Issue - meetings

To consider adopting the Corporate Estate Asset Management Framework (comprising the Corporate Estate Policy and Corporate Estate Strategy and associated Action Plan).  These documents set out the approach and priorities for the management of the Council’s Corporate Estate over the next five years (2026-2031).

Cllr Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  The Asset Management Framework is a new and significant advancement.

·  The Framework consolidates three core components and is the umbrella document that draws together the three key strands for delivery:

•   Asset Management Policy

•   Asset Management Strategy

•   Asset Management Action Plan

·  The council holds over 900 land and building assets valued at £328m.  The estate also generates revenue of £4.7m a year.

·  A new Concerto computer?aided facilities management system has been implemented, enabling:

•   Centralised asset data for the first time

•   Improved management information and decision?making

•   Integration of data since May last year, with go?live in January

·  By 2031, the framework aims to deliver:

•   A safe, compliant, right?sized estate aligned to modern, inclusive service delivery

•   Reduced office floorspace and creation of co?location hubs

•   A reduced maintenance backlog

•   Progress toward net?zero carbon, including reduced energy intensity, Energy Performance Certificate alignment, heat decarbonisation, and renewable power

•   Clearer communication through scrutiny, Key Performance Indicators, and annual reporting

·  The project is recognised as being complex and challenging, but significant progress has been made, with long?term organisational benefits expected.

Cllr Sarah Warren seconded the motion and made the following points:

·  The framework supports the council’s ambition for 30% of land to be managed positively for nature by 2030 and enhances opportunities for biodiversity net gain.

·  The council has already achieved a 52% reduction in estate carbon emissions since 2016 and is progressing toward net?zero operations by 2030.

·  Planned actions to reach net zero include:

•   Fabric?first retrofits of buildings

•   Installation of heat pumps, solar generation, and battery storage

•   Grid capacity planning

•   Fleet decarbonisation

•   Expansion of local renewable energy generation

By 2030, the council aims for:

•   Energy Performance Certificate B or better across non?domestic assets

•   More than 60% of heat decarbonised

•   More than 50% of electricity matched by renewables

•   Reduced water consumption and waste

•   Ecological emergency commitments include:

•   Increasing land and waterways managed positively for nature

•   Improving abundance and distribution of key species

•   Enhancing public access and engagement with nature

•   Creating meadows, pollinator corridors, and supporting tree canopy targets

Progress will be monitored through key performance indicators to ensure delivery remains on track. 

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To approve the Asset Management Framework 2026-2031 suite of documents, including the Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management Action Plan, attached at Appendix 1 of the report. 

(2)  To delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Estate and Director of Capital and Housing to implement the Framework and Action Plan in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and Scheme of Delegations to Officers of the Council, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, as defined.