Community Asset Transfer and Support Programme
We will soon be launching a community asset transfer and support programme to empower local organisations to operate thriving community assets that support the needs of our local community. A key ambition of this programme is to keep council-owned assets in local control, beyond the life of the Council, which is due to be abolished from April 2027 as part of Local Government Reorganisation.
When the scheme formally launches in early November, local community groups and organisations will be invited to express their interest in taking over certain community assets to manage them in the interest of local residents.
A grant scheme will also support local organisations who already own community assets to improve those assets and secure their future for the long term.
What assets will be considered?
A community asset typically refers to land or buildings that provide a benefit to the local community, and which they value for its social wellbeing or social interest. Examples include community halls, sports pavilions, allotments and open spaces.
Assets which deliver key council services, produce significant profitable income, or are required for future strategic reasons, will not be suitable for transfer.
The Council’s asset list can be viewed on the Asset Register dataset webpage.
Application process
For all the support available through the programme there will be a two-stage process:
- Eligible groups will be able to submit an expression of interest
- An assessment of the expression of interest will be made and if deemed suitable the group will be asked to submit a full business case.
Proposals will need to demonstrate a group’s ability to manage the asset in a financially sustainable way whilst delivering benefits to the area.
If the bid is successful, the transfer process can begin.
Details will be published in our Community Asset Transfer Policy and Community Asset Support Scheme documents when the scheme launches in the next few days, along with application guidance.
Support for smaller groups
For smaller groups, help will be available in the way of briefings, guidance, and targeted grants.
Information will be published in our Community Asset Support Scheme when the scheme launches.
Register your interest
An online form to formally submit an expression of interest to transfer an asset will be available here from early November.
In advance of the scheme launch, if you would like to register to be notified when full scheme details are published, or have questions on the process, please email communitypartnerships@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
More information
The scheme was agreed at a meeting of the full Council on Thursday 25 September 2025, following Executive support on 18 September.
For more information, read the Community Assets report, together with the draft Community Asset Transfer Policy and draft Community Asset Support Scheme, considered at the Executive meeting on 18 September - see item 4 (ModernGov).