FOI request (FOIR-114613009)

Isabel Blackman Centre

Requested Thu 18 April 2019
Responded Wed 24 April 2019

You are no doubt aware that HBC planners have agreed to register the IBC as a Community Asset at HOTRA's request. I am trying to find evidence that ESCC have never paid for the acquisition of the building. The Land Registry simply states WITHHELD and names no price.

I am told that a Transfer document exists and that HBC should hold a copy. It happened during Local Government changes in the 1970's.

I recognise that your staffing levels are not what they should be and that this is a piece of work that it is hard for you to respond to. My purpose is to try to demonstrate to ESCC that for them to sell or lease IBC at the end of the moratorium is sharp practice. With over 120 years of charitable activity based at this building if we are forced to lose the asset then a strong case can be made that any cash proceeds should remain within Hastings.

Response

This is correct that the Premises were transferred to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Authorities (England)(Property etc.) Order 1973. To the best of our knowledge there was no actual transfer document. Although part of the Title to the Premises was only rectified in 2017, when it was found to be still in Hastings Borough Council's name, this again was just by a consent letter to the Land Registry quoting the above legislation. All information in relation to the Isabel Blackman Centre would be held by ESCC www.eastsussex.gov.uk