Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Asset Management Plan for Corporate Assets.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

During the debate the following points were raised:

• The Plan is missing any previous Cabinet decisions and strategic direction.
• Whilst the Plan mentions assets for jobs, home and income, it was noted that community is missing, particularly as community centres is mentioned within the Plan. The Portfolio Holder accepted the comments regarding community centres but stated that the services located in those centres are declining. There is a desire to retain community buildings, however there is little budget to do so.
• The comment was made that the cost comparison formulae, which is used within the Plan, is only for commercial assets and not play areas, community centres etc.
• The report doesn’t mention value, income, constraints or options.
• Slow to review leases and rents.
• The question was raised what strategic considerations had been given to selling community assets upon health impacts of the residents of the areas where the assets are located.
• The planned maintenance schedule was welcomed.
• It was noted that the assets and plan were discussed at the  Asset Working Group and all parties were invited to participate.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  Approved the Asset Management Plan for Corporate Assets as attached in Appendix 1.

(2)  Noted the financial implications arising from the AMP have been incorporated into the 2024/25 budget proposals.

(3)  Delegated to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, to make relevant amendments to the AMP.

(4)  Delegated to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, to procure contractors for implementation of works as identified in the action plan.

(For 16, Against 11, Abstentions 0)