At a Glance…
Following the establishment of their Capital Projects and Property team and endorsement of the Strategic Asset Management Property Improvement Plan (SAMPIP), Haringey Council sought to undertake an Asset Challenge (AC) of its operational property portfolio. The goal was to decide whether to retain, refurbish, repurpose, or dispose of assets with clear rationale, but limited capacity and inexperience in this approach posed challenges.
The Challenge
Peopletoo was commissioned to assist with the AC as part of their broader support on the Corporate Property Model (CPM). This involved creating four Directorate-specific reports and a summary report identifying cross-cutting opportunities and tailored recommendations for each asset. Governance support was also provided to ensure a transparent sign-off process for recommendations and secure active service engagement. As this was a novel approach for Haringey, careful attention was paid to aligning the process with the Council’s operational needs.
Our Approach & Delivery
Peopletoo took several key steps to deliver the AC successfully. A governance process was established to ensure Service engagement and transparency in decision-making. A scoring methodology was developed, blending qualitative insights (e.g., accessibility, utilisation) with quantitative data (e.g., running costs, energy efficiency). Service strategies and interdependencies were examined to anticipate future asset requirements, while workshops and consultations with stakeholders ensured a comprehensive understanding of asset use. Data gathering clarified property costs, and the summary report identified opportunities for optimisation, income generation, and asset sharing.
Outcomes Achieved
The AC resulted in recommendations to streamline delivery models, better align capital works with strategic needs, and optimise asset utilisation. Of the 77 reviewed assets, 8 were identified for immediate disposal, while others required further appraisal, with potential for additional disposals. Suggestions included improving leasing strategies and enhancing community asset alignment. Estimated financial benefits included £15m in capital receipts, £700k in revenue savings, and £440k in cost avoidance, underscoring the value of the Asset Challenge.
