Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Community Centres, Councillor Nicholson, introduced the recommendations of the Executive for the adoption of the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy.  The CAT Policy had been drafted with support from Local Partnerships and the Local Government Association (LGA).

The policy would enable local community organisations to run facilities which were not considered statutory services by the Government such as community centres and sports pavilions.  The measures would enable the Council to create savings whilst retaining those assets for social benefit.  Included with the proposals was the creation of a resource to allow the Council to work closely with local groups and help them through the CAT process.  The resource would be funded under proposals outlined in a report later on the agenda.

The proposals for the policy were generally welcomed by the Council.  The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee advised that the policy would be discussed by the Committee which would seek to monitor the performance of the Centres which had been transferred.  In response to concerns raised, the Portfolio Holder explained that only community groups would be able to apply to run the facilities; the policy did not allow for private enterprises to become involved.  It was added that a number of community groups had already expressed interest in the opportunities the policy would provide.

RESOLVED

That the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy, as attached at Appendix 1 to the Executive report, be adopted.

Reporting Person – Louise Strongitharm

The Executive received a report which recommended to Council the adoption of the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy.  The Executive was advised that the Council was looking to local community organisations to run facilities such as community centres and sports pavilions, to enable the Council to create savings whilst retaining those assets for social benefit.  The Leader highlighted that as community centres and sports pavilions were not considered statutory services by the Government, the Council would need to consider alternative ways to offer those facilities.  It was noted that the CAT Policy had been drafted with support from Local Partnerships and the Local Government Association (LGA).  The report also proposed a resource to allow the Council to work closely with local groups and help them through the CAT process, to be funded under proposals contained in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) item later on the agenda.

During the autumn public consultation on proposed service reduction, a number of community groups had expressed interest in the running of sports pavilions and community centres and discussions with those groups were ongoing.  Examples of facilities being successfully run by the community in the Borough were highlighted, such as Old Woking Community Centre.

It was noted that a CAT Board would be established, consisting of appropriate Officers, which would identify assets for CAT and make decisions on expression of interest and business cases.  Final decisions would be signed off by an Executive Member on an evidence basis.

The Executive welcomed the proposed Policy which would sustain valuable community assets, empower community enterprises and provide social and economic benefits for local areas.  Due to the Council’s financial situation, it was hoped to start CATs within the next year.  The Executive thanked the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Nicholson, and Officers for their hard work on drafting the CAT Policy.

REcommended to Council

That the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be adopted.

Reason:   The Council has a number of assets that have the potential to be run by community organisations (referred to as community enterprises).  This would enable the Council to create savings whilst the asset is retained for social benefit.  Community Asset Transfers (CATs) also have the opportunity of supporting the Borough’s voluntary and community sector in their development and economic growth.