Decision

That the Director of
Finance be authorised to dispose of the freehold interest of the
land and buildings listed in Appendix 1 to the submitted report on
suitably agreed terms, adopting the most appropriate methods of
disposal, to be determined by Strategic Head of Asset Management,
following an adequate period of marketing on each individual
asset.

Reasons for the decision

Many of the identified
assets were situated in the community and had lain empty and unused
for some time.  Frequent site
inspections were necessary. Disposing of these assets would have an
immediate impact by reducing the cost and necessity for staff and
resources to be deployed to manage these properties.  On disposal, the sites would be repurposed and
brought back into beneficial use by the individual
purchasers.  The Council would also
receive a capital receipt which would be recycled for the repair
and maintenance of the remaining estate.  It was recognised that holding assets empty for
prolonged periods of time can have a detrimental impact on
communities, such sites can generate anti-social behaviour and have
a negative social impact.

Alternative options considered

There were no
alternative options considered.  The
Council’s Asset Management Strategy sets out that the Council
would ‘always seek to maximise the full market receipt for
their assets whether by way of freehold disposal or leasehold
interest’.  Disposing of assets
following a suitable period of marketing would ensure that best
value was established and obtained, meeting that requirement.
 
The Council was not
under any obligation to dispose of any given asset.  However, the Council’s ongoing management
and cost of holding these assets was significant.  Disposing of the assets listed in Appendix 1 to the
submitted report, would remove this liability and generate a
capital receipt.