The purpose of this report is to approve the expenditure of the 2018/19 accommodation capital budget on the council’s property assets to facilitate the delivery of savings by releasing higher cost rented property, enable more localised working, and to ensure buildings are safe and fit for purpose.

A summary of proposed change and expenditure is as follows:

·       £170k for alterations at 1a St. Owen Street, 33/35 Union Street, Nelson House and the Shirehall, Hereford to enable the relocation of Children’s Services from offices at Bath Street and deliver savings of circa. £120k per annum.

·       £135k for alterations to Multi-Agency Offices at Leominster, Ledbury and Friar Street Hereford to enable more localised working and service delivery.

·       £200k to provide additional emergency evacuation facilities at Plough Lane, Hereford to ensure the property is compliant and fit for future use.

In summary the expenditure is to enable a number of accommodation projects to be undertaken which are provided in the attached business case.