All Articles

Success in a live disposals programme depends less on identifying individual assets and more on commissioning the conditions in which delivery can happen effectively. Kathryn Hurlock outlines how to move from strategic intent to corporate change.

With over 80% of the UK's underground infrastructure now mapped, the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) provides instant access to a secure, standardized map of buried pipes and cables. Learn how local authorities can join this digital transformation to reduce asset strikes and improve operational efficiency.

Facing the scale of change set out in the English Devolution White Paper, 21 areas are currently navigating Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). To support them, the LGA and Local Partnerships have launched the LGR toolkit—a central index of wisdom, checklists, and thematic guidance to simplify the path from proposal to Vesting Day.

Managing complex mixed-use estates requires more than just reactive maintenance; it demands integrated strategic thinking. From navigating "net zero conundrums" to ensuring accounting transparency across diverse lease structures, discover how proactive asset management can protect capital value and ensure long-term resilience in a performance-driven market.

From changing duvets in the Scottish Highlands to dodging selfie-takers in European caves, David Bentley recounts his latest "semi-retired" adventures. Discover why a sourdough starter named Lucy is his newest nemesis and why tomato ketchup might (or might not) be the secret to a clean dog.

Local authorities currently control over £41bn in property assets, but high borrowing costs and geographic restrictions have brought new acquisitions to a standstill. As LGPS pooling nears completion and market sentiment improves, we look at why the "stalemate" in regional offices and shopping centers may finally break in late 2026.

An anonymous "insider" explores the government’s dual plan for devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in England, which aims to create new Mayoral Authorities and Unitary Councils. The article focuses on the critical, practical impact these changes have on property professionals, detailing key challenges like property asset transfer, system updates, and preparing for the Structural Change Order.

Richard Allen, a former ACES President, questions whether Community Asset Transfer (CAT) is a policy "inherently destined to fail," given the struggles of high-profile cases like the Lenton Centre and St Ann’s Allotments in Nottingham. He argues that while CAT is vital for community empowerment, success hinges on robust local authority support, long-term leases, and addressing the growing challenge of volunteer shortages in community groups.

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.

Sam Caulton of Re-Leased argues that AI is transforming property management, enabling firms to scale operations and elevate service quality. He emphasizes that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the property manager's role, shifting focus from manual tasks to proactive, strategic management and deeper tenant relationships.

Nonye Amatobi, Commercial Lead for the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Estate Category team, introduces the new Estate Management Service 2 (EMS2) RM6343 framework. This framework aims to revolutionize public sector property management by fostering strategic supplier partnerships, driving innovation, and addressing key market challenges like expiring PFI projects and the push for net-zero.