Strategic Property Management : How Can Local Authorities Develop a Property Strategy?

Property has been increasingly recognized as a key resource which, if well managed, contributes to an organization′s success. For local authorities, property is the environment in which people work and from which services are delivered. In this sense its suitability has an impact on both employees and clients, and therefore an influence on the efficiency and effectiveness of all the organization′s activities. With the pressure on organizations, not least local government, to deliver ever higher quality services at an even lower cost, property must be considered as a significant element on both sides of the formula, quality and cost. Elected members and senior managers need to identify and evaluate if and how property is contributing to value for money. This can only be achieved if both groups are clear about how property contributes to the authorities′ objectives. Establishes a broad framework for considering property at the most strategic level so that the senior management team are able to understand the costs and benefits of their decisions and the impact on the property resource.