The
Director of Finance and Business Improvement introduced the report
of the Corporate Property Manager providing an update on the
progress made in delivering the recommendations of the Property
Asset Review since the last report to the Committee in January
2020. It was noted that:
·
The Council was providing support and guidance to
help commercial tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Where there were issues about the ability of
tenants to pay rent the approach the Council was taking was to be
sympathetic. If tenants were unable to
pay, the Council was prepared to defer payments, but it was not
writing off any rents at this stage.
·
The Mote Park dam works were scheduled to commence
in June and the programme of works would be reviewed and monitored
closely in response to Government guidelines regarding
COVID-19.
In
response to questions, the Director of Finance and Business
Improvement explained that with regard to the Archbishop’s
Palace project, it might be necessary to look at other sources of
funding if it is not possible to access Business Rates Retention
funds.
He also
undertook to ensure that the Headcorn
Ward Members are informed when expressions of interest are sought
for the development of land at Redhill Stables, Headcorn and consulted as the project goes
forward.
RESOLVED: That the
progress made on the effective use of the Council’s property
assets over the last three months and in response to the Property
Asset Review report be noted.