Lichfield community asset transfer could take place if approved by councillors
Council assets could be transferred over to community groups under new proposals being put forward by Lichfield District Council.
If approved the move would protect assets from being repurposed or developed in the future, as they would be owned and managed by the community.
Now cabinet members at the local authority are being asked to support, in principle, the use of community asset transfers as a means of protecting assets.
A report to councillors also suggests that local government reorganisation could involve decisions involving community assets could stop being made locally.
The report states: “there is greater concern over the looming local government reorganisation and desire to ensure, whatever the outcome of that activity, that important local assets remain available to community organisations for purposes that benefit the communities they serve, where such activities represent good value to the taxpayer.”
Decisions on whether to make an asset transfer will be made on the basis of 14 criteria, including; does it provide a benefit to the community; does it support the aims and priorities of the council; and the value of the asset.
A wide range of organisations could be eligible to apply for a transfer including clubs and community organisations, voluntary and community organisations or parish councils.
The process can also be started by outreach from the council or an application.
A report to cabinet members states: “There are many potential benefits to this approach, preeminent among is the opportunity to protect our open spaces, historic buildings, sports clubs and other assets from potential future development.
"With local government reorganisation there is a genuine risk that the future of land and property of community and social value may cease to be determined locally if/when the council becomes part of a larger authority covering a wider geography.”
“Most councils consider Community Asset Transfer as a response to recurrent, challenging spending review settlements and a need to consider asset transfer as an enabler to achieve financial efficiencies.
"For Lichfield District Council, the picture is different.
"The council is in a strong financial position today, albeit there is some uncertainty over the final years of the Medium Term Financial Strategy with ‘known unknowns’ in relation to the content of a promised multi-year settlement from government.”
The cabinet is set to meet on Monday, June 23 to make a decision.
