Decision details

To approve setting up a new Trust to own and manage Scott’s Grotto independently from the Council.  Once set up, to transfer ownership to the Trust and agree funding with a one-off sum of £23,000 and make a further £18,000 available in due course.

That (A) a Charitable Incorporated Organisation is set up to own and manage Scott’s Grotto, with 4 Trustees initially (2 nominated from East Herts Council appointed by the Leader and 2 nominated from the Ware Society);

(B)     delegated authority is given to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Member for Economic Development to transfer freehold ownership of Scotts Grotto to the Charitable Incorporate Organisation on 1 September 2018 for a nominal sum of £1, subject to the following conditions being met:

·        Charitable Incorporate Organisation being incorporated;

·        Trustees appointed;

·        Business plan produced;

(C)     subject to (B) above, freehold ownership of Scott’s Grotto is transferred with current covenants regarding building, drainage, utility rights and fence maintenance as well as an additional restriction that the Grotto and land cannot be disposed of in future without the Council’s prior consent; and

(D)    a hybrid model of financing be adopted, entailing:

·        a one off lump sum of £23,000 revenue from the New Homes Bonus priority spend reserve be provided on 1 September 2018 to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation; and

·        a further £18,275 revenue from the New Homes Bonus priority spend reserve be allocated for match funding improvements to the Grotto over a 5 year period.