Agenda item

The Director of Estates & Building Services presents a report to:

·       Update the Commission on the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy, amended in light of changes to legislation, Council objectives, the Community Services & Library Needs Assessment, policy and practice since adoption of a CAT Policy in 2008 as last updated in 2022.

·       Provide an overview of the recent amendments in light of the above changes.

·       Agree the mechanism for bringing to full Council for approval (if necessary).

The Service Manager for Asset Strategy gave a presentation updating the Commission on the amended Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy as outlined in the documents attached to the agenda pack. Including A Guide to Community Asset Transfer.

The Committee were invited to ask questions and make comments. Key points included:

·       Members emphasised the importance of receiving clear and accessible supporting information when considering policy updates.

·       A list would be provided to members detailing the buildings and operators of premises that had undergone a transfer.

·       The importance of generating community awareness of CAT was noted.  

·       The Council’s position focussed primarily on leasing, rather than disposal of assets.

·       Shorter term leases were generally offered to promote compliancy.

·       Heads of terms are used in the marketing stage of any CAT process and would be specific to the site being marketed. They set out the key terms of any lease.

·       Costs were incurred by the Council due to landlord responsibilities including for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in order to let the building.

·       The UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme had provided grant funding for some CAT organisations to deliver energy improvements and other capital improvements that support business viability.

·       Members noted the success of asset transfers within the Braunstone and Rowley Fields ward, with officers commended on their community support.

·       Members referenced the Locality national membership network raising questions about the proposed policy updates. It was suggested that benchmarking against other local authorities could be useful, further to the benchmarking already completed by Neighbourhoods Services. Members stating that Locality had identified policies that Locality considered successful.

·       A task group was requested by members to consider the implications of the policy updates and proposals.

·       The Council remained committed to working in partnership with Ward Councillors and communities.

·       The Council provided third party infrastructure support too, which provides assistance to groups during any CAT process.

·       Ward Councillors did not have input at the procurement stage.

·       The Guide to Community Asset Transfer included a processfor determining if Community Organisations were suitable for the Community Asset Transfer Process and also a Process for full application review by Asset Transfer Review Group. It included where Ward Councillors were involved and also the CAT Decision route.

·       Members highlighted the importance of community perception concerning policy implementation.

·       The CAT policy was highlighted by members as being of key importance to matters pertaining to Community Centres and Libraries.

·       Members having undergone CATs within their wards noted that the City Mayor had engaged fully with Ward Councillors. They welcomed the policy updates whilst other members held reservations.

·       Legal advice would be sought and would be shared with the commission on whether Ward Councillors could be briefed about new CAT opportunities.

·       Length of leases was dependent on the evidence criteria and business case submitted at application. Any lease longer than 7 years was legally classed as a disposal, generally leases were initially of 5 years to enable successful applicants to become established.

·       A scoring matrix was inbuilt within the assessment policy to ensure fairness and transparency.

Councillor Barton left during the consideration of this item.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted

2)    That comments made by members of this commission be taken into account.

3)    For the formation of a scrutiny Task Group, to consider the implications of the policy updates.

4)    That a list of buildings and operators of premises having undergone CAT would be circulated to the commission.

5)    For the legal position on ward councillor briefing to be shared to the commission.