The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act enables requests to the local authority from community organisations / groups to acquire, lease or take over management of a publicly owned building or land. This request is known under the Act as a Community Asset Transfer (CAT).
Link to the Act:- Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a CAT organisations need to meet the following criteria
Be a community controlled body with a minimum membership of 20 people
Members of the controlled body must be resident in the area where the asset base is
A Scottish charitable incorporated organisation (SCIO) with a constitution
A community based benefit society or a company limited by guarantee
Be able to provide details/evidence of demand for the services the organisation will deliver
First Steps
The organisation must:
Identify who owns the property
Consult with the community that they support your application
Research similar projects that could either support or compete with your initiative
Identify potential partners, and stakeholders including funding opportunities
Involve current and prospective funders early in the process. Engage with them to gain their views, as well as keeping them informed
Be realistic about timescales, be aware that negotiations and approvals can take time
At an early stage, hold an initial negotiation meeting. This will ensure that the proposal is workable
Scrutinise all documents to make sure you understand the content. Is the agreed ‘deal’ clear to all
Ask if you do not understand something, don’t just sign on the dotted line
Keep your community informed about your proposal and its progress
Guidance and application form in relation to the CAT process is available. Property schedules are also available for assets under the CAT process at less than market value to groups who can demonstrate community benefit.
For more information get in touch with the contact listed below:
Telephone - 03451 555 555 ext. 441242 or 01592 583346
E-mail CommunityAsset.Transfer@fife.gov.uk
There are some examples on Fife Council’s website that may inform and inspire you !
Fife Council site:- Fifedirect/Assettransfer