Issue - meetings

There will be a verbal update on the policy and progress regarding Community Asset Transfer. (20 minutes)

A table on the status of the Community Asset Transfers currently being progressed is attached.

Richard Long, Head of Property and Project Delivery gave a verbal update on the progress made in relation to the Community Asset Transfer policy. The update included:

·  A summary of the general approach to granting Community Asset Transfers;

·  The duty of a Council to dispose of property at best consideration reasonably obtainable;

·  Community Benefit;

·  Measure of organisational sustainability;

·  Flexible leases; and

·  Update on current Community Asset Transfers (there is a table attached to the agenda for this meeting which provides an update on the status of the Community Asset Transfers currently being progressed. This is also on the Council’s minute book for this Panel).

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Goodman asked why there had been no pre-application advice regarding the lease to Genesis. The officer explained that negotiations are ongoing on this lease. Councillor Goodman asked about Abbey Churchyard and if the Council pays for any repairs. The officer explained that the responsibility for repairs transfers with the lease. Councillor Goodman asked how much the Council would earn if it was receiving commercial rent for these properties. The officer explained that the purpose of individual reports for member decisions is to show the potential commercial value against other values and benefits to the community. Andrew Pate – Strategic Director for Resources explained that details of this are contained in the decision register. Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency Councillor Charles Gerrish explained that a report regarding Genesis would be coming to the Cabinet meeting on 9^th September 2015 and that the key issue is the outcome of the planning application.

Councillor Barrett asked about public conveniences that have been disposed of and why they are not included on this list. The officer explained that these are sold on the open market and don’t fall within Community Asset Transfer. Councillor Barrett asked about Weston public convenience – the Director advised Councillor Barrett to email the officer for the details on this. The Cabinet Member added that all properties under consideration for Community Asset Transfer were listed in the Budget papers in February 2014/15.

Councillor Furse asked if all organisations had been satisfied with the liability for maintenance that has been handed to them. The officer explained that he works closely with organisations to make sure they understand the liability they are taking on. Councillor Furse stated that he was pleased to hear that the Cabinet Member is taking an interest in Genesis. He also asked about Chapel Arts Centre and why the freehold was sold. The officer explained that freehold was the only next step and that there are some stringent restrictive covenants. Councillor Furse was satisfied that the community benefit would be maintained.