Estates update

Report: 7
Date: 19 November 2007
By: the Director of Strategic Finance on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

This report updates members on the latest information on Estate and Property Services matters as co-ordinated with wider MPS business groups.

A. Recommendations

Members are asked to 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.

Safer Neighbourhoods

2. Stage 1 of the property programme is virtually complete with only signage and cycle lockers ongoing. One additional base is planned to be procured (fit out) by the London Borough of Hillingdon; works should be complete by December 2007. Procurement action has commenced for Stage 2 of the SN programme with tenders now returned for all services and a separate report is planned to be submitted to Finance Committee in December 2007. Work is presently ongoing to build an acquisition pipeline so that Phase 2 can get off to a good start.

3. A reporting protocol is being developed to enhance visibility of action as Phase 2 is implemented.

Procurement Related Issues

4. Considerations to build and enhance procurement support to Property Services continue.

Acquisitions and Disposals

5. An agreement to lease has been exchanged for a Patrol Base and custody facility in Barking and Dagenham to support the BOCU. A transaction under delegated powers, with EOG support, has been agreed to enhance a property asset in Hammersmith. Serviced office accommodation has been acquired to provide overflow space for CO14 at Charing Cross Police Station.

6. Schedules of Commercial and Residential disposals completed since 1 April 2007 are shown in exempt Appendix 1 and 2.

Residential Estate Strategy update

7. In line with the approved MPA Residential Estate Strategy Property Services continue to communicate with those individuals occupying residential properties owned by the MPA.

8. The opening up of the Property Zone function to all MPS colleagues has been welcomed by colleagues and commercial operators alike. Activity levels remain high.

9. Residential properties continue to be sold to occupiers and in the open market via auction/private treaty as appropriate.

Pan London Asset Plans

10. The activity of Territorial Policing (TP) BOCU Commanders continues to lead the consultation process for their respective BOCU Asset Management Plans. Property Services are supporting TP in developing the consultation and communication plans for each Borough.

11. Property Services continue to support TP on the development of the business case for MPS/CPS Integrated Prosecution Teams. A smaller pilot scheme for the introduction of “virtual courts” is also being undertaken. Further support is also being provided to facilitate the role out of approved operational changes to the current arrangements provided within Custody facilities (Project Herald).

12. Borough Based Custody Centres: The London Borough of Merton resolved to grant full planning permission for the extension of Wimbledon Police Station to create the Borough based custody centre on 28 September 2007.

13. Asset strategies continue to be progressed for other business groups, the Hendon estate, and a number of larger pan London properties where business groups share occupation. This will include contact with relevant stakeholders. The timeframes of the asset strategies are outlined in the Estate Strategy Plan.

14. Proposals in regard to the acquisition of a new operational facility to accommodate the requirements of those teams based at Heathrow are being evaluated and will be brought forward for MPA consideration in December.

15. Proposals in regard to a strategic Olympics co-ordination centre continue to be developed by Central Operations. A separate exempt report is being presented in regard to this.

Property “deals” / “schemes” under consideration

16. Property Services continue to consider other property opportunities. A separate report for the acquisition of a Patrol base for Merton BOCU is to be presented for approval at this meeting.

17. Work continues to explore an opportunity within Lambeth Borough in support of Forensic requirements. Earlier direction provided by the MPA enabled discussions to continue with the developer over the Summer.

18. A South London DoI site postponed from prior years Capital Programme action is now in need of urgent attention and a prioritisation assessment / report is being developed for early consideration.

19. The Finance Committee has also approved a site search for specialist training facilities and this challenging requirement is being actioned. An update report, on property progress, will be made in early 2008.

20. With MPS colleagues estate solutions to CTC, and related detention issues, are being explored with the Home Office and ACPO to resolve the design parameters required.

Operational Support Group

21. Work has commenced to scope the impact of the 2012 / Olympic demands that will be placed upon OSG. These are expected to be significant.

22. Computer Aided Modelling Bureau (CAMB) support to Operation Paget / Coroner’s inquest continues and is attracting a great deal of media interest which is being co-ordinated with DPA.

PFI Contract Management:

23. A new enhanced bullet catcher is currently being installed at the Gravesend facility as a result of the unexpected degradation at one of the ranges. The installation was due for completion by the week commencing 8 October.

24. The PFI provider (south east London stations and Gravesend) has withdrawn from refinancing arrangements previously approved by the MPA. Discussions and negotiations/ MPA options continue to be explored with the provider.

Town Planning Issues

25. The previously reported work in Property Services has continued and we are working closely with the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Development Agency, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and Local Planning Authorities. Representations have been made in regard to the draft London Plan and we await the full Examination in Public (EIP) report later in the Autumn. The EIP are recommending, following representations, that “police facilities be added to the Section 106 / Tariff lists in the London Plan” and it is understood The Mayor may be minded to accept this recommendation.

List of Abbreviations

BAA - British Airways Authority
BOCU - Borough Operational Command Unit
CAMB - Computer Aided Modelling Bureau
CO - Central Operations
COP - Coordination of Policing
CPS - Crime Prosecution Service
CTC - Counter Terrorism Command
DoI - Directorate of Information
DPA - Directorate of Public Affairs
EOG - Estates Oversight Group
ESP - Estates Strategic Plan
FMIC - Facilities Management Information Centre
GLA - Greater London Authority
HAL - Heathrow Airport Limited
LB - London Borough
LDA - London Development Agency
LOCOG - London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games
MPA - Metropolitan Police Authority
MPIC - Met Property Information Centre
MPS - Metropolitan Police Service
ODA - Olympic Delivery Authority
OSD - Olympic Security Directorate
OSG - Operational Support Group
SN -Safer Neighbourhoods
TP - Territorial Police

 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. Support to security operations continues to place financial demands on Property Services and the estate. Unless otherwise stated, other financial implications are manageable 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.

5. Recent insurance inspections have raised on site management issues that could adversely impact risk management / cover and, with MPS colleagues, an action plan to address these issues is underway

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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