Agenda and minutes

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

Director of Asset Management to report.

The Chairman outlined the history to this issue which had stemmed from a workshop on the use of community buildings by the Chief Executive of Lewisham Local Authority who was undertaking a review on behalf of Ruth Kelly.

The Local Government White Paper also referred to the empowerment of local people to manage neighbourhoods and their own community facilities.

Ian Smith, Director of Asset Management, circulated copies of a document he had prepared, which detailed a number of extracts from various reports, including the White Paper and a report submitted to the Regeneration and Asset Board.  A copy of the report submitted to the Regeneration and Asset Board on the 15^th November, 2006 would be circulated to all those present.

Further information and detail was provided on the extracts contained as part of the report submitted and questions/comments were welcomed.

Arnold Murray, Asset Manager, reported on the work currently taking place with colleagues in Neighbourhoods to produce a process and methodology for the production of area based asset management plans to support the community plans as a result of proposals that may be confirmed as part of the White Paper.

This proactive approach may assist with any Community Calls for Action or implications associated with it.

Arnold Murray explained that the transfer of assets to community groups was supported by the Community Development Trust.  The day after the White Paper was published a newsletter was circulated by the Community Development Trust advising about the white paper and workshops arranged to assist community groups to obtain transfers of assets to community groups.

Arnold Murray explained how discussions were taking place with the Community Planning Teams to integrate community and area asset management planning and develop criteria to support this process.

It was important to look at the bigger picture and to consider the management of all assets should a transfer request come from a community group.

Councillor Ellis, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, confirmed that as a group of Area Assembly Chairs had discussed this issue and the Our Future Group 3 had also done some work on this issue.

All agreed that it was important that the Council had some safeguards should approaches be made by community groups, with careful consideration about the best use of buildings and using the buildings wisely.

Discussion ensued and various issues were raised and debated.  These included:-

-                 Outcome of the Quirke Review.

-                 How Parish Councils would be affected and their use of community buildings.

-                 Takeover bids for libraries etc.

-                 Possibility of conflict between community groups.

-                 Need for clear guidelines.

-                 The need for the Council and Parish Councils to work together.

-                 Advantages and disadvantages.

-                 Data collection to support a decision.

-                 Role of the Area Assembly.

-                 Robust financial planning.

-                 Equal opportunities and activity by Rotherham North Area Assembly.

-                 Outcome of the White Paper.

It was suggested that views put forward were only speculative at this stage until further information was provided on the White  ...  view the full minutes text for item 234.