To receive apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5th July, 2004.

RESOLVED:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 5th July, 2004 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the report by the Property Management Review Group on the Council’s Property Holding and Property Services Division.

The Committee considered the report by the Property Management Review Group on the Council’s Property Holding and Property Services Division.

The Chairman, who had also chaired the Review Group, acknowledged that the report was quite succinct.  This was because the Review Group had been uncertain as to how much of the supporting information and analysis to include in the report and in the end had settled on a short version of what could have been a more comprehensive report.  More detail could be provided if that was required.

The Chief Executive reported that he was aware that the Review Group had considered and analysed a range of issues and options.  In his view it was important that this information was included in the report to demonstrate that the report was robust and the findings justified by the evidence.

In the course of discussion the following principal points were made:

·         On behalf of the Executive the view was expressed that including the detailed analysis in the report would be consistent with Property Reviews undertaken by other authorities and would be helpful.

·         Some concern was expressed about the recommendation that the management of commons should transfer to the Parks and Countryside Service.

·         It was suggested that the report should consider in principle the scope for community use of school buildings.

·         In response to questions about individual properties the Chief Executive advised that the report should identify the Authority’s needs, the options for meeting those needs and the underlying principles which should govern consideration of those options.

RESOLVED: that the report be referred back to the Review Group and a more detailed report be prepared for consideration by the Committee including the evidence and analysis which had informed the Group’s recommendations.