A report of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management provided Members with an update on progress made with regard to community asset transfers; explained the present position in respect of available funding and sought instructions as to the way forward.  He informed the Cabinet, in particular, that the transfer of Heswall and Alexander Halls had been completed earlier in the day.

The Director reported that community asset transfer supported the Council’s goal to reduce the running costs of the Council by improving the efficiency and value for money of Council services whilst reducing bureaucracy.  Members noted that there would be a saving in the Council’s budget as a consequence of the transfers.

Councillor H Smith asked when the Director would be able to set out proposals for Beechwood Community Centre and was informed that the Business Case was awaited.  The Director informed that he would speak to the Asset Management Team to ascertain progress and provide Councillor Smith with more detail in a written response

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the Progress to date with the community asset transfer programme and commitments against the   Community Fund allocation be noted;

(2)  officers be requested to seek approval to extend the use of the existing Community Fund allocation   beyond March 2012;

(3)  the proposed way forward as set out in the report be approved; and

(4)  The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be requested to provide a detailed response in due   course to Councillor H Smith’s question (detailed above).