Third sector grabs 1,000 council buildings

As many as 1,000 council buildings, gardens and other local authority assets are currently in the process of being transferred to the third sector according to new research released yesterday.

The Asset Transfer Unit, which is managed by the Development Trusts Association (DTA), has completed an independent snapshot survey with SQW Consulting, which found 350 asset transfer projects currently underway from a sample of 119 local authorities.

Hugh Rolo, head of assets and investment at the DTA, said: ‘Based on data extrapolated from this survey we would suggest that a conservative estimate of 1,000 transfers currently in progress.’

He added: ‘With diminishing capital budgets, and as more strategic approaches to asset management are deployed, we expect to see a dramatic increase in the rate of public to third sector asset transfers over the coming years.’

Junior communities and local government minister Barbara Follett said: ‘Transferring assets to community management or ownership in a thoughtful and supported way can bring real added social value, particularly important in these straitened times.’

Publication of the survey results coincided with the launch of the fourth round of the Advancing Assets for Communities demonstration programme. The programme will offer expert support and advice to more than 30 local authorities and their third sector partners seeking to develop joint plans for community asset transfer.

To read the independent survey from SQW, click here.

Source: www.socialenterpriselive.com