URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3993

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Approve the proposed Asset Management Strategy

Content: RESOLVED that   i.       the Strategy Document in Appendix 1 is approved as the council’s Asset Management Strategy 2025 – 2030 (AMS).   ii.     approval of underpinning asset management plans is delegated to the Executive Director: Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration. i.       The purpose of an AMS is to:   •       align property assets and asset management activity with the council’s strategic objectives. •       provide a framework for identifying the council’s aims and key objectives to deliver by using property assets. •       ensure that decisions about the council’s building and land assets are centred on delivering its high priority areas of climate change response, affordable housing delivery and school accommodation for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).   ii.     Without an AMS the council runs a high risk of:   •       being unable to demonstrate that it can act transparently and consistently in the management of its portfolio of assets. •       management of and investment in the council’s assets being under resourced and not targeted to the council’s priorities. •       occupying buildings that are not fit for purpose with high costs of remediation and, in extreme circumstances, unsafe buildings. •       leaving operational services to make property related decisions in isolation.   iii.    The strategy document builds on the successful delivery of objectives set out in previously published asset management plans. By producing a standalone strategy which will be supported by separate, but more detailed asset management plans, there is an opportunity to work in line with best practice and the latest Public Sector Asset Management guidance.   iv.    The strategy will be adopted from 2025 and is intended to remain in place and relevant until 2030   v.     The strategy is aimed at a wide audience, both internal and external. In drafting the strategy, internal stakeholders were consulted to gain an overview of the areas of focus. This provided direction for the council’s property team to understand how they should deploy their resources to meet the key strategic objectives identified.   vi.    This proposed strategy is not a detailed plan. Detailed Asset Management Plans (AMPs) will be developed following the adoption of the strategy, these will be agreed in line with recommendation 2.2 of this report.   vii.   Whilst the strategy remains in place for five years after adoption, it dictates the future performance management of its property portfolio and the ability and capacity of its property teams to meet the key objectives. This governance process is detailed within the strategy and driven by an annual review of the deliverables identified in the AMPs.   viii.Development and implementation of the AMPs will be governed by the council’s officer led Assets and Neighbourhood Regeneration Board. i.       The alternative to approving an AMS would be a “do nothing” option.   ii.     This would not mean that assets are unmanaged, but there is a high risk that without reference to a strategy document, the portfolio of assets would not be managed effectively, it would lack a clear aim and be unlikely to align with the council’s corporate plan and priorities resulting in risk to the council. None

Date of Decision: June 24, 2025