do nothing. This could lead to the outcome set out at paragraph 4.3.1 of the report and also cause reputational damage to the Council