The subject of the decision:

Cabinet considered a report which set out the current position in relation to the plans to use RAF Linton-on-Ouse as an Asylum Reception Centre, it describes the actions the Council had taken to this point and sought authority for further potential actions taking into account the advice received on the legal options.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied with the action taken to date but noted that the response from the Home Office was awaited and therefore a further report be submitted to Cabinet on the assessment of the responses received from the Home Office and the legal advice associated with this for a decision on the Council’s next steps, including a decision on submitting a legal challenge.

The decision:

That Cabinet:-

(1)       approves the actions which have been taken and which are described in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.6 of the report;

(2)       notes the legal advice from the Council’s legal advisers as circulated at the meeting and summarised in paragraph 4.5 of the report;

(3)       approves the commissioning of further legal advice to assess and then advise on  the Home Office’s response to the Pre-Action Protocol Letter and the Planning Contravention Notice and on any further actions that might be taken by the Home Office on opening the Asylum Accommodation Centre; and

(4)       a further report be submitted to Cabinet on the assessment of the responses received from the Home Office and the legal advice associated with this for a decision on the Council’s next steps, including a decision on submitting a legal challenge.