Sefton Council has set out its plans to dispose of land and properties that are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ as it carries out a review into hundreds of council-owned assets.
The council is currently undertaking a review of around 200 assets per year according to papers released as part of an updated asset management and disposal strategy set to be discussed at a full council meeting due to be held next week.
These assets, made up of land and buildings, ‘surplus assets’ and investment properties total over £300m in value, many of which are held as a legacy from the merging of previous local authorities into what is now Sefton Council.
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Recently the council announced its intention to sell off one historic asset – the former Sands pub in Ainsdale – with cabinet member for regeneration for skills Cllr Marion Atkinson describing it as “ripe for regeneration” with “incredible potential” which would complement ongoing regeneration work at the beach.
Although no specific details are provided in the reports as to which other assets the council is intending to sell off, it states the council “does not intend to hold assets longer than necessary”.
It adds that disposing of those no longer useful could free up much needed cash for the council and remove liabilities for maintenance of land and buildings as well as promoting growth in the area.
Disposals will take place through a variety of ways, from those declared community assets and transferred to community organisations to key development sites earmarked for housing and commercial development, sites set aside for self-build and those for commercial resale.
As part of its disposal plans, Sefton Council will also change the way it deals with sales of ground rent and freeholds for properties leased out by the council on long leases.
Currently, the council will dispose of the freehold when contacted by the leaseholder, but this policy is due to change with occupiers of council-owned properties to be written to and given an opportunity to buy the freehold at “best consideration.”
The papers were brought before cabinet on February 10, where the importance of Sefton Council’s assets as the “next biggest resource” after its staff was discussed.
At that meeting, Sefton’s executive director for resources and customer services, Stephan Van Arendsen told councillors it was vital for the council’s assets to be managed effectively and efficiently “to ensure that the Council derived maximum benefit from its assets in support of its strategic aims and priorities.”
The asset management and disposal policy updates were approved by cabinet and will now go to full council for further discussion.
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