Contact: Nick Gibbins, (01962) 847544; [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 This report proposes a contribution from the Invest to Save reserve to provide funding for a project to improve highway land records in respect of property deeds transferring from district councils and the Highways Agency, which in the medium term should be more than self-financing.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

· That a contribution of £118,500 be made to the funding of a project to improve the management of highway land over the next three years; and that in-principle authority be given to extend the interim funding for an Estates Surveyor if the workload so justifies and for the County Treasurer and the Interim Director of Property Business and Regulatory Services to be authorised to settle the detailed terms of such recruitment.

2 Reasons

2.1 This project should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the County Council's asset management.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not to focus some resources on improving the management of these assets which is rejected on the basis that it does not meet sound asset management principles and is contrary to Audit Commission advice.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 None.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 None.

Approved by: (signature) Date: 23 July 2008

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE Date: