URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1902

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To update on the progress of the Services and Assets Devolution framework and introduce the draft Services and Assets Evaluation Matrix for approval.

Content: Members received the report of the Deputy Chief Executive that provided an update on the progress of the Services and Assets Devolution Framework (SADF) and introduced a draft Services and Assets Evaluation Matrix (the Matrix) for approval (Appendix B to the report).    The SADF was adopted by Cabinet in March 2025 and provided the criteria the Council would apply when considering whether to dispose of services and assets, governed by the Council’s adopted Asset Disposal Policy (ADP).  It was likely that in certain circumstances, some assets would not be eligible for devolution, including those that generated significant income, were held to fulfil strategic priorities, projects or future capital realisation.   Between March and the 30 September 2025 deadline, the Council had received Expressions of Interest (EOI) for 131 assets within the district from 25 different organisations; none had been made in relation to services beyond those associated with repairing and maintaining an asset.  Events, workshops and individual meetings had been held with community groups and parish and town councils to explain the criteria of the SADF and listen to any concerns raised, as well as discuss the legislative constraints that applied to public bodies when meeting their statutory obligations.   To inform the process, the Council had also reviewed and made a high-level assessment of some 200 of its land assets to ensure that it had up to date information and understood the existing and future values, as well as identifying assets that were likely to be excluded from the SADF criteria.       The Matrix would support the Council to deliver the objectives of the SADF openly and transparently by demonstrating the rationale of its decision making.  The Matrix weighed the financial value of an asset above others, supporting the Council’s Fit for the Future priority within the Council Plan. In addition, other less tangible values, would also be considered, including community benefit, environmental and economic values, and supporting the key Council Plan priorities of Live Well Locally, A Thriving Local Economy and Green to the Core.   The SADF criteria would be applied to each EOI and authority sought from the Property and Service Investment and Disposal Panel (PSIDP) to invite a full business case from applicants to demonstrate capability and affordability to manage and maintain the asset lawfully and responsibly.  Once a business case was received, assessed and recommended by the PSIDP, it would be recommended to Cabinet that the service and asset be devolved to the applicant.   An internal project team would be formed to oversee the process, including colleagues from the Estates team as well as Finance and Legal teams. The project was already monitored by the Council’s internal Corporate Programme Board and the Board would continue to monitor progress as well as project risks and its communication approach.  Members were supportive of the Matric being used to complement and aid decision making and reiterated that the ADP and supporting SADF should be flexible and applied on a case by case basis, in light of local information.    RESOLVED: That   1)     the progress of the implementation of the Services and Assets Devolution Framework and next steps be noted;   2)     the draft Services and Assets Evaluation Matrix be considered and approved for use in the next phase of the implementation of the Services and Assets Devolution Framework; and   3)     the Property and Services Investment and Disposal Panel be authorised to make amendments to the Services and Assets Evaluation Matrix criteria as may be required, noting that any final approval to devolve or dispose an asset remains with Cabinet.

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025