Decision details

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to:

a.    Devolve the operational services and staff relating to the following

·       Somerset Council assets

·       Yeovil Recreation Centre (and Café)

·       Yeovil Country Park (and Nine Springs café)

·       Westlands Entertainment Venue

·       South Somerset Heritage Collection

(the Devolved Services) to Yeovil Town Council, in line with the Council’s adopted Asset and Services Devolution Framework from 1st August 2024.

b.    Transfer existing equipment used by Somerset Council to deliver the Devolved Services which will become surplus to Somerset Council requirements as a result of the devolution to Yeovil Town Council from 1st August 2024, unless they have indicated they do not want it.

c.    Delegate authority to the Service Director, Strategic Asset Management, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets and the Executive Director (Communities) to agree the transfer of or grant of rights over the following land and property assets on appropriate terms as soon as practically possible on or after 1st August 2024, provided the Interim Head of Legal Services is satisfied that all relevant legal requirements have been met:

·       Land at Milford Road (freehold transfer)

·       Former Monmouth Hall Store (freehold transfer)

·       Yeovil Recreation Centre (and Café)

·       Yeovil Country Park (and Nine Springs café)

·       Westlands Entertainment Venue (sub-lease)

·       Part of Lufton Depot housing the South Somerset Heritage Collection (lease)

d.    Grant such licences to Yeovil Town Council to occupy the land and premises currently used by Somerset Council to deliver the Devolved Services at:

·       Yeovil Recreation Centre (and Café)

·       Yeovil Country Park (and Nine Springs café)

·       Westlands Entertainment Venue

·       South Somerset Heritage Collection

as will enable them to deliver the Devolved Services as if they were the owners of that land and premises.