Published Tuesday, 20th January 2026

Our ambitious community asset transfer and support programme - which seeks to ensure that vital facilities continue to meet the needs of local people beyond the life of this council.

We received over 160 expressions of interest from 84 local organisations keen to take on management of council-owned assets such as village halls and sports pavilions. In addition, almost 30 organisations that operate their own buildings bid for grants to improve them and secure their long-term future.

Following a thorough assessment of the initial applications, 52 expressions of interest have been invited to put forward a full business case for consideration. Organisations are being offered support to help with their business case development. Final decisions will be made in March, after which the transfer process for successful applicants can begin.

The scheme, first announced in September 2025, was set up to empower local organisations to take over the running of some council-owned land and buildings so that they remain thriving facilities for local people, after the Council is abolished in April 2027 as part of Local Government Reorganisation.

Cllr Ben Green, Executive Member for Finance and Assets said: “The response to our call for interest has been overwhelming. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to express their interest in joining this programme. We received 190 applications, which goes to show the real depth of community spirit that exists in our borough.

“I’m thrilled that so many organisations have stepped up to help secure the future of local facilities that are so important to local people, and bring lasting benefits for our communities beyond the life of this council.

“The shortlisted bids will now have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to manage these assets in a financially sustainable way and in the best interest of local residents. Sadly, we have not been able to take every proposal forwards, but I hope to be able to announce a follow-on grant scheme later in the year that would be open to local organisations, including those who have not been successful this time around.”

A community asset typically refers to land or buildings that provide a benefit to the local community rather than being held primarily for commercial reasons. Examples include community halls, sports pavilions, and open spaces.

The Council invited expressions of interest between 5 November and 2 December 2025. Proposals were assessed against criteria in the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy and Community Asset Support Scheme, and local ward councillors were consulted on the proposals in their area.

Bids received for assets that weren’t up for transfer, such as those that deliver key council services, produce significant income, or are needed for strategic reasons, were declined.

The full business cases we receive will be assessed during February and final decisions on assets to be transferred will be made in consultation with the Council’s Community Asset Advisory Group in March.

More information