FI16161

Request

I’m exploring how garage sites are managed and repurposed across the sector, particularly where social value and community impact are considered. Please treat this as a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I’d be grateful for any details you’re able to share that are readily available or already collated.

1. Garage Ownership and Occupancy

• Total number of garages owned or managed by the council

• Number currently let, vacant, or awaiting redevelopment

• If known, approximate breakdown of garage users (e.g. council tenants, residents, businesses)

2. Financial Information (if available)

• Average monthly rent charged for garages

• Approximate annual income from garage lettings

• Any recent investment or financial summaries linked to garage sites

3. Maintenance Budget and Condition

• Any allocated annual budget or planned spend for garage site maintenance or refurbishment

• Where available, any condition assessments or summaries used to inform maintenance decisions

• Any criteria used to determine whether garages are repaired, decommissioned, or redeveloped

4. Management Approach

• Whether garage sites are currently managed in-house or via an external contractor/partner

• If applicable, any upcoming reviews or strategy updates relating to garage site management, and when these are expected

5. Complaints and ASB

• Any complaints or concerns raised in the past three years relating to garage sites (e.g. condition, security, anti-social behaviour)

6. Strategic Approach and Community Impact

• Any policies or internal guidance that reference garage site management or redevelopment

• Any recent or planned redevelopments

• Where available, any documents outlining community engagement or social value considerations

Response

1. As follows:

860

372 void – 488 tenanted

The Council does not hold this information.

2. As follows:

£95

£550,000.00 based on average monthly rent and current tenanted garages

The Council does not hold this information.

3. As follows:

There is no specific budget allocated for garage maintenance/refurbishment

The Council does not hold this information.

4. As follows:

Internally

There is a current review of the lettings process and stock condition being carried out of void garages

5. As follows:

Year	Complaint Type
2022/23	Garage repairs Garage repairs
2023/24	Damage to items left in garage due to lack of repair Garage repairs Garage repairs
2024/25	Locks changed but would like to continue using garage Items removed from garage by DDC Items removed from garage by DDC Garage repairs Paid rent for garage but unable to access it

6. The Council does not hold this information.