Community Asset Transfer and Support Programme

Two sessions were held to provide an overview of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's new Community Asset Support Scheme (CASS) grant programme. The scheme is a follow-on from previous community asset support work but is grant funding only, with no further community asset transfers planned.

Questions and answers

Can an organisation submit more than one application?

Yes, organisations can submit more than one application. However, it is considered unlikely that the panel would approve more than £20,000 in total to any one organisation or two separate awards to the same organisation. If applicants do submit more than one proposal they may wish to indicate which proposal is their preferred option.

Can multiple items be included within one application?

Yes. Applicants can submit a "basket" of related projects within a single application provided the total request does not exceed £20,000.

Applicants should explain:

• What each element is
• How the elements collectively deliver community benefit
• The impact they expect to achieve

The assessment panel may decide to support all, some, or only part of the proposed basket of projects or not support.

If the grant is only contributing to a larger project, how specific does the application need to be about what the council funding will pay for?

Applicants should identify what element of the wider project the grant would contribute towards. For example, in an accessible toilet project, the funding could be linked to a specific component such as sanitary ware. Exact separation of costs is not always possible, but applicants should provide a reasonable indication of how the grant relates to the overall project.

Does the whole project need to be completed by 31 March 2027, or only the grant funding spent?

All grant funding must be spent by 31 March 2027. If the grant is funding a clearly defined element of a larger project that can be completed and evidenced by that date, it may be eligible. However, the scheme is not intended to fund a contribution towards a much larger project that will continue beyond the deadline without a clearly completed and demonstrable deliverable.

Follow-up question: If a project such as church roof works with solar panels has started and the contractor has been paid before 31 March, but the project is not yet completed, would that be eligible?

Probably not. The applicant would need to identify a specific deliverable element that could be completed and reported on by 31 March 2027. Otherwise, it would be difficult to meet the scheme requirements.

Are churches eligible to apply?

Yes. Churches and religious organisations are eligible to apply, provided they meet the scheme's wider eligibility requirements.

Would refuge provision qualify if service users originally come from outside the borough?

Yes. Residents living in refuge accommodation within the borough would be considered residents for the purposes of the scheme. If the project benefits those residents, it would be eligible.

How should applicants provide quotes where every supplier offers different playground equipment options?

Applicants should provide the available quotes and clearly explain their preferred option within the application. It is acceptable for different suppliers to offer slightly different solutions. Applicants can use the application form and notes section to explain preferred specifications and any alternative options.

Follow-up question: Can the panel approve only part of a larger quote?

Yes. Applicants should outline the options available. The panel may decide to support only part of a proposal where appropriate.

What counts as an "improvement" to a community asset?

Councillors have asked officers to prioritise projects that deliver a clear and tangible improvement for the community. The scheme is not intended to fund routine maintenance or normal ongoing repair obligations.

Examples likely to be viewed more favourably include:

• accessibility improvements
• new facilities or equipment
• changes that enable increased community use
• improvements that demonstrably enhance the community experience

Routine maintenance such as standard boiler repairs, roof maintenance, or annual upkeep is less likely to be prioritised unless there is a strong case showing wider community impact.

Main clarifications

• Assets must be located within Reigate & Banstead.
• Applicants must own the asset, hold a lease with at least 10 years remaining, or demonstrate a long-term arrangement with landlord support.
• Schools are regarded as public sector bodies and are not eligible.
• Projects over £10,000 require three quotes; projects under £10,000 require one quote.
• Funding cannot be awarded where applicants are still seeking essential match funding.
• The application process is technically called an "Expression of Interest" but is effectively a single-stage application process requiring substantial detail upfront.
• Applicants can submit missing quotes or permissions after the application deadline and at the latest by 20 November, provided they Contact the Community Partnerships team for project-specific advice if needed.

Additional clarifications

Word version of the application form: Applicants can request a Word version of the Expression of Interest (EOI) form to assist internal drafting and review. The final submission must still be completed online.

Missing documents at submission: If all supporting documents are not available by the application deadline, applicants should still submit their EOI. Outstanding documents (for example, quotes) can be supplied afterwards, up to 20 November 2026.

Lease requirements

Applicants must:

• own the asset or
• hold a lease with at least 10 years remaining or
• demonstrate landlord support for a long-term lease arrangement

Assessment focus

Applications will primarily be assessed against:

1. community impact.
2. organisational capacity to deliver.
3. project feasibility, permissions and costings.

Schools are not eligible as they are regarded as public sector bodies which are not eligible within the guidance.

More information

For more information see the Community Asset Support Scheme Grants 2026/27 - guidance for applicants page.