Content

Cabinet
received a report on the Garage Asset Management
Programme.
 
The Portfolio Holder
for Environment and Performance advised that since the commencement
of the Garage Improvement Programme in 2016, the number of garage
voids had reduced and income had increased.  During the next phase of the programme, it was
proposed that the focus would be on the planned replacement of
asbestos roofs and day to day repairs and maintenance.
 
Members were in
support of the proposals in the report and agreed that garages were
pivotal to the Council’s future income.
 
It was noted that
although the voids figures of garages had decreased considerably,
the ultimate ambition was to secure zero voids.  Cabinet was also advised that best use of the
garage sites would always be carefully considered including the
potential for some locations to be repurposed for Housing
Development.  As a cross cutting key
council issue, the Portfolio Holder stated that Member oversight
could be provided via an approach similar to the  Executive Housing Board.
 
It was
RESOLVED that:
1.   The Council’s new
Garage Asset Management Plan 2025 to 2035, set out at Appendix A to
the report be approved.
2.   That the financial plan as
set out in paragraph 4.20 to 4.30 to help support the delivery of
the plan be approved.
3.   Council be recommended to
approve a £4.5Million budget for planned preventive
maintenance (PPM) asbestos roof replacements over 7
years.
4.   Council be recommended to
approve a budget of £250K per annum for the life of the plan
(ten years) for reactive capital repairs, and that will be built
into the Capital Strategy 2025/26.
5.   That it be noted that an
increase in garage income of £179K as identified in paragraph
4.28 of the report, to be incorporated in the final General Fund
(GF) Budget 2025/26 report that will be presented to the February
2025 Cabinet to fund:
i.     An increase in the reactive
revenue repairs budget of £29k to £120k per
annum.
ii.    The remaining
£150K to support the cost of borrowing.
6.        
That the proposed procurement route for a new repair
works contract as outlined in paragraphs 4.4 to 4.7 of the report
be approved.
7.        
That a specialist asbestos contractor be appointed
to undertake the replacement of asbestos roofs, as outlined in
paragraphs 4.8 to 4.13 of the report.
8.        
That the Strategic Director (RP), after consultation
with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation, be
given delegated authority, to award and finalise the terms of both
contracts.
9.        
That disposal of garage sites will come back to
Members on a case-by-case basis for decision.