The Assets, Projects and Strategy Committee of Brentwood Council met on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the refresh of the asset management strategy, community infrastructure projects, and policies related to asset disposal and leasing. The committee made significant decisions on these topics, aiming to enhance the management and strategic planning of the council's assets.

Asset Management Strategy and Framework

The committee reviewed the Asset Management Strategy and Framework. Ms. Barnes introduced the report, which seeks to refresh the current strategy and establish seven overarching principles for officers to develop further. Councillor Poppy raised concerns about staffing levels to implement the strategy, to which Ms. Barnes responded that the newly appointed corporate manager for assets and regeneration would lead this effort. Councillor Barber inquired about the inclusion of heritage assets like Hove and Poplar's Hall in the strategy. The committee agreed that heritage assets should be explicitly considered in the overarching principles. The motion to approve the recommendations was carried unanimously.

Community Infrastructure Project Plan

The committee discussed the Community Infrastructure Project Plan. Ms. Barnes highlighted the strategy to address town centre and high street areas first while ensuring that other assets are maintained as needed. Councillor Laplaine sought clarification on the inclusion of assets outside the initial focus areas, which Ms. Barnes confirmed. The committee emphasised the importance of knowing the state and location of all community infrastructure. The motion to approve the recommendations was carried unanimously.

Asset Disposal and Lease Policies

The committee reviewed the Asset Disposal and Lease Policies. Ms. Barnes outlined the policy principles for disposing and leasing council assets, ensuring compliance with the Local Government Act. Councillor Lewis asked about financial benchmarks for asset disposal, and Ms. Barnes explained the process of obtaining market valuations. Councillor Barber raised concerns about community consultation for significant disposals, and the committee agreed that ward members should be involved in the consultation process. The motion to approve the recommendations was carried unanimously.

Corporate Vision Refresh 2025-2030

The committee discussed the Corporate Vision Refresh 2025-2030. Mr. Campbell presented the timeline for developing the new vision, noting the tight schedule for consultation. The committee acknowledged the need for flexibility in the timeline and the importance of incorporating feedback from the recent peer review. The motion to approve the recommendations was carried unanimously.

Review and Development of Policies and Strategies

The committee reviewed the planned approach for updating policies and strategies for 2024-25. Ms. Nicholson provided an overview, highlighting the need to audit existing policies and strategies and prioritise updates. Councillor Poppy expressed concerns about resource constraints, which Mr. Campbell addressed by confirming that the work is scheduled and resources are currently sufficient. The committee agreed on the importance of prioritising and streamlining policies. The motion to approve the recommendations was carried unanimously.

The meeting concluded with no items of urgent business.