Millions to be saved by council’s property review

A review of Shropshire Council’s property and estates is planned to make a multi-million pound savings contribution to the council over the next three years, as it works to make the most efficient use of its assets.

The Government has recommended that councils across the country should be looking to reduce the number of buildings they own by up to 30 per cent to save money and energy costs.

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will consider a report on Wednesday 3 August 2011 on the Asset Management Strategy, which sets out how many buildings the council owns and whether they should remain under council ownership or not.

Although there are no details about individual properties, the report does explain the criteria which will be used to assess the suitability of buildings, such as running costs, condition and what they are currently used for.

The strategy is designed to make sure the council is making the best use of its resources, as part of wider plans to become more streamlined and efficient.  Government budget cuts mean the council needs to save £76 million over the next three years, and this review of property and estates will make a significant contribution to this.

Councillor Robert Tindall, deputy cabinet member for asset management, said:

“I am pleased to be leading this important work that will see the council make savings from its portfolio of assets and property across the county.  At the same time, we are being careful to ensure that we retain the right balance of assets and property within the council as part of our plans to give Shropshire an excellent platform for our future prosperity and growth.”