Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/071

Contact: Adrian Rowlands, Service Manager for Property & Facilities Tel: (01865) 323678

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDPCCS4).

The Councils Asset Transfer Policy has been reviewed in light of lessons learnt regarding the last wave of asset transfers arising under Big Society and in readiness for the community initiatives coming forward under the CEF transformation programme. The main focus has been:

1. Making it clear that any subsidy, other than via community rent, shall be through direct grant funding rather than indirect premises support due to:

a.   Transparency regarding levels of subsidy

b.   Community groups are motivated to reduce their premises costs

c.   Subsidy can be reduced over time where appropriate

2. That subletting of premises at rates higher than those applied under the head lease are controlled to ensure:

a.   Community groups are not demotivated from making best use of assets

b.   Shared income can be gained by OCC where appropriate.

The Cabinet Member for Property, Cultural and Community Services is RECOMMENDED to approve the revised Asset Transfer Policy.

Recommendations agreed.