Issue - meetings

(a)  That, in view of the significant costs involved in leasing and running Maidstone House, approval is given to appointing a project manager, at the earliest opportunity, to ensure all accommodation options (build, buy, lease) are investigated and reported back on without delay; and

(b)  That the informal, cross-party, Accommodation Working Group, continues to meet during the 2014/15 municipal year.

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Strategic Leadership and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee which provided an update of the work carried out to date on the future accommodation requirements of the Council.

Councillor Gooch addressed the meeting and advised that Maidstone House was costing the Council £1m a year and that it was necessary to look at other options for when the lease was due to expire in five years time.  She emphasised that there was an urgent need for a Project Officer to be appointed to take the project forward.

In response to a question from a Member about what funding could be made available for the recruitment of a Project Manager post, the Head of Finance and Resources undertook to report back to either Cabinet or the Cabinet Member responsible in July. 

DECISION MADE:

(a)  That, in view of the significant costs involved in leasing and running Maidstone House, approval is given to appointing a project manager, at the earliest opportunity, to ensure all accommodation options (build, buy, lease) are investigated and reported back on without delay; and

(b)  That the informal, cross-party, Accommodation Working Group, continues to meet during the 2014/15 municipal year.

For further information regarding this Decision, please click here:-
http://services.maidstone.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=840