Reigate & Banstead to launch ambitious community asset transfer programme

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has launched an ambitious programme to empower local people and keep its publicly owned assets in local control, beyond the life of the Council itself which will be abolished in 2027.

A community asset typically refers to land or buildings that provide a benefit to the local community, and which the community values for its social wellbeing or social interest. Examples include community halls, allotments, sports pavilions, and open spaces.

Why now?

Governance in Surrey is changing. The 12 existing councils in Surrey, including Reigate & Banstead, will be replaced by unitary councils (likely two or three) from April 2027. Retaining community assets as locally as possible will help ensure they remain in the control of local communities as well as maximise ongoing benefits to our residents. This exciting community asset transfer programme will allow the Council to transfer buildings or land like sports pavilions and community halls to voluntary / community groups to manage them in the interest of local residents.

Assets which deliver key council services, produce significant profitable income, or are required for future strategic reasons, will not be suitable for transfer.

Cllr Ben Green, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Governance said, “I am excited to bring forward this unique opportunity to empower Reigate & Banstead residents and leave a positive legacy of our Council. Looking to the future, we are fully committed to ensuring our community assets can continue to serve local people in the best way possible.

“I look forward to seeing proposals from a wide range of community groups. It will of course be important that proposals demonstrate a group’s ability to manage the asset in a financially sustainable way whilst delivering benefits to the area. For smaller groups, help will be available in the way of training, guidance, and targeted grants.

This programme is a one-of-its-kind for our Council, and we are proud to be bringing it forward for the benefit of our community.”

What is the process?

There will be a two-stage process. Community groups may express an interest in any asset held by the Council and will then be invited to submit a full bid if the asset is deemed suitable for transfer. Full details will be coming soon.

If you would like to register to be notified when full scheme details are published or have questions on the process, please send an email to: communitypartnerships@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

For more information, see the Community Assets report to the Executive meeting on 18 September (item 4), together with the draft Community Asset Transfer Policy and draft Community Asset Support Scheme.