With local authorities now in control of land and property assets worth in excess of £130 billion, the issue of property asset management has never been so important. In recognition of this, Bruton Knowles is organising a series of local government property conferences specifically for property professionals and lawyers working in local government and dealing with these valuable assets on a daily basis.

The one day conferences will provide strategic advice and up-to-the-minute information on getting best value from property assets including the effective management of disposals, as well as debating the future of topical issues ranging from the Planning Gain Supplement to Sir Michael Lyons proposal for a supplementary business rate. The event will provide a platform for the discussion of the key issues facing property professionals and lawyers working in local government and those working in partnership with them.

Richard Law, senior partner at Bruton Knowles, said: “There is huge pressure for local authorities to drive the efficiency agenda through the effective management of the billions of pounds worth of real estate they control.

“Whether managing, regenerating, purchasing or disposing of property, it is essential that local government officers have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of all key legal and policy requirements. This conference will give local authority managers, estates professionals and lawyers the strategy and the tools required to make informed, effective property asset decisions and get maximum value from their portfolio.”

Bruton Knowles is organising this series of conferences in conjunction with commercial property and planning specialist law firm Davitt Jones Bould and Kings Chambers, the leading planning and property barrister chambers. All three practices have extensive experience in public sector property asset management and regularly work with local authorities across the country to ensure that property assets make an effective contribution to the delivery of public services and achieve strategic requirements.

Speakers from Bruton Knowles, Davitt Jones Bould and Kings Chambers will address topics including:

• Using Compulsory Purchase Orders effectively
• Negotiating the way through planning regulations
• The Crichel Down Rules & General Disposal Consent
• Managing effective disposals
• Clawback and overage
• Maximising value from planning gains

Angus Myles, head of public sector at Bruton Knowles, added: “We are delighted to be organising this important event in North Yorkshire assembling leading professional experts from legal and property consultancies with a wealth of public sector property assets experience.  It will provide a unique opportunity for decision makers, managers and lawyers with direct responsibility for local authority property to come together and benefit from shared learning through insightful presentations and informed debate.”

The last of the three conferences for 2007 will take place at Keele on Tuesday 6 November at 9.30 am to 4.45 pm.

For further details about the planned events, venues and directions or to register online visit www.lgpc.co.uk