06.08.14
One Public Estate programme expands
Twenty councils have been selected to take part in the second phase of the One Public Estate programme, which uses land and property released by government to boost economic growth and regeneration.
Councils will join the Cabinet Office and Local Government Association's (LGA) programme that encourages sharing services, reducing running costs and generating capital receipts – from selling surplus property.
During the first phase of the programme, which took place last year, 12 pilot councils projected that they have saved £21m in running costs and £88m in capital receipts.
Success stories in the last 12 months include Leeds City Council which has worked with West Yorkshire Police to help it relocate, freeing up space for the city centre to be regenerated. Hull Council has also made better use of its space, reducing the number of council properties in the city from 43 to 29.
Cllr Peter Fleming, chair of the LGA's Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “The first round has been extremely successful and this second round will continue to build on the good work achieved so far. Local authorities have been in the driving seat and the achievements made during the first wave represent a tiny proportion of what we believe One Public Estate can achieve.
“I am sure the authorities taking part in the second wave of the programme will achieve great successes on behalf of their residents.”
The 20 authorities taking part in the second phase of the One Public Estate programme are:
- Manchester City
- Trafford
- Bury
- Oldham
- Salford
- Stockport
- Norfolk and Suffolk in partnership with Forest Heath and St. Edmondsbury (West Suffolk)
- Liverpool
- Birmingham
- LB Barnet
- LB Croydon
- Plymouth
- Southampton
- Kent
- York
- Cornwall
- Bradford
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude added that the programme shows what can be done when central and local government work together, “and it's great to see more and more local authorities entering the programme and demonstrating a readiness to save money for taxpayers, create new jobs and deliver better services by using their assets more efficiently”.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]