How charitable groups in Portsmouth could benefit from reduced council rents

The council will offer discounted rent to not-for-profit and charity groups using their premises where they are unable to meet market costs.

It is thought the move will in turn benefit the authority if those organisations are providing services needed by Portsmouth people, considered to be of social value.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting today, council leader Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said: 'My understanding at the moment producing this plan gives us an ability to look at not just finances but to look to see if they are achieving other things the council is trying to achieve and therefore we can look to lower their rent.

'That seems to be an admirable thing for the council to do.'

Rent reductions to third party organisations by the council currently amounts to around £150,000 a year.

Deputy leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: 'The council owns an awful lot of property and some of it is in good order and some of it is in bad order.

'Part of the assessment will be subject to the condition it's in.'

However, Progressive Portsmouth People councillor and former resources cabinet member, Cllr Jeanette Smith, was 'angry' the scheme had not involved consulting with existing voluntary groups.

She said: 'I am quite angry that this report is actually at cabinet today because it should not have passed the test of any report.

'I have waited since October 2018 for this. What we have is a report that's all about Portsmouth City Council and didn't even consult with the voluntary sector.

'All you're doing is a piecemeal rent subsidy model that you probably won't input anyway. I am asking you to withdraw the paper, consult with the voluntary sector and come back with a more meaningful document.'

Cllr Vernon-Jackson approved a six-month review of the system where the views of the voluntary sector would be gathered.

He added: 'I hear Cllr Smith's concern. It might be we need to start this and then talk to the voluntary sector to see if it works.'

The rents will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.