Community Asset Transfer

National Perspective

Debbie LambDevelopment Manager

Locality

We believe that every community is a place of possibility

Locality - merger of bassac and the Development Trusts Association

Nationwide network of settlements, development trusts, social action centres and community enterprises.

Locality

Locality members• Over 450 members in England

• Independent, community led, multi-purpose, local

• Assets, enterprise, social action

• A combined income of £297m, £177m is earned income

• £643 million community owned assets

• 5,000 staff and 23,000 volunteers

Community Asset Ownership

• National perspective on ….

• Why and how communities acquire assets

• Success factors

• Funding and Support

Why assets?

• Regeneration of local areas• Retaining/developing local services• Long-term commitment to an area• Earning income• Preserving valued buildings

– Long-term future

Community Owned Assets

• Traditional Purchase• Community Asset Transfer

– Quirk to current policy push

• Community Right to Bid: the Localism Act

Not all buildings are assets!

Community Asset Transfer

• Leasehold (min 25yrs) Most 99+ years• Less than market value to get social

outcomes• Asset locked, not for profit organisation• Multiple asset transfer• Local authorities and others?

Right to Bid• Retaining assets of community value for

community use

• Voluntary and community organisations and parish councils can nominate an asset

• Decision to sell triggers moratorium period

• Moratorium gives community organisations opportunity to raise funding to buy the asset

CAT and Right to Bid

Right to Bid Asset Transfer

Basis Statutory Policy encouragement

Type of asset Community value Any publicly owned asset

Ownership Any owner Public sector

Process Defined in Localism Act By negotiation

Value Market value Usually at an undervalue

Terms Must be freehold or lease of 25+ years

By negotiation

Success Factors

• Community support• Volunteers • Skills and enthusiasm of Board and staff• Stakeholder support• Viable business model• Identifying and mitigating the risks• Potential sources of capital funding

Websites and Resources

www.mycommunityrights.org.uk

www.locality.org.uk

Publications:• To Have and To Hold• Making the Most of Local Assets• plus technical guidance and case studies

Advice and SupportMy Community Rights Advice Service•E-mail and phone enquiry service•Options for direct supportCommunity Assets and Services Grants•Social Investment Business•Pre-feasibility and feasibility•Asset transfer and Right to Bid

web: www.locality.org.uk email: info@locality.org.uk

tel: 0845 458 8336 Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London NI

6DRDebbie Lamb 01207 588534