Building The Case for Asset Transfer
So far in this process, you have found a facility you would like to take over, you have planned any building work and sought the advice of architects, you have looked at your own capacity to go through this process and you have carried out a feasibility study to see if your plan is viable. With all this background work completed, you are equipped to begin putting together the case for the transfer.
An asset is most likely to be considered for transfer if there is an argument to say that:
- it is currently under-used. This may not always be as straightforward as a council-owned building lying empty. The building may already be being used by another organisation – even another community organisation.
- it could be more efficiently or effectively run by a community organisation.
- transferring it to a community organisation would also achieve other community benefits.
You should aim to make a case to prove how your ideas will do one or more of these things. You should also show how your plans will improve the use of the facility - for example increasing opening hours or the total numbers of and types or people who would use it.
Examine who are the current stake holders in the facility/asset. Who is likely to support your proposal? Who is likely to be against it? In an informal and friendly manner attempt to find out the views of people with an interest in the asset so that you know what you are likely to be facing.
The Policy Context
The owner of the land or building will need clear reasons for transferring the asset to the community. A voluntary or community organisation can build a very persuasive case for asset transfer based on the policies that particular public sector organisations need to fulfil.
These can include the following:
- Increasing participation in sport
- Community capacity building
- Neighbourhood renewal policy
- The reform of local government and citizen engagement
- Support for the development of social and community enterprise
- Support for the voluntary and community sector
- The design and care of parks and the ‘public realm’
- Health promotion through participation in sport
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Is the asset currently used?
Is the asset currently vacant?
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