Decision details

This report considers the alternative options on providing security to the Council’sempty buildings awaiting redevelopment

1.     Agreed that the policy of using property guardians to secure empty buildings be amended to reflect alternative security measures on the following basis:

·       No new commercial guardian arrangements will be entered into:

·       That property guardian contracts on buildings with a legacy of issues are ended as soon as possible by giving up to 6 months’ notice:

·       That property guardian contracts on buildings without a legacy of issues are ended when the council needs the buildings back for redevelopment:

·       That implementing these recommendations is delegated to the Service Director for Property in consultation with the Director of Finance and Cabinet Member for Corporate Property and Housing.

2.     Agreed that vacated buildings will be demolished, redeployed or where suitable, transferred to a Third Sector organisation under a mean-while use agreement for temporary housing accommodation and that this is delegated to the Service Director for Property in consultation with the Director of Finance and Cabinet Member for Corporate Property and Housing.

3.   Agreed that the Service Director for Property in consultation with the

       Director of Finance have delegated authority for the procurement of works

       up to the value of £1.41m in 2017/18 to demolish buildings vacated as a

       result of this change in policy. This will be undertaken in advance of their

       future redevelopment and the cost will be funded from the Housing

       Delivery enabling budget, which forms part of the agreed Capital

       Programme.