Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Resources Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel has been updated on the latest community asset transfers at its public meeting.
Community asset transfers followed a decision at Council as part of its 2014/15 budget.
A Policy Development and Scrutiny review in 2013 looked at that programme to see how to help support and develop the initiative.
The ideas from this review were taken on board by the cabinet.
The Scrutiny Panel received updates on how:
- Prior to a transfer, considerations including financial return, community benefit and organisational stability may be made;
- Flexibility may be given in the length of an asset’s lease, in order to suit the circumstances;
- Officers across different departments work closely together, and involve the relevant Cabinet members when facilitating a transfer;
- The Council’s ‘Connecting Capacity’ offer has provided support to those developing a transfer proposal; and
- Transfers completed are Beacon Hall / Field, Peasedown St John; and the Chapel Arts Centre, St James Memorial Hall, Bath.
Cllr John Bull, the Panel chair, said: “The Council supports positive opportunities for our communities. The potential to harness assets between the Council and communities created much interest amongst the panel’s Task and Finish Group in 2013.
“The recent update report has brought members up to date with this important initiative. I was particularly encouraged to hear of the range of assets that have been leased, or are in the process of doing so.”