Local authorities need a functional estate of the appropriate size and quality to fulfil their responsibilities and support the delivery of their services.Taking rational decisions on the future use of heritage assets presupposes that the local authority has a sound understanding of the nature, significance, condition and potential of its heritage asset base relative to its wider property base. Local authorities can manage their heritage assets more effectively by:

• Having multidisciplinary asset management teams which proactively seek specialist input from local conservation and heritage officers on regeneration opportunities and consult with statutory heritage agencies;
• Having a dedicated estate manager who knows what the local authority owns and is responsible for maintaining records which detail for each asset any restrictions on re-use options in terms of restrictive covenants etc.
• Commissioning additional research, analysis, surveys or investigations to ensure value for money. This work should be proportionate to the nature of the asset and its significance; and
• Investing in effective property management systems.

Case Study: East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s approach to asset management.

This case study explores how a multi-functional asset management database can provide a local authority with the ability to maintain and manage its property portfolio effectively. It also looks at how this can enable them to quickly bring those buildings surplus to local authority requirements back into alternative uses through disposal.