URL: https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2551

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek authority for the Assistant Director of Property & infrastructure to dispose of Breckland owned assets below market value provided there is a social, economic, or community value.

Content: RESOLVED that:   1)    Agree to give delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Property and Projects for Breckland District Council (BDC) in conjunction with the Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement, to transfer assets at an under value where the attributed value for the asset is £10,000 or less and where there is clear and demonstrable social, economic, or community benefit in accordance with the Secretary of State’s General Consent Order and the Community Asset Transfer Policy   Agreeing to permit disposals of BDC-owned assets at less than best consideration, where there is clear and demonstrable social, economic and/or community benefit, will enable the Council to maximise the overall public value derived from its land and property holdings. In many cases, the long-term benefits to local communities arising from local ownership and management outweigh the limited capital receipt that might otherwise be achieved through disposal at market value.   Enabling disposals at an undervalue supports the Council’s strategic objectives by empowering Town and Parish Councils and community organisations to take on greater responsibility for assets that are of local importance. This can result in improved stewardship, increased community use, and more sustainable long-term management of assets that might otherwise be underutilised or require ongoing Council resources.   1)    Agree to give delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Property and Projects for Breckland District Council in conjunction with the Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement for BDC to dispose of land and property assets at less than best consideration where the attributed value for the asset is £10,000 or less (except in cases where demonstrable community benefit will arise on certain sites valued above £10k) and where there is clear social, economic and/or community benefit, in accordance with the Secretary of State’s General Disposal Consent (England) 2003 and the Council’s adopted policies and governance arrangements.   2)    Do nothing – retain requirement for market value disposals. Do not agree to disposals at an undervalue and require that all land and property assets are disposed of at or above market value, irrespective of any wider social, economic or community benefits that may arise from alternative ownership or management arrangements.  This option could preclude the Parish and Town Councils securing the land they wish for their communities which would be disadvantageous to our residents and businesses.  

Date of Decision: February 9, 2026