Decision details

10.1  Cllr Kennedy outlined the report.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet:

  I.  Approved the Voluntary and Community Sector Property Portfolio  - Lettings Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the published report.

  II.  Agreed to introduce and apply the Policy from April 2022.  

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Property Portfolio and the associated VCS Lettings Policy were established in March 2011. The VCS Lettings Policy forms part of the Council’s wider strategy and work to support a strong accommodation offer for VCS organisations in Hackney.

The VCS Strategy 2019 – 2022 set out a commitment to review and update the lettings policy in order to maximise the use of the property portfolio. The 10 year old policy needs to be updated to ensure that it reflects the needs of the borough today. 

The VCS Property Portfolio comprises a limited number of premises (46 currently) and the new VCS Lettings Policy should be seen in the context of  wider work that promotes the availability of delivery space for the VCS. The Council takes a strategic approach to affecting or influencing the availability of property assets for use by VCS organisations. Within the Council this approach encompasses working collaboratively across departments that manage assets, set relevant policies and who are enablers, for example; Property Services, Community Halls Service, Housing, Education and Area Regeneration.