It is important for local authorities to regularly review what is in their property portfolio and to include surplus assets, where possible, in any regeneration or housing strategies they are drawing up. The Homes and Communities Agency who are responsible for the ‘Register of Surplus Public Sector Assets’ actively encourages local authorities touse the register to develop strategic housing land availability assessments to make the most of assets which are coming forward for disposal. Such practice allow assets to be brought back into use as soon as possible and in many cases can provide opportunities for sustainable disposals, identifying beneficial re-use options for such buildings. 

The following steps provide guidance for local authorities on how to formulate sustainable disposal mechanisms for assets which, after periodic reviews of a local authority’s property portfolio, may present opportunities for disposal.