My immediate concern is that by agreeing to pay Mastcraft such a large sum of money the Council will appear compromised in all its dealings over the Victoria Hall. As the Hall’s trustee the Council is required by law to act independently and solely in the interests of the charitable trust. How can it do that with £350,000 to pay if it decides against Mastcraft? The same goes for the current planning application. With the Council under severe budgetary pressures, how would the Planning Committee put the £350,000 out of its mind when it’s asked to approve Mastcraft’s plans? The potential conflicts of interest are plain to see.
NB: To learn more about the legalities of the case go to Save Ealing's Centre's website - www.saveealingscentre.com - and look for the letter from our lawyers to the Charity Commission.
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