Estates update

Report: 9
Date: 20 April 2006
By: Commissioner

Summary

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

A. Recommendations

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.

Service Review

2. As reported in November 2005, proposals to accelerate the rollout of the Estates Strategy and the escalation of the Safer Neighbourhoods programme will condense the time in which to deliver Safer Neighbourhoods bases. We are working with Finance to resolve funding issues.

Safer Neighbourhoods

3. At 28 February, space for 165 teams had been delivered against a full year target of 160 teams in 2005/06. It is expected that accommodation for approximately 190 teams will be provided by the end of the financial year. In terms of the overall project performance, space for 290 Safer Neighbourhood Teams have been delivered by the end of the 05/06 financial year.

4. Borough visits continue for 2006/07 rollout to agree a Safer Neighbourhoods accommodation plan taking full account of Property Services Asset Management Plans.

Acquisitions and sales

5. The acquisition of the leasehold interest in Grosvenor House, Wallington to meet the accommodation needs of SCD teams completed at the end of February. The leasehold interest for accommodation at Great Cambridge Industrial Estate completed on 20 January providing accommodation for Enfield BOCU Patrol Base. In addition, a leasehold interest in industrial units in SW8 completed on 17 March.

6. Contracts completed on 31 March in regard to the acquisition of the freehold interest in Larkhall Lane.

7. The sale of Old Street former Police Station and Magistrates Court was completed on 22 February 2006.

8. Following the request of MPA members in November 2005, a schedule of disposals completed to 31 March 2006 appears on this agenda as exempt Appendix 1.

Property Capital Programme

9. Overall projects remain on and within budget and timescale although some re-phasing has been necessary due to delays in regulatory approvals and related matters. Property Services continue to work with Directorate of Information (DoI) to finalise the revised occupational requirements of DoI for one of their South London locations.

MPA / MPS Estate Strategy – “Building Towards the Safest City” (BTSC)

10. As previously reported, draft revisions will be made available to key stakeholders and members for consultation.

Residential Estate Strategy update

11. Members approved an interim strategy at the Finance Committee meeting on the 16 February 2006. Following this approval, Property Services are now preparing an exit strategy for those section houses/quarters’ units that will not be part of the future property holding.

12. In addition, communication with existing residential occupiers continues. A number of roadshows have been scheduled to provide a forum at which residents can ask questions/raise concerns. MPA members/officers have been provided with details of these. A verbal update on the progress of the roadshows will be given on 20 April.

13. Disposals of vacant properties already identified as surplus to the estate continue. Following the request made by MPA members in November 2005, a schedule of the most recent residential disposals appears as exempt Appendix 2.

Central London Accommodation Strategy - Empress State Building:

14. The annual update Paper has been presented under separate cover.

15. Post occupancy surveys continue to maximise utilisation / reallocation and to ensure Service Review changes are not resulting in reduced efficiency of usage.

New Scotland Yard

16. Pending the result of the Counter Terrorism Review, Property Services will consider space implications and the options available to accommodate growth.

The Chancellor’s 2006 budget impact on property matters

17. The proposal to introduce a tax on the uplift in value of land once planning permission is granted – known as “Planning Gain Supplement” – was referred to again by the Chancellor in his budget speech. The introduction of such a tax would have implications for all those with an interest in Property, including the MPA; impacting on the value of property, taxes to be paid, and the cost of obtaining planning permission. Property Services will continue to monitor this position, having previously objected to the proposal as part of the earlier consultation process.

Abbreviations

MPS

Metropolitan Police Service

MPA

Metropolitan Police Authority

BOCU

Borough Operational Command Unit

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

1. 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

1. 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 continue to place financial demands on Property Services, and the estate. Unless otherwise stated, other financial implications are manageable within existing approved budgets.

F. Background papers

None provided

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

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback