Decision details

Councillor Tariq introduced the report seeking to approve a new 10-year lease for Units 6B and 6C at Bridge Trading Estate, which are used by Bury Adult Care Equipment Services. These premises provide the operational base for the storage, management and distribution of essential equipment, aids and adaptations that help residents remain safe and independent at home. The service also supports hospital discharge and helps avoid unnecessary admissions. The previous lease has ended following notice served by the landlord, and terms have now been agreed for a new lease running from May 2025 to May 2035. The proposed rent is higher than the current rent, but reflects current market conditions and avoids the significant cost, disruption and service risk associated with relocation.

Cllr Rydeheard asked a question on the market conditions and what assessments or considerations have taken place as to whether the market conditions are at a premium to what they otherwise would have been under market conditions as they are.

Roger Frith, Assistant Director of Corporate Assets & Facilities Management confirmed that the rent is reasonable at the moment for units that size.

Councillor Birchmore queried what the items were that are stored at this facility.

Councillor Tariq confirmed the equipment stored at the facility included hoists, specialist and stair lifts. 

Decision(s)

Cabinet

·       Approved a 10-year lease of 6b & 6c Bridge Trading Estate, on the terms set out in this report, to enable Adult Care Equipment Services to remain in occupation 

Reasons for decision(s)

·       Adult Care Equipment Services provides an essential service and requires secure, uninterrupted occupation of suitable premises to maintain continuity of service.

Alternative options considered and rejected

·       Vacation of the unit - This would create a direct risk to the continuity of Adult Care Equipment Services. The unit is already configured for the storage, management and distribution of equipment, aids and adaptations, and loss of occupation would disrupt an essential operational service that supports residents to remain safe and independent at home. Vacation would mean either: 

o   Finding alternative premises - This option has been rejected because there are no readily available alternative premises currently identified that would provide an equivalent operational base. Moving the service would require the Council to source suitable accommodation, negotiate terms, undertake any necessary fit-out works, relocate equipment and manage transition arrangements. This would create additional cost, operational risk and potential service disruption. It may also give rise to reinstatement liabilities at the existing premises.

o   Close the equipment store - This option has been rejected because the store support the provision of equipment to residents with care and support needs. Closure would therefore undermine the Council’s ability to maintain continuity of an essential Adult Care service.