Bucks Council sold £28m in assets since 2020 to fund housing and education projects, raising concerns about future needs.
The council also transferred some assets in Aylesbury. These transfers, including Paradise Orchard and other land, were community asset transfers.
These sales represent a small portion of the total assets, which were valued at over £2 billion. The council is currently auditing its accounts, and this total may be subject to change.
The Bucks Free Press obtained data on asset sales, and the council states that these sales are intended to fund housing and education initiatives. Council leader Martin Tett noted that they are running out of assets, yet the council plans more sales, potentially including centers for disabled adults.
John Chilver stated that Bucks is similar to other councils in making regular asset decisions. He emphasized that many factors influence these decisions, including finances, market conditions, and resident needs, with good value being a key consideration. He added that circumstances change over time, and what was effective previously may no longer be suitable.
Land at Nightingale Way was sold for £1.1 million, and Collins House was sold for £2.6 million, with both sites slated for affordable housing construction. Crest Road was sold for £9.7 million, while land at Winslow Station sold for £1, and Horns Lane fetched £5.35 million; all three will be developed into affordable homes.
Councillor Stuart Wilson expressed his support for the housing projects. He advocated for the council to accelerate the sale of unwanted assets to improve finances and property management.
He noted that these assets include old district council facilities, and cited the sale of King George V House, where the price was not disclosed, and is not included in the data. Wilson expressed concern about selling too much and potentially regretting it later, emphasizing that every sale requires careful consideration, citing housing association transfers as an example.
He pointed out that the current affordable housing construction rate is struggling and that over 7,000 people need housing. Wilson also mentioned the closing of children’s homes, leading the council to purchase homes to reinstate services, which they claim is a cost-saving measure.
Wilson also raised concerns about the potential sale or repurposing of four adult day care centers. He believes they are underused and in poor condition but fears that this decision will be regretted later, as rebuilding them will be costly.
Families have expressed worries about the potential sale of these centers, viewing it as a short-sighted decision. The council maintains that no final decision has been made and claims to have consulted with the public.
Chilver stated that the council is expanding children’s homes because provider costs for children in care have risen rapidly. They aim to keep more children local.
He stated that decisions are made carefully, involving consultations with staff and residents when necessary. The ultimate goal is to achieve the best outcome and provide good value for the community.