Richard Gawthorpe of the Norse Group argues that facing a new reality of financial pressure and reorganisation, local authorities must shift their mindset from viewing public estates as liabilities to seeing them as engines of fiscal resilience and growth. He advocates for bold leadership, strategic repurposing (like converting offices to housing), and using innovative financing tools like joint ventures to generate revenue while retaining strategic control.

Chris Brain, FRICS, demystifies Section 114 notices, explaining their origins in the 1985 rate-capping rebellion and clarifying that they are a measure to prevent, not signify, council bankruptcy. He details the severe financial pressures on UK local authorities due to external forces and increased demand for services, contrasting media portrayals with the true purpose and implications of a Section 114 notice.

Nick Helm and Adam Hulme highlight the significant opportunities for local authorities in developing heat networks. They discuss how these networks can help achieve net-zero targets and lower costs, while emphasizing the increasing regulatory support and the critical need for legal expertise in navigating procurement and real estate complexities.

Kevin Moore of Worcester City Council details the complex and rewarding project to demolish 56 Foregate Street, creating a vital link between Worcester City Centre and the River Severn, transforming the railway arches into a vibrant destination, and showcasing the impact of proactive council intervention

Rebekah Formosa of Lambert Smith Hampton outlines how the government's 2025 Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies present a blueprint for transforming UK cities and towns. She emphasizes the critical role of local authorities in securing funding by adopting a holistic approach to regeneration that integrates social, environmental, and economic value.

With the Community Ownership Fund closed, Mark Walton of Shared Assets argues that local authorities are now crucial in supporting community asset ownership, acting as landowners, facilitators, and regulators to empower communities and revitalize neighborhoods

Donna Best, FRICS, offers crucial insights for local authority valuers on Red Book compliance and asset valuations, drawn from common queries and RICS's free compliance workshop. She clarifies who can perform these valuations, the importance of independence, and how to demonstrate adequate supervision when signing off reports.

This article clarifies common misconceptions about the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS) for local authority valuers, explaining how councils can register as Sponsoring Non-Regulated Organisations (SPONROs) and the obligations for both the authority and individual Registered Valuers.

Discover the saga of Nottingham's Broadmarsh regeneration, a complex project overcoming challenges like the Intu administration and a Section 114 notice, transforming a defunct shopping centre into a vibrant new urban quarter with the help of public-private partnerships.

Richard Allen, former President of ACES and a Nottingham City Council veteran, reflects on the transformation of Nottingham since his retirement in 2008, focusing on property decisions, major regeneration projects like Broadmarsh, and the evolving role of public sector property teams. He also highlights the enduring value of ACES membership and networking.

Jemma Shorrock argues that achieving the government's ambitious housing targets requires a stronger partnership between public and private sectors and increased capacity within local authorities. She highlights the critical shortage of planning officers and the need for renewed investment in the front line to prevent housing applications from stalling.

Dan Gordon, a Senior Policy Advisor at MHCLG, details the High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) powers introduced to combat high street vacancy. He explains how these new regulations, effective from December 2024, empower local authorities to address persistent empty units and stimulate regeneration, citing a successful early intervention in Barnsley.

Iain Mulvey explores a German local authority's proactive approach to residential development, where a public development company directly builds housing, captures developer profits, and borrows private sector money. He examines whether this model, which prioritizes community needs and sustainability, could offer solutions to the UK's housing challenges.

Dan Gordon, Senior Policy Advisor at MHCLG, explains High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), a new power for local authorities in England to tackle persistent commercial high street vacancy and revitalise town centres.

Phil Farrell of JLL recounts the complex saga of Nottingham's Broad Marsh regeneration, a project battling past planning mistakes, financial adversity, and the city's Section 114 notice. He highlights the collaborative efforts between Nottingham City Council and Homes England, which are finally bringing the ambitious master plan, including the "Green Heart," to fruition.

Simon Barry of Boyer Planning questions the efficacy of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) as a solution to revitalizing struggling high streets. While the government aims to empower councils to auction leases for vacant retail spaces, this article delves into the complex challenges faced by high streets and explores whether HSRAs can truly foster a dynamic, diverse presence.

Ben Hodge of Savills highlights the benefits of property auctions for local authorities, emphasizing how this method ensures transparency, achieves true market value, and provides a quick, cost-effective way to dispose of surplus assets and generate capital.