Community Asset Transfer National Perspective Debbie Lamb Development 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 BidAsset Transfer BasisStatutoryPolicy encouragement Type of assetCommunity valueAny publicly owned asset OwnershipAny ownerPublic sector ProcessDefined in Localism ActBy negotiation ValueMarket valueUsually at an undervalue TermsMust 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 Publications: To Have and To Hold Making the Most of Local Assets plus technical guidance and case studies

Advice and Support My Community Rights Advice Service and phone enquiry service Options for direct support Community Assets and Services Grants Social Investment Business Pre-feasibility and feasibility Asset transfer and Right to Bid

web: tel: Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London NI 6DR Debbie Lamb