Councils across the UK occupy an estimated 56 million square metres of space, more than double the NHS estate. Yet spending on facilities management has reached £1.54bn, up around 12% since 2020, and utilities costs are up 49% despite falling consumption.
In this video interview, LocalGov editor William Eichler speaks to David Parrett, Director at Cadaema Consulting Services, about what is going wrong and what councils can do about it.
They explore why so many authorities still lack basic information on their own buildings, who should be accountable for collecting it, and whether the corporate landlord model is the answer.
Mr Parrett also discusses the impact of short-termism and competing priorities on property decisions, the role of central government, and his concern that local government reorganisation could leave councils with a glut of 'white elephant' buildings.
The conversation closes with his advice for councils that want to get a better grip on their estates this year.
Further reading:
Local Government FM: Time for a real strategy
Facilities Management: Local government's missing strategy
Learning from 1972: Getting property right this time
