To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992. 

See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, please see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are reminded to declare the nature of the interest and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it’s the Members’ responsibility to declare any interests form and to update their register of interest form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of your interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services

None were declared.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on  22 October 2022.

That the unrestricted minutes of the Board meeting held on 26th October, 2022 be approved for signature by the Chair of the Trust as a correct record of proceedings.

The board received a report seeking approval of the audited accounts for 2021/22 and the annual report for 2021/22. Approval was needed in order for the accounts and report to be submitted to the Charity Commission, a legal duty for organisations with a turnover of more than £1million.

This report also provided an update on the current financial position for 2022/23.

The board of the trust considered the report and the Chair of the Trust then moved the recommendations and it was:-

RESOLVED to

·         approved the audited accounts 2021/22 for submission to the Charity Commission.

·         approved the annual report for 2021/22 for submission to the Charity Commission.

·         approved the Letter of Representation from Arnold Hill & Co LLP.

·         noted the Letter of Ownership Confirmation sign off required by the charity’s auditors, Arnold Hill & Co LLP, from the Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, before the accounts can be signed off by the charity’s auditors.

·         granted permission to appoint Arnold Hill & Co LLP to audit the accounts for 2022/23.

·         noted the current financial position for 2022/23.

·         noted the activities update for 2022/23.

The board received a report that provided an update of the review by the Council’s Arts, Parks and Events of fees and charges for the hire of assets owned by King George’s Field (Mile End) charity.

The board of the trust considered the report and the Chair of the Trust then moved the recommendations and it was:-

RESOLVED to

·         approved the proposed hire charge increases for the Art and Ecology Pavilions from 1 April 2023 and authorised the Corporate Director of Children and Culture and Director of Finance to implement the new charges.

·         reviewed the “Subsidised Hire of Pavilions for Community Groups”, agreed by the Board on 6 March 2018, approved the updated policy and authorised the Corporate Director of Children and Culture to implement the revised policy from 1 April 2023.

·         approved the proposed hire charge increase for the Stepney Green astroturf from 1 April 2023 and authorised the Corporate Director of Children and Culture and Director of Finance to implement the new charges.

·         noted the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit Guidance.

The board received a report that provided an update on the lease arrangements for the King George’s Field Trust (KGFT) retail and rental units, income from which supports the Charity to maintain park land and amenities for the benefit of Tower Hamlets residents.

This report required a decision from the KGFT Board to authorise officers to undertake action against a Green Bridge unit that has arrears against utility charges, which is in breach of the lease.

The report also provided an update in respect of lease renewal discussions.

The board of the trust considered the report and the Chair of the Trust then moved the recommendations and it was:-

RESOLVED to

·         Authorised the Corporate Director of Children and Culture and the Corporate Director for Place to take action against “Tenant A” to recover costs of unpaid utilities.

·         Noted the ongoing discussions in respect of the lease renewal of “Tenant B”.

·         Noted the ongoing discussions in respect of “Tenant C” and to authorise the Corporate Director of Children and Culture and the Corporate Director for Place to undertake and complete a review of “Tenant C’s” rent (subject to final consideration by the Board).

RESOLVED

That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972.

None.