Decision details

The Committee received a report (a copy of which is appended to the Minute Book) providing an update on the Disposals & Acquisitions Policy.

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources and the Facilities Manager - Hard Services introduced the report, advising that the purpose of the review was to improve accessibility, clarity and ease of reference by combining the two policies into one document. Reference was made to a tracked-changes version of the Policy which had been circulated as a Supplement to assist Members in identifying the amendments from the previous Policy.

In response to questions from the Committee, the Facilities Manager – Hard Services advised that references within the policy related to both land and buildings and that external professional valuers would continue to be commissioned where valuations were required. In terms of the governance arrangements relating to acquisitions and disposals undertaken under delegated authority, he outlined the processes in place to ensure appropriate audit trails, valuation evidence, consultation and financial oversight. Transactions were monitored through established governance processes, and input could be sought from the Treasury Management Capital Monitoring Group where appropriate. Regarding delegation thresholds, the existing levels had been reviewed through the Constitution Review Working Group. 

The Committee emphasised the importance of developing an Asset Management Plan, particularly in advance of Local Government Reorganisation. The Facilities Manager - Hard Services acknowledged the urgency of this work and confirmed that it was being prioritised. The Committee also suggested that the proposed review period of 24 months should be reconsidered in light of Local Government Reorganisation and proposed that a review be undertaken after 18 months.

The Committee further requested that consultation requirements within the policy be strengthened through the inclusion of Ward Members and neighbouring residents as consultees where appropriate.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that

(1)  the Committee commented on the report; and

(2)  the thresholds be reviewed again in 18 months’ time.