Agenda item

RECOMMENDED: Cabinet resolves to recommend to Full Council the adoption of the Property Disposal Policy with the following amendments (in bold below):

Paragraph 3, section 9 to read: Potential disposals should be discussed with the portfolio holder, ward members, parish councils and any other community representatives, relevant to where the land/property is located, at an early stage unless circumstances require expedient and/or greater levels of discretion in the best interests of the Council.

Paragraph 4, section 8 to read: They provide no real social value to the Borough community at large and where it only provides a benefit that is disproportionate to the opportunity cost of the capital tied up in the asset and/or where the social value is highly likely to continue after a disposal.

REASON FOR DECISION: There is currently no formal policy in place.

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Cabinet noted that the Regeneration and Development Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations to Cabinet, on the condition that the following wording be included in the Policy:

“Potential disposals should be discussed with the portfolio holder, ward members, parish councils and any other community representatives at an early stage where the land is located.

Councillor Ring supported the inclusion of this wording and proposed additional amendments to the Policy, building on the amendments put forward by the Regeneration and Development Panel as set out below.

Paragraph 3, section 9 to read: Potential disposals should be discussed with the portfolio holder, ward members, parish councils and any other community representatives, relevant to where the land/property is located, at an early stage unless circumstances require expedient and/or greater levels of discretion in the best interests of the Council.

Paragraph 4, section 8 to read: They provide no real social value to the Borough community at large and where it only provides a benefit that is disproportionate to the opportunity cost of the capital tied up in the asset and/or where the social value is highly likely to continue after a disposal.

Councillor Morley commented that it was important that the suite of Asset Management Policies coming forward, aligned with the Capital Strategy and Corporate Strategy to ensure consistency.

Councillor Rust referred to Assets of Community Value and the importance of Social Value.  It was explained that there was a separate Policy for Assets of Community Value and the Chief of Staff had requested that this Policy be reviewed.

In response to a question from Councillor Lintern, Councillor Ring explained that there currently was no policy in place to deal with disposals and the delegations proposed were outlined, noting that key decisions would still require Cabinet approval.

Cabinet was informed that production of an up to date Asset Register was ongoing.

The Chief Executive thanked the team for the work carried out to bring this forward.

Councillor Moriarty thanked the Regeneration and Development Panel for their input into the Policy and the importance of community engagement.

Councillor Kemp addressed Cabinet under Standing Order 34 in support of the recommendations put forward by the Regeneration and Development Panel, but was concerned that engagement would not take place if quick decisions were required.

Councillor Ring provided further information on the amendments he would be proposing which still provided for community involvement, but ensured that the Council acted proportionally and achieved best value for its residents.

Councillor Ring thanked Councillor Anota who was involved in bringing this forward during his time as Portfolio Holder.

RECOMMENDED: Cabinet resolves to recommend to Full Council the adoption of the Property Disposal Policy with the following amendments (in bold below):

Paragraph 3, section 9 to read: Potential disposals should be discussed with the portfolio holder, ward members, parish councils and any other community representatives, relevant to where the land/property is located, at an early stage unless circumstances require expedient and/or greater levels of discretion in the best interests of the Council.

Paragraph 4, section 8 to read: They provide no real social value to the Borough community at large and where it only provides a benefit that is disproportionate to the opportunity cost of the capital tied up in the asset and/or where the social value is highly likely to continue after a disposal.

REASON FOR DECISION: There is currently no formal policy in place.