What it is: Government watchdog the Audit Commission has published Room for Improvement, a lukewarm assessment of progress in public sector property management since the last significant study in 2000.

When it came out: 17 June 2009

Why it is important: It finds “room for improvement” in the management of public sector assets. It says while some councils are on top of their property portfolios, only one in 14 councils is an exemplary manager of its assets.

According to the report, the recession is an opportunity for councils to prepare plans for using the property they own more efficiently and effectively, as well as presenting opportunities to acquire assets for the
future. It will nonetheless “limit the scope for asset disposals”.

Read the report in full: Room for Improvement 17 June 2009

• Countdown to IFRS report by Audit Commission
• National Audit Office report on Decent Homes
• Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government
• National Audit Office on coalfield regeneration
• Better Management of Public Sector Assets – Lyons