The Scrutiny Inquiry Panel - Community Assets met on Monday 22 April 2024 to discuss community asset transfers within the council's cultural services. The panel heard from council officers and a cabinet member about the processes, benefits, and challenges associated with transferring council-owned assets to community organisations. No formal decisions were made at this meeting, as it was part of an ongoing inquiry.

Community Asset Transfers within Cultural Services

The panel received a comprehensive report detailing the council's approach to Community Asset Transfers (CATs) within its cultural services. Jamie Rewbridge, Strategic Manager for Leisure Partnerships, presented the findings, outlining the process, administration, and management of CATs. The report included lists of completed and pipeline CATs, such as the Swansea Indoor Bowling Stadium, Swansea Tennis Centre, and various parks and playing fields.

The discussion highlighted that CATs are intended to provide mutual benefits to both the council and the community, promoting social, economic, and environmental well-being. Examples of successful transfers included the Swansea Tennis Centre and Bowls Centre, which were transferred to Community Interest Companies in 2010/11, leading to their continued operation at no cost to the council. Underhill Park and Mumbles Skatepark transfers had also enabled significant investment.

Challenges associated with CATs were also discussed, including pressure to meet funding deadlines, complexities surrounding open space considerations, competition between organisations for the same asset, and the time taken to finalise legal processes.

The panel also explored the management of community centres, which operate under a licence rather than a full lease. Tracey McNulty, Head of Cultural Services, explained that a small team of Community Development Officers provides crucial support to these centres, assisting with health and safety, training, and funding opportunities. The potential threat to these centres if funding is reduced was noted.

Discussions also touched upon the use of yellow licenses for community centres and the possibility of extending similar arrangements to other circumstances, potentially through a statement of intent to satisfy funders. The panel considered the nuances of transferring parts of parks versus entire parks, with the decision being made on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific asset and the capacity of the organisation taking it on.

The importance of community consultation was emphasised, with officers explaining that while direct engagement with every community member is impossible, formal processes like the Open Space Disposal Notice are in place to seek objections and support. The panel also discussed the role of funding bodies, such as the Football Association of Wales, and the need to understand their criteria for grants.

The inquiry is ongoing, with the next meeting scheduled to examine policies and practices in other local authorities and to review feedback from stakeholders. The panel is seeking further input from the community on potential stakeholders to invite to future sessions.