Purpose

S&R 12/3/24 agreed to submit revised
Community Buildings Policy within 12 months 

Content

8.1

The Executive Director of City Futures submitted
a report providing an update and recommendations in respect of
Community Buildings & Community Asset Transfer (CAT), on work
undertaken over the past 15 months, including extensive engagement
with the third sector, reviewing the set of 14 historical CAT
related enquires; and undertaking a pilot in the South Local Area
Committee (LAC) area.  It was reported
that this has resulted in a proposed new Community Asset Transfer
Policy and a significant caseload of CAT requests. Further
consideration is required regarding the level of activity beyond
the specific transfers proposed in this report that can be
sustained going forward from existing council resources. Any new
pressure identified would need to be considered as part of the
wider budget planning process. An update on the approach to
sessional charging and bookings for Council managed community
buildings was also included.
 
The report also set out a progress update on the
review work and next steps in respect of 22 Housing Revenue Account
(HRA) Supported Community
Buildings.

 

 

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and
Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

 

(a) approve the
proposed “Sheffield City Council Community Asset Transfer
Policy” as attached to the report now submitted;
 
(b) note the
update on the charging policy and approach for sessional use of
Sheffield City Council managed community buildings;
and
 
(c) note the
progress made for the review of the 22 Housing Revenue Account
(HRA) supported community buildings.

 

 

8.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

8.3.1

The new
Community Asset Transfer Policy reflects extensive engagement with
third sector organisations over the past 15 months, alongside
discussions to understand national best practice and learning. It
presents an approach based on fairness and transparency, aiming to
be progressive, whilst managing the associated risks for the
council, third sector and communities. 
It is an important step in our work on community
buildings.

 

 

8.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

8.4.1

Alternative Option 1 - Continue with the current Community
Buildings Policy approved in March 2024
 
Why was it rejected? The policy did not fully reflect the needs
of third sector organisations in the city and contained limitations
which could impact the viability and sustainability of asset
transfer agreements.

 

 

8.4.2

Alternative Option 2 - Option: To not have Community Asset
Transfer Policy
 
Why was it rejected? Done well, community asset transfer can
bring many benefits to third sector organisation, communities and
the council. Despite the challenging context, there is clearly a
high level of demand for these conversations, and the Council is
committed to working in partnership to ensure we have accessible
and sustainable community spaces, that provide the support and
activities local people and communities need to live happy, well
and connected lives.