Process for charities and groups to own land

Waverley Borough Council has released a new guide to community asset transfers in the area

A Surrey council has introduced a process for charities and community groups to potentially own or run public land or properties.

Waverley Borough Council (WBC) has written guidance for Voluntary or Community Organisations (VCOs) to apply for the leasehold or freehold of council assets at less than market value.

Bodies eligible for applications include charities, not-for-profit groups and parish and town councils, and the ownership should benefit the community.

Although BBC Radio Surrey could not find a local community group that was taking on any Waverley assets.

The only transfers that it could find were from WBC to other lower parish councils.

WBC leader Paul Follows said he expected local councils to come forward as well as community groups.

He said that although there is a financial element for the council, "most of this property is sitting there either doing not very much or could do a lot more”.

Farnham Residents councillor Graham White, from Farnham Town Council, said although community groups could take on a site, he thought it would be “quite difficult” as it could become “insular”.

He said Farnham Town Council previously took on Gostrey Meadow and it had become a hub and the “heart throb of the town”.

Mr White, who is also a WBC councillor, explained that taking on the site allowed Farnham Town Council to make the site “as we would like it to be”.

Councillor Mark Merryweather said: "The passion, drive and enthusiasm of our communities is one of the biggest strengths of our borough, and involving residents in the provision of local services is a great way to make the most of it.

“We have a duty of stewardship over many public assets, and we take that responsibility seriously, but if there are better ways of using our assets to provide public services then they should be explored."

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a sound business or governance plan to the borough council.

Council Asset Transfers (CAT) were popularised in 2007 and 2011 following a government review of empowering communities, known as the Quirk Review.

The review found communities benefitted when underused facilities were transferred to VCOs.

Waverley council has included CATs as a priority in their corporate strategy 2020 - 2025.