.

The Strategic Director Corporate Resources will submit a report

(Document “CI” that contains not for publication Appendix 2) that provides an update on the proposed relocation of HMCO and associated cost implications, prompted by concerns relating to the present accommodation in the Magistrates’ Court.

Recommended –

To approve the additional capital funds required to meet the current budget deficit and to authorise the Strategic Director Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Leader, to take all necessary decisions to implement the decision.

                                                                        (Imran Khan – 01274 4326018)   

Resolved –

That the additional capital funds required to meet the current budget deficit be approved and that the Strategic Director Corporate Resources be authorised, in consultation with the Leader, to take all necessary decisions to implement the decision.

ACTION: Strategic Director Corporate Resources

                                                            (Imran Khan – 01274 4326018)   

The Strategic Director Corporate Resources submitted a report

(Document “CI” that contained not for publication Appendix 2) that provided an update on the proposed relocation of HMCO and associated cost implications, prompted by concerns relating to the present accommodation in the Magistrates’ Court.

The Assistant Director Estates and Property gave a synopsis of the proposals and the rationale behind the relocation as well as the cost implications which were set out in the NFP appendix.  In essence the current location of the Coroner’s office and accommodation was not fit for purpose.  In devising the proposals and in the context of the previous approval to relocate the offices, and following detailed design development with the Coroner’s officer,  additional cost implications had now been identified, and the business case had now been fully costed.

The Leader stressed the need for a fit for purpose building, given the importance of the work of the Coroner’s office.

The Coroner was present at the meeting and explained the detailed discussions he had had with officers to ensure that the plans met the requirements of and were both compassionate and empathetic to its end use.  He elaborated that the current location of the Coroner’s office was not fit for purpose, whereas the new location would incorporate a faith and family room and offer surroundings that would support families and provide dignity, at a very difficult time in their lives.  He added that the facility would serve the greater West Yorkshire region and although the request for additional resources now identified came at a difficult time, the proposals should be approved.

Opposition group Councillors asked a number of the questions around capital and annual running costs in comparison to existing costs, as well as the arrangements within the new location, and the Assistant Director explained that given the financial sensitivities, that he would provide a detailed response to the Councillors outside of this meeting.

In response to a question regarding the adequacy of the parking arrangements, the Assistant Director stated that sufficient parking would become available, once the University car park land in the vicinity transferred into Council ownership.

The Assistant Director also emphasised that the current arrangements meant that not all the staff in the Coroners’ officer were based in the same location, and that the functions of the office had outgrown the current accommodation.

The Deputy Leader in welcoming the proposals stated that the proposals afforded a great opportunity to have a community focussed, fit for purpose accommodation, and it was therefore:

Resolved –

That the additional capital funds required to meet the current budget deficit be approved and that the Strategic Director Corporate Resources be authorised, in consultation with the Leader, to take all necessary decisions to implement the decision.

ACTION: Strategic Director Corporate Resources