The Committee received a report that outlined the observations and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) following its review of the investigation into the sale of the former Poplar Town Hall, undertaken pursuant to a referral from full Council on 22 January 2014. Then the publication by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) on 4 November 2014 their Best Value Inspection into the Council, including the sale of Poplar Town Hall.  The main points of the discussion maybe be summarised as follows:

The Committee

·         Noted that this matter has been a protracted and complex issue for the Council to progress.  In particular, it has involved a number of detailed investigations undertaken by external financial and legal experts and it has been challenging for the Council to reach a consensus and understanding of the status and significance of those investigations. The report provided a summary overview of the detailed work to date and critically identified key outcomes for the Council to consider and implement.  This being to improve (where not already implemented) the rigour of relevant procedures and provide for the ongoing scrutiny of relevant Council decisions;

·         Was advised that the Council has made significant progress in addressing the concerns identified by Mazars and PwC. In particular a Property Best Value Action Plan (PBVAP) was agreed with the Commissioners and submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2015.  The PBVAP is designed to provide greater clarity about the processes for property disposal, including.

                       I.        The limited circumstances in which it is possible to accept late offers and/or not to accept the highest offer.

                      II.        The marketing approach period.

                    III.        Documentation and maintaining records.

                   IV.        Delegated powers and decision making.

                     V.        Declaration of interests – and the need to require declarations from bidders.

                   VI.        Briefing and training for staff.

·         Stated that LBTH needed to be confident that there were systems now in place to ensure that the processes for property disposal are being followed;

·         Placed on record its particular thanks to Melanie Clay (Corporate Director, Law, Probity and Governance and Graham White (Interim Service Head - Legal Services) for their help and advice regarding this report; and

·         Wished to see the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny taking the lead in identifying any areas of future concern.

As a result of discussions on the report the Committee agreed to adopt the report and the recommendations contained within it.