Agenda item

Report of the Acting Chief Executive and Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance

The Committee received an update report on the progress made against the Council’s Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan and the performance of the property portfolio.

The report outlined the proactive approach being taken to the management of the property portfolio and the outcomes were welcomed by the Committee.

It was commented that Councillors have continued to challenge the use of the Dryden Centre and that it should be an area for future focus. It was confirmed that the site could potentially be used for housing, however, it was reported that the Council trades from the Dryden Centre therefore work is underway to identify an alternative site which will safeguard this income stream.

The Committee suggested that the Dryden Centre could be closed if the trading activity was relocated to Gateshead Town Centre, either at the Civic Centre or in partnership with Gateshead College. It was commented that parking facilities exist within the town centre and that the location would be more accessible by public transport.

It was commented that there is space available within the Civic Centre and it was queried whether the building is being used effectively.

It was reported that office staff based at the Dryden Centre can be accommodated within the Civic Centre but that an alternative location to trade from has yet to be identified.

It was queried whether the reduction in energy consumption takes into account the reduction in the number of buildings held by the Council.  It was confirmed that property rationalisation has contributed to the reduction in energy consumption in addition to the energy efficiency works. It was agreed that a breakdown of the factors be provided.

Business cases were prepared and assessed prior to energy efficiency works being approved and carried out. Once the works have been completed, the same process will be followed for energy generation schemes. This approach was welcomed by the Committee.

In respect of carbon emission monitoring, the use of weather corrected figures was queried. It was clarified that changes in weather can result in a 15% variance in gas consumption figures therefore the weather correction calculation deducts this variability.

It was commented that there is much evidence of borough-wide energy efficiency schemes and this was praised. It was suggested that activity could now focus on energy generation schemes, such as the installation of solar panels on properties within the Council’s housing stock.

It was recognised that centralisation will generate savings, however, it was commented that the Council should seek to maintain a public interface with residents in localities. The Committee was pleased to note that work is being undertaken to maintain the delivery of some services from within local communities, by linking with schools, GP practices and other partner organisations.

It was agreed that a performance report be received in respect of the Council’s Music Service which is based at the Dryden Centre.

Information was sought on the operation and performance of the Civic Centre heating system along with timescales for maintenance works.  It was noted that a survey has been carried out on both the Civic Centre heating system and switchgear and that works will be carried out as part of the Strategic Maintenance Programme, however, works to the heating system can only be carried out in the summer season when the system is not in use. A separate update will be provided to the Committee in relation to this.

The Committee requested information in respect of the Public Sector PLC including performance information for monitoring purposes.