Community Asset Transfer
Hartlepool Borough Council has on ongoing strategy to rationalise land and buildings that are surplus to requirements. We currently lease a number of assets to voluntary and community organisations, usually on preferential terms. The Community Asset Transfer process allows community organisations to manage buildings that play a key role in the community. Local people are often best placed to manage community facilities as they already make extensive use of their local knowledge and hands-on management often results in lower overheads and better value-for-money. Community organisations also use volunteers and take great pride in their local area. Buildings considered for Community Asset Transfer include libraries, community centres and leisure facilities, to name a few, but most sites will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Each organisation wishing to apply needs to meet the following criteria:
- Be a charitable or not-for-private-profit organisation, e.g. a registered charity, company limited by guarantee with charitable status, Community Interest Company (CIC), a co-operative or community benefit Industrial & Provident Society with an asset lock, etc.
- Generate social, economic or environmental benefits which directly benefit the people of Hartlepool.
- Have robust systems, governance and policies, as evidenced by a recognised quality mark or by meeting all the basic requirements as set out in the Community Asset Transfer Policy.
- Have the capacity to manage the asset and have directors or committee members who have the necessary experience and skills.
- Contribute towards the Council's corporate and strategic objectives.
