And council chiefs have been informed about the ‘highest risk’ facing the portfolio.
A report – the quarter three review of non-treasury investments – came before the cabinet at its Town Hall meeting on Monday.
According to the report, the council has acquired 17 investment properties since 2016 – with 11 in Warrington, the other six ‘in the north west region’.
It stated that the properties include distribution and logistics units, supermarkets, offices and industrial buildings and a small proportion of leisure and non-food retail.
The purchases have been part of the council’s controversial policy to buy up property for annual returns – but as an increasingly high debt cost.
The report highlighted that the council disposed of one of these assets for a profit in 2024.
During the meeting, Cllr Denis Matthews – who is the cabinet member for finance, assets and investments – said performance of the portfolio is monitored on a weekly basis by chartered surveyors in the council’s property and estate management team.
“Each individual asset has its own business plan and exit strategy,” he added.
“This ensures both strategic and day to day asset management matters are addressed and reviewed.”
He also said officers keep the portfolio under constant review to ‘take advantage of potential exit opportunities’.
In the report, it said market valuations are carried out at least every 12 months for all properties, with the next due on March 31, 2025.
It also stated that the ‘highest risk’ to the portfolio is assessed as the impact of current economic uncertainty driven by a number of external factors including global economic trends, UK Government policy, investor confidence and occupier demand.
