A presentation on the findings of the Task and Finish Group was delivered by Cllr Barrett, Cllr Mrs Hubbard and Cllr Ms Sanders to the committee.

Within the report it was outlined that the Hutton Community Centre now exists as a community asset that we welcomed and appreciated by the local residents.  Its use was steadily increasing and the commitment of both Council staff and volunteers was clear.  It was hoped and expected the centre would go on to be an unqualified success.  The project was delivered in a reasonable timeframe and within the allocated budget.  The Hutton Community Centre Working Group functioned well within significant contributions from the local community.

The Hutton Community Centre Task and Finish Group had found some significant challenges in understanding the entire process due to the lack of availability of webcasts and the timeframe between the start of the project and the review.  However, officers and those involved were commended for making available all information that they had.

Despite the overall positive outcome of the project, the roof at the Centre had areas that were in of urgent replacement (though the majority was secure for five years or more).  The Council also currently had a financial liability for staffing and business rates at the time of the report, although that could be overcome by the granting of a lease to a community group.

The Task and Finish Group thanked all officers and Members for their contribution to this report.

A Motion was MOVED by Cllr Barrett and SECONDED by Cllr Parker to receive the recommendation set out within in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and was RESOLVED UNANMIOUSLY that:

2.1       The Audit and Scrutiny Committee note the content of the report and the conclusions made;

2.2       The Finance and Resources Committee should consider the financial implications of the elements of roof replacement indicated in the independent report of August 2014;

2.3       The budgetary implications of the Council’s liability for Business Rates whilst operations still lay within the Council’s remit, be considered by the Finance and Resource Committee.

2.4       The Finance and Resources Committee should further consider the staff costs currently being supported by Brentwood Borough Council for the Centre; Manager and Assistant when ownership is transferred to a community group.

2.5       The Housing and Health Committee consider the costs of developing the former cellar into a resource for tenants and the community regarding council services; and

2.6       The Asset and Enterprise Committee should offer assurance on the future management and operation of the centre at the earliest opportunity to offer stability and confirm the long term future of the Centre.

Termination of Meeting

During the preceding item, in accordance with Rule 28 of Part 4.1. – Council Procedure Rules, the business of the meeting not having concluded by two hours after its start, Members voted to agree to continue with the meeting for a further 30 minutes.