Issue - meetings

Council uses its property assets for a range of purposes including direct delivery of services, revenue generation and supporting corporate plan objectives. The current general fund portfolio is diverse and is reviewed regularly in relation to maintenance liability, revenue generation and capital appreciation.

The Medium Term Financial Strategy was premised among other factors on ongoing cost savings in the maintenance of assets to be achieved by rationalising the asset base. In addition the capital programme required funding from receipts generated from asset disposal and part of that disposal process would include the option for community group ownership of some of the assets which are of community value.

Members were advised that Cabinet was being asked to agree an in-principle decision before the disposal process was commenced. A final decision would be made by Cabinet at the appropriate time in the disposal process.

The following Members spoke under Council Procedure 20.1:

Councillor Game;

Councillor Campbell;

Councillor K. Gregory;

Councillor Partington;

Councillor L. Potts;

Councillor Johnston;

Councillor Dawson;

Councillor Matterface;

Councillor Taylor-Smith.

Cabinet agreed to withdraw from the disposal list, the land adjacent to the Northdown Park (which is maintained by Margate Garden Gate Project).

Cabinet also clarified that the Quarterdeck (which has a 99 year lease that expires in 2063) will be unaffected by the proposed asset disposal.

Thereafter Councillor Townend proposed, Councillor Wells seconded and Members agreed the following, subject to the above amendment and clarification:

1.  To proceed with the disposal of assets listed in Annex 1 (to the Cabinet report), with sale proceeds being used to fund the asset management and capital programme;

2.  To proceed with the transfer of assets listed in Annex 2 (to the Cabinet report), to Parish & Town Councils and eligible Community Groups to ensure their continued use for the benefit of the community;

3.  To agree to further investigations being undertaken in respect of further properties to be listed and brought forward for disposal in the future.