Estates update

Report: 11
Date: 23 June 2005
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report updates members on the latest information on Estate and Property Services matters.

A. Recommendation

That members note the information on current estate issues.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. At the Finance Committee on 24 October 2002, it was agreed that a report on estates issues would be produced at alternate meetings. Source documents can be found in previous relevant reports and also in the Members' Library.

Crossrail link

2. An examination into the Crossrail project has determined that no MPA property will be directly affected although we continue to monitor the position.

Asset Valuation 2005

3. Inspections and values have been completed and are being uploaded for year end accounts. No material matters arise for report to Members.

Construction Partnering

4. Property Services are examining accelerated procurement routes for patrol bases and custody clusters and, possibly, office fit outs. This will enable us to gain an advantage across a range of projects and avoid having to tender for each project. Full risk assessment reports are being prepared for the Director of Resources and MPA Treasurer.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Key Worker Schemes

5. The match funding arrangements under the Key Home Buy Scheme is due to end at the close of the 2005/06 financial year. Between April 2004 and February 2005, 105 equity loans were granted to MPS personnel. The average loan is £37k and the average purchase price is £158k. Total equity loans are £3.9m.

The Energy Performance Building Directive

6. The Energy Performance Building Directive will become effective from the 4 January 2006. Whilst detailed guidance has yet to be published this directive will require all Public Buildings above 1000m2 to display an Energy Performance Certificate (similar to those currently used on new white goods). The ratings will range from A-G. There is no clarity on the definition of Public Buildings although guidance is anticipated in June 2005. If the MPA buildings were to be classified as Public an extensive programme of assessment and labeling would be required. Issues around the long-term effect that a poor rating would have on the asset value have yet to be established. We are alert to the issue and are monitoring the situation.

Strategy Review and Service Review

7. It was envisaged that the MPA Property Strategy would be reviewed and updated in June 2005. The decision to conduct a “Service Review” has since been made and it is now considered inappropriate to attempt to pre judge the outcomes. Hence a full review of Property Strategy and delivery plans has been postponed to late 2005 so decisions can be viewed in the full light of Service Review findings.

8. It has, however, been agreed that the Residential Estate strategy/policy review be reported to Members outside the Service Review purview.

Impact of Estate Policy on Policing and Citizen Focus

9. MPS Management Board has recently reviewed the impact of estate policy and delivery on wider policing plans. A copy of the agreed report has been forwarded to MPS Resource Approval Committee (RAC) Members for information and noting.

C. Race and equality impact

Any equality and diversity implications arising from the matters in this report are being assessed as part of the individual project or item and will be reported separately to the Committee at the appropriate time.

D. Financial implications

Any financial implications from the above items will be reported in full to the relevant committees at the appropriate time. Unless otherwise stated no new implications are anticipated, or are already within existing approved budgets.

E. Legal implications

1. Contract or other documentation in these matters will contain all the usual commercial terms and provisions, and no unduly onerous or unusual terms – except where reported otherwise.

2. Significant risks have been evaluated and considered and steps taken to minimise or manage such risks.

3. All reported matters are considered to be within the powers of the Authority.

4. All/any disposal represents the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained – save where stated otherwise.

F. Background papers

None

G. Contact details

Report author: Alan Croney, Director of Property Services.

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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