Decision details

Decision

(a)       That the assets listed in Appendix A of the report of 5 May 2020 be              transferred freehold to Portland Town Council at less than best                        consideration with no clawback provisions.

(b)       That the assets listed in Appendix B of the report of 5 May 2020 be              transferred leasehold to Portland Town Council at less than best              consideration with covenants to retain control of future use and    ownership.

(c)        That the right to work the minerals be excluded on all transferring                assets.

(d)       For Dorset Council to keep control of the Verne Common including areas covered by High Level Stewardship agreement and be able to licence the Town Council to hold suitable events. 

(e)       That discussions with the Crown Estate and Portland Town Council progress to relinquish the management of assets currently managed by Dorset Council and owned by the Crown Estate.

(f)        That authority be delegated to the  Executive Director for Place in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Commercial, Finance and Assets to make changes to the above.

Reason for the decision

To confirm the assets to be transferred and the basis of transfers to Portland Town Council. 

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council carried out services which are more typically that of a Town Council, such as allotments and parks.  Prior to the formation of Dorset Council some services and assets were agreed to be transferred to Weymouth & Portland Town Councils.  Transfers to Weymouth Town Council were dealt with as part of the formation of Weymouth Town Council.  Portland Town Council already existed and therefore the asset transfer process is required to be completed separately.

Member authority is required to transfer assets (some with values reported in excess of £100,000) at less than best consideration, ie at less than market value.