We own many buildings across the city where public services are delivered from. Some of these buildings are used by VCS organisations, who deliver valuable services to local communities. We are committed to working with our partners in the VCS to develop these buildings into community run facilities.
What is CAT
Community Asset Transfer (CAT) is the transfer of management of public buildings or land from us, the Council, to a Voluntary Community Sector (VCS) organisation for less than market value, to achieve a local social, economic or environmental benefit.
CAT presents VCS organisations with the opportunity to breathe new life into public buildings, to preserve valuable community resources and to develop exciting new services for local communities.
Benefits of CAT
CAT offers significant benefits both directly and indirectly for the community, local service providers and community organisations in many different ways, these include:
- Promotion of community coherence and participation
- Enabling of local residents to be involved in service planning and decision making
- Bringing local residents together to support each other
- Creation of jobs and activities for local people
- Enabling community organisations to deliver more accessible and community responsive services
- Providing opportunities for local groups to attract new funding and grants back into the community to generate growth.
- Building capacity and skills in people
- Developing better partnerships between the Council and VCS organisations
- Supporting the Council to make savings on revenue and capital
- Historical buildings can be restored to productive use
- Enabling the Council and VCS organisations to deliver on shared vision and objectives.
Terms of transfer
We don't usually offer a freehold transfer on a CAT. Current policy allows a lease of up to 39 years at a less than market rate or peppercorn rent. Lease agreements are on a full repair and insure basis. This means that the leaseholder has responsibility for repairs, maintenance and insurance of the building
Things to consider:
- Length of time – CAT can be a lengthy process and could take up to 12 months from the pre application stage to completion.
- Cost - CAT can result in additional costs to VCS organisations in terms of repairs and maintenance.
Who can apply
Any VCS organisation, such as local groups, charities or not for profits can apply, however groups must be incorporated.