Understanding Community Asset Transfer
Community asset transfer involves transferring ownership or management of land or buildings from the council to a local community organisation. This guidance outlines the process for evaluating requests for community asset transfers and ensures fair and transparent decision-making.
When Community Asset Transfer is considered
Community asset transfer may be considered in two situations:
Council-initiated disposal
When the council decides to sell land or buildings and is willing to forgo financial gains for potential community benefits.
Community-initiated request
When an existing community organisation or resident within council-owned properties expresses interest in exploring asset transfer.
The council does not encourage speculative approaches for asset transfer.
Guiding principles for Community Asset Transfer
This guidance provides a clear framework for assessing all expressions of interest in community asset transfer.
Recognising community benefits
The council acknowledges the multiple advantages of community asset transfers and actively seeks to utilise asset transfer as a strategic tool.
Balancing benefits and outcomes
While the council values community benefits, it also considers other potential benefits or outcomes, such as financial returns from commercial rentals, future investment value, or regenerative benefits from asset disposal.
Balancing asset sales and community regeneration
The council has existing guidelines for disposing of underused or surplus assets while investing in infrastructure projects. It strives to maintain a balance between asset sales for funding investments and regenerating communities through alternative uses.
Consideration of risks and opportunities
The council's decision-making process involves weighing community benefits against the risks involved in asset transfer and the opportunity cost of alternative options.
Supporting a stronger third sector
The council recognises that effective community asset ownership and management can contribute to a stronger third sector and revitalised local communities.
Alignment with corporate goals
The council aims to ensure that any asset transfers align with its broader objectives outlined in the Corporate Plan and other relevant strategies.
Decision making process
Following evaluation of a proposed community asset transfer, a report with recommendations will be presented to the Executive Director of Place for a decision. This decision will be made in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Regeneration, Economy, and Skills.
School buildings and landholding
School buildings and landholding are not covered under this guidance. Any disposal of such assets would require prior approval under Section 77 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998.