Issue - meetings

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to report of the Head of Regeneration which set out the purpose of the review of the Industrial Portfolio.  The Officer spoke to the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A discussion ensued when the Officer clarified points raised by a Member regarding the Brexit Resilience Fund and the investment in Rosehyworth. 

A Member said the profile of our Industrial Estates needed to be raised, and asked whether the monies gained from the sale of some units could be reinvested in others.

In response the Officer confirmed that the monies would be used for existing stock, and it was also intended to move towards full repairing leases in the future.  She said a change in the financial management of the units was also needed to ensure they were maintained, and confirmed that all cost effective options were being considered.

Another Member referred to units on privately owned Estates and the Officer confirmed that Welsh Government were already considering options to upgrade a unit on the Rassau Industrial Estate.  Hopefully when these improvements were seen others will follow.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report which contained information relating to the financial/business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted; and

continue with the review and actions, and present the recommendations for the Council to consider.  To continue the review would allow the Council to make informed decisions that help us move towards a more commercial way of managing the portfolio maximising the income we receive and improving the service for our business tenants (Option 1).