Historic hall will not be sold by council

A country estate belonging to a local authority will not be sold off to balance its budget.

Dudley Council is attempting to save £42m in the next financial year and a similar amount in the following four years, but said Himley Hall in south Staffordshire was safe.

Council leader, Patrick Harley, said: "Himley has had considerable investment and turns over a considerable income stream for the council."

In its budget proposals, the Conservative-led authority has suggested a 5% tax rise, along with increases in rents and fees, plus staff cuts and some asset sell-offs.

The strategy is due to be agreed at a full council meeting on 24 February.

It has already said council-run leisure centres would be secure for the next five years along with libraries and town halls.

Mr Harley accepted Himley Hall, with its 18th-Century house and 180 acres of Capability Brown-designed gardens could be "an attractive investment possibility for anyone who specialises in corporate hospitality".

But he said: "Whilst I would never say never, currently we have no plans to dispose of Himley."

Himley Hall was once the family home to the Earls of Dudley and now is a venue for wedding ceremonies and other special occasions, as well as afternoon teas and guided tours.

Dudley and Wolverhampton councils bought the house in 1966 after a period as National Coal Board offices, with Dudley taking sole ownership in the 1980s.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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