• Greater transparency and data analysis is needed to establish the full size and shape of public sector assets. Big strides have been made to provide data on central government holdings. Although the decision to develop will be made at a devolved level, we must build on this momentum to achieve a similar register of assets held by all sectors of the NHS and Local Authorities.

• Coordination is key: Under the Infrastructure Bill currently going 
through parliament (latest draft published 10 November 2014), the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will be taking on a greater role in public land disposal. This will allow for a more joined up approach and provide a central co-ordinated knowledge base for development land delivery.

• There must be clear incentives 
for various public bodies to bring 
forward land. Accounting issues to allow public bodies to benefit from disposal receipts must be addressed to encourage development opportunities.

"There must be clear incentives for the various public bodies to bring forward land"

• The London experience shows 
that strategic and considered land disposal will deliver better results than 
a more ad hoc approach. Much has 
been achieved in London via the GLA which might serve as a blueprint for other major cities such as Manchester.

• Seeking value: A report by Localis, which included a survey of over 50 Local Authorities, revealed that one in six feel that they have been forced to dispose of assets for less than optimal value. We would therefore agree with the report’s recommendation that Treasury guidance needs to change to encourage public sector bodies to focus on long-term best value.

• Opportunities exist beyond taking one-off capital receipts for assets. We forecast that 24% of households will be renting privately by 2019. There is therefore potential for public bodies to maximise revenue income over the long-term by utilising various disposal and development structures including joint ventures, 
self-development and investing in PRS.

Taken from:
Spotlight: Public Land - unearthing potential