Decision details

Swanage Community Asset Transfer requires Cabinet approval in the adopted policy.

(a)       Cabinet noted and supported the opening of a national exemplar for Family Hubs in Swanage, Dorset.

(b)       That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, to transfer the Chapel Lane site to the Swanage Development Partnership Trust (SDPT) through a community asset transfer process to enable the Family Hub to occupy the Chapel Lane site on terms to be agreed by the Executive Director, Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, the Executive Director for People – Children and Executive Director People – Adults and Housing, including inter-alia:

·       Due diligence of SDPT (associated with transfer of asset).

·       Ensuring best value in terms of disposal of the asset, taking into account all other matters such as subsidy control.

·       Tenure and specific terms and conditions in relation to ongoing liabilities of the asset.

(c)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director People - Children to enter into a commissioning service level agreement with the SDPT for the provision of services in Swanage, funded by the DfE Family Hubs external grant.

(d)           That the People and Health Scrutiny Committee s be asked to receive and comment upon an annual review of the outcomes delivered by the Swanage Development Partnership Trust each year in March, the first annual review in March 2024.

Reason for the decision

This proposal supports the strategic objectives of the council to create strong, healthy communities. Dorset Council recognises the devolution of assets to local communities, particularly to town and parish councils and voluntary and community-based organisations can make a significant contribution to enabling them to be stronger, more resilient and to support services within their local areas. This proposal will enable the development of an intergenerational approach to service delivery in Swanage through the creation of a Family Hub that better meets the needs of the local community and supports the delivery of children’s and adult’s services commissioning strategies.