Agenda item

To approve the Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS).

Agreed:-

That Cabinet:-

(1.1)  Approves the Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS) attached at Appendix A.

(1.2)  Approves the Local Hub indicative locations as set out below and authorises Directors to undertake due diligence and prepare detailed proposals for the development of community hubs including timescales, digital offer, buildings that will become surplus and other financial implications, and also to prepare a report on the implications for library services and for heritage assets;

• Carnegie Library Tipton

• Oldbury Council House / One-stop shop

• West Bromwich Central Library / Town Hall

• Wednesbury Town Hall & Art Gallery

• Blackheath Library Rowley Regis

• Town Hall Smethwick

(1.3)  Approves that all community buildings that become surplus should be offered as opportunities for Community Asset Transfers.

(1.4)  Acknowledges that the assets contained in the Surplus Assets list at Appendix B are surplus to the Council’s operational requirements.

(1.5)  Approves the procurement of a firm of property consultants (using CCS Framework RM6168) to undertake a review of the Council’s surplus property assets with a view to identifying assets for disposal or development.

(1.6)  Delegates responsibility to the Director of Regeneration & Growth, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, to oversee the procurement and to appoint the selected consultant.

(1.7)  that subject to approval by Cabinet on any disposal of surplus assets, the Director of Regeneration & Growth, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to oversee the review and to progress the disposal of surplus assets in a manner and on terms recommended by the review.

(1.8)  That a budget of £100k is allocated from the Invest to Save reserve for this work.

(1.9)  Acknowledges the need to reduce the Council’s office portfolio further, reflecting working patterns post Covid and authorise officers to undertake a detailed options analysis with a target of reducing the operational office portfolio by at least 50%.

Approval of the Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS) was sought.

The CAMS document set out the framework in which the Council’s Land and Assets would be managed; It was intended to respond to the corporate plan that was underway. Not only did the plan help each of the Council’s service areas deliver their plans, but it also responded to financial constraints and needs of the Council.

The key aspects of the plan was highlighted to Cabinet:-

·      Disposing of surplus assets

·      Further rationalisation of the office portfolio - More efficient use of office space whilst ensuring that services are provided to the public.

·      Establishment of community hubs - this strategy will support work undertaken to consider establishing community hub across the borough.

·      Sets directions in carbon reduction, information management, undertaking asset valuations and community transformations

The Chair of the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board sought further clarification on why West Bromwich had been left without a designated Neighbourhood office. A further question was also asked on why no consultation with ward members had taken place regarding the sites listed in the report appendices.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth confirmed that the Council’s customer strategy was currently under review with a view to formalise what services would be offered at a local level by the start of 2023. The Council had taken the opportunity to exit the Court House in West Bromwich at lease end given the extreme budget pressure faced by the Council. Interim measures were put in place for face to face enquiries to be received at West Bromwich Library.

It was reported that once renovations had been complete, West Bromwich Town Hall would be the designated local hub for West Bromwich. It was suggested that further reports containing the costs of retaining assets would be brought to Cabinet to determine the best individual use for each asset; no disposals would be made before coming back to Cabinet.

Reasons for recommendations

To support the efficient management and use of Council assets.

Alternative options considered

Non-delivery of the CAMS would be contrary to the Council’s Improvement Plan. If the CAMS did not contain proposals for rationalisation of the office and community estates then it will become impossible for the Council to maintain its estate safely and efficiently with the available budget.

Agreed:-

(1)     that approval be given to the Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS) attached at Appendix A, as now submitted;

(2)     that the Local Hub indicative locations as set out below, be approved and authorise Directors to undertake due diligence and prepare detailed proposals for the development of community hubs including timescales, digital offer, buildings that will become surplus and other financial implications, and also to prepare a report on the implications for library services and for heritage assets;

• Carnegie Library Tipton

• Oldbury Council House / One-stop shop

• West Bromwich Central Library / Town Hall

• Wednesbury Town Hall & Art Gallery

• Blackheath Library Rowley Regis

• Town Hall Smethwick

(3)     that all community buildings that become surplus should be offered as opportunities for Community Asset Transfers;

(4)     that it be acknowledged that the assets contained in the Surplus Assets list at Appendix B are surplus to the Council’s operational requirements;

(5)    that the procurement of a firm of property consultants (using CCS Framework RM6168) be approved to undertake a review of the Council’s surplus property assets with a view to identifying assets for disposal or development;

(6)     that the Director of Regeneration & Growth, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to oversee the procurement and to appoint the selected consultant;

(7)     that subject to approval by Cabinet on any disposal of surplus assets, the Director of Regeneration & Growth, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to oversee the review and to progress the disposal of surplus assets in a manner and on terms recommended by the review;

(8)     that a budget of £100k is allocated from the Invest to Save reserve for this work;

(9)      that it be acknowledged that the need to reduce the Council’s office portfolio further, reflecting working patterns post Covid and authorise officers to undertake a detailed options analysis with a target of reducing the operational office portfolio by at least 50%.