Estates update

Report: 14
Date: 15 September 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.

Operation Theseus

2. In support of the ongoing needs of front line police, office accommodation has been provided within the estate to meet additional officers assigned both from within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and via mutual aid. Additional warehouse accommodation has been provided at and additional space is being sought outside of the existing estate. All costs are being monitored separately as part of the wider cost recovery exercise. Support from the Operational Support Group continues as required.

Former Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) residential property short term let to Housing Associations

3. The dispute with Housing 21 is still ongoing and it is therefore not possible to comment further at this stage. A full report will be made as soon as the situation is clearer.

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

4. ODPM has confirmed that no contributions towards funding will be required by the MPS for next financial year (2006/07) for our participation in the Key Worker Living Programme. Our contribution to funding has previously been made from receipts from the sale of residential quarters. The shared ownership product with Key Worker Living will be renamed, “New Build Home Buy”. Equity loans will almost certainly have a small percentage charge on the loan, which was previously free, but payable on sale of the property. “Claw-back” for the equity loan will remain at two years but “New Build Home Buy” will have the “claw-back” period extended to five years.

Bow Street (Police Station and Magistrates Court)

5. The Department of Constitutional Affairs cleared the joint sale arrangements and the sale contracts have been exchanged.

Central London Estate

6. As part of the continued roll out of the Central London Accommodation Strategy (CLAS), terms have now been agreed with prospective purchasers for two sites surplus to requirements. Details will be provided in the next update report to Finance Committee as it is anticipated the disposal terms will have previously been approved via urgency arrangements or via delegated powers.

7. The acquisition of Marlowe House, Sidcup and the disposal of Bow Street Police Station and Magistrates’ Court were concluded in August. Negotiations are ongoing in regard to Old Street Police Station.

8. The moves into Empress State continue to progress well.

Action under Delegated Powers (Director of Property Services)

9. The following significant items have been actioned under delegated powers.

• Numerous operational licenses/indemnities and short term/ operational matters have been signed under delegated powers (particularly in relation to national security matters) particularly to meet operational needs following the London Bombings on 7/7 and in relation to subsequent events.
• A number of day to day estate matters have been signed under delegated powers.
• Matters relating to the Notting Hill Carnival

Safer Neighbourhoods

10. Good progress on sites and locations continues.

Property Capital Programme

11. Overall projects remain on and within budget and timescale although some rephasing has been necessary due to delays in regulatory approvals and related matters.

List of abbreviations

MPS – Metropolitan Police Service
MPA – Metropolitan Police Authority
ODPM – Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

C. 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 minimize 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.

D. 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.

E. Financial implications

Any financial implications from the above items will be reported in full to the relevant committees at the appropriate time. Support to Theseus and associated operations is placing significant financial demands on Property Services and the estate. Much of this is expected to be reimbursed by Special Government Grant. Unless otherwise stated, other financial implications are manageable within existing approved budgets.

F. Background papers

None.

G. Contact details

Report author: Alan Croney, Director of Property Services, MPS.

For more information contact:

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

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