Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report. 

RESOLVED – That the Draft Asset Management Plan 2023/24 be agreed for public consultation

REASON FOR DECISION:

To commence a public consultation on how the Council manages its assets.

Councillor Christopher Hall, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance introduced Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development who presented the report set out in the agenda

RESOLVED – That the Draft Asset Management Plan 2023/24 be agreed for public consultation

REASON FOR DECISION:

To commence a public consultation on how the Council manages its assets.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the attached report. 

David Candlin, Head of Economic Development and Property introduced the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       The Crescent Road car park underwent a major refurbishment of the main structure relatively recently.  Providing the car park continued to be maintained it should remain operational for another 50 years. 

-       Similarly, providing the other multi-storey car parks were maintained they should all have a significant life span.

-       The revenue received from car parks would help cover the costs to ensure they were adequately and appropriately maintained.

-       The increased maintenance costs at the Tunbridge Wells sports centre was due both to the age of the building and the need to replace the systems within which were coming to the end of their life span. Leisure centres were not cheap to operate, especially in terms of energy use and the fabric of the buildings. 

-       The current total maintenance budget was about £1m.  The Council could usefully spend about £2m to £2.5m per year.  The money therefore had to be carefully managed to ensure all the Council’s assets were maintained to an acceptable level.

-       It was noted that the planned maintenance plan was based on a 10 year projection.  For example, in terms of a roof, the Council would make an assessment on its projected life span.  If the life span of the roof exceeded that projection, then the plan would be adjusted accordingly.  The plan was fluid and reviewed according to need.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report be supported.