Agenda item

To receive notice, via the Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils, of a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on reducing the prevalence of private estate management arrangements and consider a response, if appropriate.

The Committee received notification of the Government consultation on reducing the prevalence of private estate management arrangements.

Members noted the complexity of the consultation, which comprised 156 separate questions within a 23-page online submission it was therefore agreed that the submission a written response would be more appropriate.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential financial implications and operational impact on the Town Council arising from any proposed changes. In particular how any commuted sums would be calculated to ensure the long-term protection and maintenance of assets that may be transferred to the Council’s care. It was also emphasised that the Council should retain the right to refuse the adoption of assets where it is not satisfied that sufficient provision has been made to enable their sustainable long-term maintenance and service delivery for the community.

It was unanimously agreed that the views of all Councillors should be sought prior to Officers drafting a formal response for the Committee’s approval and that these be forwarded to Officers no later than 3 March, in order to enable a draft response to be prepared for consideration by the Planning and Development Committee at its meeting on 10 March.

Resolved

1.      That Officers issue details of the consultation to all Councillor with a request for submission of their comments and,

2.      That Officers prepare a draft response for approval at the next meeting of the Committee on 10 March 2026.