Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) introduced a report setting out the method of asset management planning and the use of asset registers, and the Council’s use in practice.

He provided an overview of the key points in developing a long-term asset strategy to optimise assets and link to the Council Plan objectives.  The approach to managing assets, in respect of investment and maintenance, took account of good practice parameters set by the Wales Audit Office.  The various Asset Management Plans and overarching strategy were brought together in a Corporate Asset Management Plan (CAMP) which was currently under review and due to be shared in November.  As at 31 March 2019, the total balance for public assets of property and land was valued at £762m; this figure was subject to fluctuation depending on market conditions.

The Finance Manager (Technical Accountancy) provided explanation on the link between asset planning and the Capital Programme through to the Statement of Accounts where the value of fixed assets was recorded each year in accordance with requirements.

Councillor Heesom referred to a document in which the Council had responded to an asset management query survey by Welsh Government (WG) a few years before.  Whilst acknowledging the advice and guidance required from officers, he stressed the importance of constructive involvement by Members and requested more detailed information on the asset management framework and its application to front-line services.  In referring to the total value of the Council’s assets, he asked that the Leader consider the document he referred to and the level of Member involvement on the process.  He also suggested that the document be shared with Members.

In receiving a copy of the document, Councillor Roberts said that he was unaware of it.  He said it would have been helpful to share it beforehand and agreed to give it due consideration.

Councillor Peers also referred to the document shared by Councillor Heesom.  He spoke about Members having access to the register of corporate property, agricultural estate and industrial units and asked whether a condition survey had been undertaken on the latter.  He said it was important to monitor void assets to maximise income to the Council.

In response to a further question, the Finance Manager confirmed that the total value stated was the net figure after depreciation.  She drew attention to the table in the report which set out the measurement base and frequency of valuation, as prescribed.

Following a question by Councillor Bateman, the Finance Manager advised that the Council’s housing stock was valued at £203m as at 31 March 2019.  She went on to clarify the valuation method of ‘existing use value’ for social housing.

In response to Councillor Heesom’s concerns about Member consultation on the future of County Hall, Councillor Roberts replied that the topic had been discussed by Cabinet and that the option to call-in the decision had not been used.

The Chief Officer (Governance) said that key decisions about the asset base of the Council had been taken openly by Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49