Under Section 1(1) of the LocalGovernment (Scotland) Act 2003, local authorities are required to demonstrate“Best Value” in local government service provision by making the best use of publicresources, including land and property - keeping a considered and appropriate balancebetween cost, quality and price.Any local authority wishing todispose of surplus asset(s) for a consideration less than the best that can reasonablybe obtained on the market, must also apply for ministerial consent under Section74(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as currently in force.