URL: https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2438

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Resources

Outcome: Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Single Member Decision report details the rationale for granting a new contracted-out lease to Mentoring Plus to run alongside a wholly funded commission for Student & Family Support (SAFS) which was renewed in September 2025 for 4 years extendable to 6.

Content: The Single Member Decision report details the rationale for granting a new contracted-out lease to Mentoring Plus to run alongside a wholly funded commission for Student & Family Support (SAFS) which was renewed in September 2025 for 4 years extendable to 6. The Cabinet Member agrees that:   The granting of a new lease from 1st April 2026 until the end of the commission for Student & Family Support, which will be outside of the security of tenure provisions set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.   Mentoring Plus satisfying Bath and North East Somerset Council in the Council’s absolute discretion, that throughout the terms of the lease:   • The premises are used for the general community benefit of the people of Bath and North East Somerset, primarily to provide public rooms for use for recreational and educational purposes, together with ancillary office space and catering facilities. Space must be made available for hire by Community Groups • Mentoring Plus ensures delivery of two days per week (for minimum of 2 hours per session, for 44 weeks per year) of accessible positive activities for young people aged 13-19. • A robust business plan is in place has been presented by Bath Mentoring Plus and approved by the Council’s accountants, setting out how they can deliver and identify commensurate improvements to economic, social or environment wellbeing in the area to be delivered from the project. Mentoring Plus is a BathNES youth charity providing 1-1 mentoring, in school mentoring, school attendance support and open-access youth work to children and young people in the county. It reaches up to 300 young people each year, referred to the charity by schools, social care and families. Young people struggling with education (disengagement, poorly met SEN, low attendance), family issues (bereavement, family breakdown, care responsibilities, criminality) and poor mental wellbeing (depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, social isolation) are supported by positive adult role models to reflect on difficulties, find coping strategies and pursue positive interests. They also provide highly valued family support and multi-agency casework and safeguarding.   The work that Mentoring Plus offers directly helps young people’s confidence, engagement with education, employability skills and aspirations. At Riverside Youth Hub, Mentoring Plus welcomes mentors and mentees, other community organisations including Genesis, Bath Toy Library, Dorothy House and Pandas, as well as providing 88 x sessions per year of open-access youth club including hot meals, sports coaching, live music workshops, arts and crafts.   The open market rent for this site is £25,180 p.a. The market rent will be reduced to a peppercorn rent subject to abatement of the rent to allow the charity to continue to provide their services to the community. None None

Date of Decision: May 14, 2026