Supplementary A - London Borough of Hillingdon

5.2 An officer team with an Executive Sponsor and Project Manager is formed and project
plan prepared in accordance with the Council’s Project Management scheme initially
defining the current shortcomings and objectives for improvement.
5.3 The team identifies all possible options to address the need for improvement including do
nothing, traditional forms of procurement, PFI etc. All stakeholders and service users, staff
and members are consulted to seek their views on the Service and need for improvement.
An initial analysis of alternative options is undertaken, including assessment of
appropriate costs and values and decisions taken on which options to explore more fully.
The preferred two or three options are then explored in more detail to fully establish likely
costs, sources of funding and benefits of Service improvements.
5.4 The resulting fully costed appraisal with projected output/outcome targets is then reported
to PASG in the case of property related projects and then to the CISG to consider in the
context of the overall Capital Programme. If a preferred option is identified and agreed at
this stage this is then reported to Cabinet for approval.
5.5 Options appraisal is also employed when disposal of a property is being considered. For a
property asset that is no longer required for its original service use these options will
always include -
i) holding in case of future service requirement, incurring minimum possible expense
in securing and maintaining
ii)
iii)
iv)
holding in case of future service requirement, with temporary letting to generate
revenue to contribute towards cost of upkeep
disposal, in existing condition with current permitted use
use for an alternative service purpose, investment may be necessary to obtain
planning permission for change of use, for physical alterations to the building and to
address urgent backlog maintenance
v) review of development potential, possible planning application for a change of use
to enable letting at a higher value or sale for redevelopment
vi)
review of the property’s relationship to other property assets and the potential for a
wider redevelopment in partnership with the private sector or public sector partners
5.6 If the options appraisal supports disposal of the property asset a report will be made to
Cabinet. Cabinet will need to approve the decision to declare the property surplus and
determine the method of marketing to be used to achieve a sale. Alternative options may
not require Cabinet approval prior to their implementation. Corporate Property Services
offer advice on the necessity for reports and take responsibility for their drafting.
6.0 Best Value
6.1 Property Services was the subject of a best value review in 2001. Implementation of the
resulting action plan led to a number of changes to the service in particular:
• A strengthened Corporate Property Strategy Division to lead on development of
strategic management of the Council’s assets
• Development of the AMP to better meet Hillingdon’s requirements
• Adoption of Property Standards and Procedures
• Development of an integrated property database
• Implementation of project management procedures
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