Decision details

Final agreement to the Council’s approach to the implementation of the Community Right to Bid legislation and requirements.

Matter for Decision:  

The Leader and Scrutiny Committee considered a report summarising the new Community Right to Bid on 9 July 2012.

The Leader is asked to agree the Council’s approach to this duty.

Decision of the Leader:

              i.      Agreed the Council’s approach to the Community Right to Bid duty as set out in the Officer’s report;

            ii.      Delegated responsibility for determining compensation applications and appeals against compensation decisions to the Director of Resources

          iii.      Delegated responsibility to the Director of Environment to determine reviews (appeals) against listing of assets by the owners; and

         iv.      Delegated responsibility for the implementation and operation of the provisions of the Localism Act relating to assets of community value to the Head of Planning Services.

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Committee received a report from the Head of Planning regarding the implementation of the Community Right to Bid.

Members expressed concerns about how skilled officers would be at assessing social capital. The Head of Planning confirmed that senior officers would consider such issues and that the Head of Legal Services would be heavily involved while a skills and knowledge base was established. The criteria would be established and tested as the first cases progressed. Members were assured that the process would be open and accountable.

The Committee resolved by 4 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.