Purpose

For Cabinet to discuss and agree revisions to
the Service Devolution and Asset Transfer Policy

Content

Buckinghamshire Council made a commitment to devolution of
property and assets to Town and Parish Councils and other community
organisations as part of the Unitary business case. To support the
Council’s devolution programme, a Service Devolution and
Asset Transfer Policy had been published in November 2019 setting
out the approach and arrangements for the devolution of the
responsibility for running services and community asset transfer.
Over time, the approach to the management of the programme had been
refined as the new Council had learnt more about the devolution of
assets, particularly following the implementation of five pilot
projects.
 
Cabinet received a report with an updated policy for approval
that better reflected the current approach in order that a clear
direction of travel was given to Town and Parish Councils and other
local organisations who might be interested in pursuing a
devolution opportunity.  Cabinet Members
were asked to note several small changes in the updated policy, as
follows:
·     
A clearer focus on the process for the devolution of
assets.
·     
Reference to freehold only being considered on an
exceptional basis, with a final decision made by
Cabinet.
·     
The Devolution Board considering the criteria with
which to assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
·     
Heads of Terms to be agreed at the end of the
‘Expressions of Interest’ stage to help applicants
develop a business case that responds to any specification or terms
provided by the Council.
·     
Car parks owned and/or run by Buckinghamshire
Council where they generate income, hold an operational benefit, or
retain a commercial interest were out of scope. The previous
version had a blanket approach to all car parks being out of
scope.
 
RESOLVED –
 
That the
updated Devolution and Asset Management Policy be
AGREED.