Agenda item

This report provides information on City of York (CYC) asset disposal policies.

The Vice-Chair introduced the Ethical Asset Disposal Update report and provided the Committee with some additional information in relation to the work of other councils: 

·        West Lancashire Borough Council examine all assets on a ward by ward basis, these were discussed with Ward Councillors and taken to Council for approval.

·        Other local authorities (LAs) have specific policy documents relating to Ethical Asset Disposal.

·        The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) held examples of good practice.  Membership of the UKGBC was free for LAs, and it was felt that the council should investigate the benefits of membership.

Officers responded to questions from Members and matters raised under Public Participation as follows:

·        Decisions concerning asset disposal should be taken on a case by case basis.

·        Officers were obliged to identify the opportunity cost of an asset and consideration should be given to both the social value and alternative use of funds.

·        The council had an obligation to achieve the best value for an asset.  It was not legally possible to make a value judgement against a potential purchaser but constraints could be attached to limit the use of an asset.

Resolved:            That the Committee receive the report and request further research to be undertaken by the working group.

Reason:              To keep the Committee updated.