Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the Community Asset Transfer Progress.

That the Committee is assured that the mechanisms within the code of conduct/dispensation process are satisfactory for managing any potential ethical issues arising from the Community Asset Transfer Scheme.

The Monitoring Officer introduced a report to give an update on the Community Asset Transfer Progress.  He provided background information and referred to the main considerations as detailed in the report.  He  advised that ethically there are potential difficulties during the negotiation of a transfer and subsequently where Councillors are involved in the management of the newly transferred asset, however, there are mechanisms within the Code and ways of working which can ease the potential difficulties.

Councillor Patrick Heesom expressed concerns around the progress achieved on some applications to transfer assets and expressed the view that  local communities were being disadvantaged as a result.   The Monitoring Officer acknowledged the points raised by Councillor Heesom and said he would provide feedback to the Chief Officer Housing and Assets.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee is assured that the mechanisms within the code of conduct/dispensation process are satisfactory for managing any potential ethical issues arising from the Community Asset Transfer Scheme.