Our expert Paul Cutler BA (Hons) MRICS explains how Bellrock can support local authorities to satisfy the complex requirements of managing buildings in multiple occupation…
Local Authority spending on commercial property takes place in the context of the Prudential Framework, made up of both powers and duties created by legislation and a set of statutory codes and guidance.
In 2020 a National Audit Office report examined whether the framework overseen by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities allows for the management of risks to the financial sustainability of English Local Authorities from investment in commercial property.
The report clearly urged more control to be taken in respect of both the acquisition and by implication the on-going management of commercial properties owned by local authorities that will inevitably include properties which require service charges to be operated.
Paul Cutler BA (Hons) MRICS
Paul is a leading service charge expert with over 30 years’ experience in commercial property management.
Understandably operational considerations rightly take precedence for estates departments of local authorities but obligations under the terms of the occupational leases of properties they own can sometimes get overlooked. In such cases it can be problematic if a local authority’s obligations as a landlord and/ or the provisions of the RICS Professional Standard on Service Charges in Commercial Property are not adhered to, particularly if tenants raise queries.
Furthermore, the costs of certain repair and maintenance works to buildings in the ownership of a local authority may or may not be recoverable from its tenants, which will inevitably have implications for both the funding and timing of such works.
To negotiate and satisfy the myriad requirements of managing buildings in multiple occupation whilst helping to maintain the real estate facilities from which front line services are delivered, local authorities can benefit from the advice of Chartered Surveyors who specialise in Property Management disciplines.
The Bellrock Property Management Department includes chartered surveyors with successful and lengthy track records in the commercial property management who work in conjunction with a very experienced property management accounts team. Bellrock is an RICS registered company providing best practice services and we are fully compliant with the RICS Professional Standard.
If you are a Local Authority that could benefit from advice, please get in contact for further information.
Paul Cutler BA (Hons) MRICS
Paul.Cutler@Bellrockgroup.co.uk
Mobile: 07969399042
