Agenda item

The Committee received a report from the Head of Planning and Assets giving an update on the disposal of assets procedure (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Asset Services Manager informed the Committee that actions had been taken to improve the disposal process following the sale of Windlestone Hall.  Although some improvements were already being addressed prior to the Committee’s recommendations in February, further changes have been made.  He referred members to the attached Action Plan that would go to Cabinet in July for formal approval, and the Disposals Strategy guidance note.  He assured that the Committee that the process would continue to be monitored and informed that Internal Audit would carry out a further review in 6 months.

The External Auditor commented that the key issue would be to follow best practice and evidence how the process has been followed.

The Chairman asked that new members of the Committee be sent copies of previous reports on Windlestone Hall.

On answering a question from Councillor Carr about the decision regarding Whinney Hill School, the Asset Services Manager confirmed that the decision was delegated to the Head of Planning and Assets.  He assured members that if assets were under value, the Corporate Director, Resources would be involved in the process.  Councillor Carr asked how many chartered surveyors were employed by Durham County Council and the Asset Services Manager confirmed that there were 10 chartered surveyors.

Resolved:

(i)         That the Committee were assured that the disposal process had been improved and enhanced.

(ii)        That the updated Disposal Strategy and Process Map be noted.

(iii)       That a review to take place in 6 months time be approved.

The Committee received a report from the Head of Planning and Assets giving an update on the disposal of assets procedure (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Asset Services Manager informed the Committee that actions had been taken to improve the disposal process following the sale of Windlestone Hall.  Although some improvements were already being addressed prior to the Committee’s recommendations in February, further changes have been made.  He referred members to the attached Action Plan that would go to Cabinet in July for formal approval, and the Disposals Strategy guidance note.  He assured that the Committee that the process would continue to be monitored and informed that Internal Audit would carry out a further review in 6 months.

The External Auditor commented that the key issue would be to follow best practice and evidence how the process has been followed.

The Chairman asked that new members of the Committee be sent copies of previous reports on Windlestone Hall.

On answering a question from Councillor Carr about the decision regarding Whinney Hill School, the Asset Services Manager confirmed that the decision was delegated to the Head of Planning and Assets.  He assured members that if assets were being considered for sale at under current value, the Corporate Director, Resources would be involved in the process.  Councillor Carr asked how many chartered surveyors were employed by Durham County Council and the Asset Services Manager confirmed that there were 10 chartered surveyors.

Resolved:

(i)         That the Committee were assured that the disposal process had been improved and enhanced.

(ii)        That the updated Disposal Strategy and Process Map be noted.

(iii)       That the outcomes of the planned internal audit follow up review be reported back to committee when complete.