Following a request by the Mayor the Legal and Democratic Section Head explained that the report was Part B as there were certain types of decision which were taken that fell within exempt categories due to the nature of the business being discussed.  Examples could be the financial affairs of the council or personal information on individuals.  The report before Cabinet related to the financial and business affairs of the council.

The Managing Director continued that the particular element of the report which was commercially sensitive was the Heads of Terms.  Whilst the Council was still in negotiations these were not shared publicly.  That was the financial aspect to which the rules applied.

The Mayor commented that the council had two grade 2* listed buildings in the town – Frogmore House and Little Cassiobury.  It was important to find a way forward on these buildings.  It had been unfortunate that the Waitrose deal fell through and the council wanted to bring Frogmore house back into use.  With regards to Little Cassiobury there was a very committed Friends of Little Cassiobury group.  However, there was also a considerable financial underpinning required so the future use of the building and governance issues were important. 

Councillor Watkin commented that he was disappointed that so much of the report was Part B and felt more should have been Part A to allow the public to hear the council’s considerations.

The Cabinet then moved into Part B session to discuss the report and the Managing Director responded to questions.

RESOLVED

That the recommendations in the Part B report be agreed.