Heritage Guidance

All over the country, community-based organisations are taking on responsibility for managing assets that were formerly owned and managed by local authorities. By doing so, they can help to focus the energies of local communities and prevent these assets, which are often local landmarks, from falling into decay or unsympathetic use. Community ownership can help to secure a local service or amenity (such as a community hall or a public open space), at a time when local authorities are looking to make economies. Local authorities can sell an asset at less than full market value where this would support a use that brings social, economic or environmental benefits for the area.

Of course such transfers are not without their challenges. Community groups may need support and advice to help them make a success of their project

New guidance and summary

'Pillars of the Community'

As a result the Asset Transfer Unit has partnered with English Heritage, along with  the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Prince's Regeneration Trust to commission a new guidance note and summary.

The guide called 'Pillars of the Community', provides an introduction to the nine steps that should be taken to make a transfer a success.

Download the full guidance here