Agenda item

Charter Trustees considered a report of the Clerk which informed Trustees of the meeting of the working group to review the need for a register of assets and the recommendations arising therefrom (for copy see file of minutes).

The working group discussed the need for a register of assets held by the Charter Trustees which arose from recommendations following an external audit for year ending 31 March 2014.

The Clerk advised that the working group reviewed the previous history of communications between Durham County Council and the Charter Trustees in 2010 and also reviewed the written opinion of His Honour Judge Richard Lowden QC, the Honorary Recorder at the time and the schedule of inventory of assets with colour coding (copy of the schedule of assets was available to members on request).

In response to a query regarding valuation of items, the Clerk advised that he was currently liaising with the Insurance Team and Internal Audit.

Resolved:

(i)      That the Schedule of assets be agreed subject to amending items numbered 27 to 30 inclusive on page 5 to be blue. All items coloured blue be accepted as historic and ceremonial and vest in the Charter Trustees. 

(ii)        That the County Council’s offer be accepted to agree written terms whereby all property identified as red in the schedule be preserved at the Town Hall in trust and in perpetuity for the benefit of the community and the people of Durham City.

(iii)    That the County Council be requested to carry out a valuation process of all items on the Schedule in conjunction with the internal auditor for the purposes of insurance arrangements. 

(iv)   That the County Council be requested to arrange block insurance cover for all items held at the Town Hall for appropriate risks and at suitable valuation and to recharge the Charter Trustees for their contribution towards its share of the premium.       
    

(v)     That items coloured green are in the ownership of the Freemen of Durham and those coloured yellow are in the ownership of the DLI Trustees, successors to the regiment (the Light Infantry and Rifles) and the MOD be noted. The Clerk to the Charter Trustees will consult with those organisations on their future wishes.