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web: www.locality.org.uk email: info@locality.org.uk tel: 0845 458 8336. Locality is the leading nationwide network of settlements, development trusts, social action centres and community enterprises. . Locality. We believe that every community is a place of possibility.
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web: www.locality.org.ukemail: info@locality.org.uktel: 0845 458 8336
Locality is the leading nationwide network of settlements, development trusts, social action centres and community enterprises. Locality
We believe that every community is a place of possibility. 700 members across the UK (59 full, provisional and associate members in South West) • £325 million combined income • £172 million earned income • £660 million assets in community ownership
Types of assets….. Managed workspace, industrial buildings, visitor centres, marina, sports facilities, training facilities, shops, cafes, cinema, housing, green space, car parks, community centres, live/work space, health centres, nursery, transport (buses), wind farm, arts centre…. …and an abattoir!
Localism Sets out proposal aimed to shift power away from central government to local people Proposals contained in the Localism Act published in December 2010 Royal Assent Nov ’11 Came into force April ‘12
Main Measures • New freedoms and flexibilities for local government • New rights and powers for communities and individuals • Reform of the planning system • Reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally
New Rights Community Right to Bid Local authorities will need to keep a list of assets of community value. When they come up for sale or change of ownership community groups will have the right to develop a bid Community Right to Challenge The right for VCOs, Parish Councils and local authority employees to express and interest in running a public service Community Right to Build As part of neighbourhood planning allows communities to bring forward development proposals. If meet minimum criteria and gain support through local referendum then can go ahead without traditional planning application
Community Right to Bid • Community Right to Bid Process • Apply to put asset on LA register of ‘Assets of Community Value’ • 6 month moratorium if asset is put up for sale to allow community to prepare plans and finance to buy (must notify interest within 6 weeks) • No compulsion on owner to accept the community’s offer! • Lots of other detail!
…… a positive step forward • Process puts a spotlight on land and buildings that the community sees as important to them • - Allows a window of opportunity to acquire the assets for the community which didn’t exist previously • - Above all the very existence of the law now legitimises community asset ownership
Why take on an asset? • Secure the asset (& possibly a linked service) for the community in the future • Ability to use the asset as the springboard for enterprise and income generation For the organisation: • Enables you to control and plan for the long term • Can give credibility and sustainability
How do you get hold of an asset? • Purchase on the open market – link to community right to bid • Purchase at less than open market value (OMV) • Community Asset Transfer from a public body – freehold/long leasehold – support from ATU
Is it an asset (viability not liability!)? • Local Authority liability - but 3rd sector asset? Maybe! • Heritage assets – beware ‘totemic’ assets - & be prepared to walk away! • Get your own full surveys and cost out any refurbishment & extension costs carefully • Be thorough and cautious in your business planning – there is no such thing as a free lunchwith assets
Investment Readiness • Organisation’s strategic vision • Governance (legal structure etc) • Systems (financial, and policies and processes) • How sound is your board? • Risk Assessment
Locality tools • Place Station - www.theplacestation.org.uk/ • Locality Brokerage Service – www.localitybrokers.org.uk • Building Calculator – weblink from above sites • Localism and Community Rights - www.mycommunityrights.org.uk
Locality ’12: Communities ambitious for change 6th & 7th November 2012 – Marriott Hotel, Bristol Locality’s national convention is the biggest event of its kind in the country http://locality.org.uk/events/locality-convention-2/ Locality’s convention is a must-go event for anyone who is transforming their local area through community enterprise, social action, and community asset ownership and development.