Decision details

Consideration was given to a report of the Deputy Chief Executive, People and Place which sought approval for proposed revisions to the existing Co-operative Approach to the Use of Assets with a view to promoting an alternative approach to improve and streamline the process.

It was noted that the revised policy would:

• Limit applications to 12 months otherwise the group would have to reapply
• A standard approach similar to the model used by other Councils
• A range of tools, programmes and initiatives to make the process simpler

Options/Alternatives considered

Option 1 – To retain the current approach to the use of Council Assets policy and the Council’s approach to community assets transfer.

Option 2 - In order to improve / streamline the CAT process and as a means of objectively filtering expressions of interest from community groups etc to agree to:-

·         The proposed revisions to the Co-operative Approach to the Use of Council Assets Policy.

·         Use of the application form and assessment matrix with effect from the 1 April 2019.

·         The Council limiting applicants to a period of 12 months in which to complete a lease otherwise the group had to either re-apply or the Council may opt to withdraw and re-categorise the asset to the Surplus Estate for subsequent disposal if substantive / meaningful progress towards a CAT is not made by the applicant / group.

·         Where the Council had yet to receive a full business case from existing CAT applicants (ie as indicated in Appendix 2), then they were to be requested to complete the application form and also advised of the assessment matrix / the revised process / time limits to progress matters as outlined above.

·         Note that groups occupying Council assets and where no formal lease was currently in place that the Council would no longer be in a position to cover the running costs and repairs & maintenance. Notice periods and engagement with groups would follow if this was approved.

RESOLVED – That the proposed amendments to the Council’s current Cooperative approach to the Use of Council’s Assets policy be approved to clarify the process of Community Asset Transfer from both the Council’s and Applicant’s perspective.