Budget Proposals Market House

I am writing with regard to the report on the 2026/27 Budget Proposals that was considered by the Growth Scrutiny Committee on 27 January.  Paragraph 2.9 of the report refers to £0.010m income relating to the potential divesting of Long Sutton Market House and Mablethorpe Coastal Centre.

 

(1) I would appreciate it if you could provide an explanation of the proposal and how you intend to achieve the level of income. 

(1a) In particular, when will the decision be made and will there be any consultation beforehand? 

(1b) What does this mean for the future of the Market House?

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. 

1. The figure of £0.010m stated in respect of each of the two properties, Long Sutton Market House and Mablethorpe Coastal Centre, refers to planned expenditure savings against each property and are not targets for new income to be generated. 

In order to meet budget savings of this nature, the Council regularly reviews the premises operated by the Place Directorate in order to ensure that all properties are managed proactively and in a cost effective way. As part of this review we take into account a number of considerations. For example, we ensure that goods and services are procured in accordance with the Councils procurement rules and  seek savings where possible by appropriate investment in our premises.

In respect of both properties, we are currently reviewing the lease documents and carrying out surveys where appropriate to ensure that the Council’s tenants are complying with the relevant lease terms. For example, with regard to the repair obligations set out in a lease, a survey is required to identify any serious repairs that, if left unattended, would have a significant impact on the building fabric and be very expensive to rectify at the end of the lease.

1a. The Council has not set a deadline for any decision regarding either property.

The Council’s preferred approach is to work together with the Trustees at each property to agree an appropriate strategy to safeguard the long term future of the Centre. One way that this may be achieved is by allowing the Trustees to acquire the freehold of the building by way of a Community Asset Transfer and the Council would be very willing to discuss this further with Trustees.

1b. The Trustees of Long Sutton Market House have the benefit of an existing lease.

The Council recognises the wide range of community benefits the Centre offers to the local community of Long Sutton and does not have a pre-determined strategy for the building. With this in mind, Lincolnshire County Council is inviting Trustees to enter into constructive discussions with officers in order to safeguard the future of the building