Issue - meetings

To update Members on the relocation of the Learndirect Service and provide information on the new operation.

(Report attached)

RESOLVED that

1)      the report be noted; and

2)      a full review of the property known as the REDI Centre, 54 South Street, Redditch, be undertaken by Worcestershire County Council Property Services to identify options available to the Council for Members’ future consideration.

(Officers undertook to carry out a general satisfaction survey of new and existing users of the service, the results of which would be reported back to Members in due course.)

(Prior to consideration of this item, and in accordance with the requirements of Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000, Councillor Malcolm Hall declared a personal and prejudicial interest in view of his involvement with a group which was considering the acquisition of leasehold use of these premises, should it become available.)  

The Committee received an update on the situation with the Learndirect service following the decision taken in August 2010 to cease activity at the REDI Centre. Services to customers had been maintained throughout the transition period and there were currently 87 active learners enrolled through Learndirect. Officers wished to put on record their thanks to the staff for continuing to deliver a service through trying times. It was recommended that options for the future use of the REDI Centre premises be investigated by Officers.

It was reported that the budget allocated had been sufficient to fund the transition and a decision on a new contract for Learndirect was expected in May-June of this year. Officers undertook to carry out a general satisfaction survey of new and existing users of the service, the results of which would be reported back to Members in due course. Officers also undertook to provide Councillor Debbie Taylor with further information on the redeployment of staff from the REDI Centre following the meeting.

RESOLVED that

1)      the report be noted; and

2)      a full review of the property known as the REDI Centre, 54 South Street, Redditch, be undertaken by WorcestershireCounty Council Property Services to identify options available to the Council for Members’ future consideration.

(Prior to consideration of this item, and in accordance with the requirements of Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000, Councillor Malcolm Hall declared a personal and prejudicial interest in view of his involvement with a group which was considering the acquisition of leasehold use of these premises, should it become available.)