The following summarises representations made by John Bell and Jack Betteridge:

·         Both endorsed the overall proposal and welcomed attempts to find a way forward.

·         It was correct not to widen the new trust’s responsibilities any further.

·         The membership of the new advisory forum would be very important, as would its terms of reference.

·         The Cabinet Member and officers should be thanked for their work on this matter.

·         It was hoped this would bring benefits to the whole of Twickenham.

The Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure gave assurances that she was content with proposed arrangements.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

RESOLVED that:

1.         the charitable bequest comprising Orleans House, the Octagon Room, the extension wings, stable block and art collection be registered with the Charity Commission as Orleans House Trust in line with the original objects of the bequest, as set out in paragraph 3.9;

2.         the Council be registered as sole trustee of Orleans House Trust and Council be recommended to establish a separate committee with proportionate cross-party representation to discharge its functions as sole trustee, as set out in paragraph 3.9; 

3.         the Council be recommended to put in place robust scrutiny arrangements and appoint an independent Scrutineer to ensure that the Council does not place its interests above those of the charitable trust, as set out in paragraph 3.10;

4.         authority for producing a legal agreement defining the basis on which Orleans House, the Octagon Room, the extension wings, stable block and art collection are held and managed by the Council in its role as sole trustee, as set out in paragraph 3.12, be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services and Culture and the Head of Legal and Electoral Services;

5.         authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services and Culture and the Head of Legal and Electoral Services to enter into discussions with the trustees of the Octagon Trust about its future contribution, as set out in paragraph 3.13; and

6.         an advisory forum with representatives of the local community be established to provide advice and guidance on the objects of the charitable trust, the conservation and future development of Orleans House, as set out in paragraph 3.14.