Members considered a report outlining proposals for the use of the office accommodation vacated following the relocation of Environmental Health to Dartford.  The District Council had been approached by Moat Housing, currently renting 12 desk spaces, with a request to rent a further 3 desk spaces.  In order to accommodate the additional desk spaces it was proposed that Moat Housing move to the area vacated by Environmental Health on the first floor of the Argyle Road Offices.

Officers were also in discussion with Kent County Council Social Services who were looking for accommodation for 6 staff.  These staff could be accommodated within the second floor area that would be vacated as a result of the proposed Moat Housing move with the remaining 6 desk being used as corporate hot desks until an alternative occupier was identified.

To achieve this capital expenditure in the sum of £7,000 was needed to be invested by the District Council in respect of furniture and alterations to the power supply with each proposed tenant being responsible for providing  their own IT and telephony systems at no cost to the District Council.

The Property Manager explained that the proposals would increase income to the Council and would reduce revenue costs on the building.

In response to a question from a visiting Member, the Property Manager explained that staff from outside organisations were given coded Entacards which enabled them to access the building but restricted access to the car park.

Resolved that capital reserves are used to provide office accommodation for Moat housing and Kent County Council on the terms and conditions detailed in the report and to such other conditions as the Council’s legal advisors consider necessary to protect the Council’s interests.