In an effort to inject some much-needed finances back into
the county’s coffers, Northamptonshire County Council are reportedly
considering the sale of their brand new headquarters, which opened as recently
as October 2017 at a cost of £53m.
The office block at One Angel Square was designed to save
money by closing 12 offices and making best use of a single, centrally-located
site; however government inspectors are now looking into whether funds have
been appropriately managed and allocated by the council as they struggle to
recoup money.
This had led to a number of options being brought forward
for discussion at a subsequent council meeting, though the idea of selling the
new HQ is the only proposal to have been made public at this time. The plans
would see the council sell the property off as freehold with the council
leasing it back for a period of 25 years or more. The authority would also be
able to sub-let space to third parties to partially offset rental costs.
Conservative county councillor Robin Brown said of the
proposal, “Our financial challenge is severe and ongoing and therefore we need
to explore all avenues of funding that is available to fund our statutory
services.
“This arrangement would see substantial capital receipts
which would make a significant funding injection for our core services.”
Opposition finance spokesman, Labour councillor Mick
Scrimshaw, also commented, “It’s a bizarre and desperate move in one way, but
actually it’s quite a clever idea and given the critical nature of the county
council’s finance, I sort of understand where they are coming from.
“The problem is it’s very much a short-term fix, a sort of
sticking plaster approach and is unsustainable in the long-term.”
The proposals will be discussed by the county council’s
cabinet in February before any final decision is made.
Sam Bonson
Sam is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently working as a content writer, journalist & editor as he continues to expand his horizons.
Post A Comment:
0 comments so far,add yours