Premises for the voluntary and community sector: A report for the London Premises Sub-group 2011
New research has recently been published that looks at issues of importance related to premises provision for the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in London. The research is the latest in a series of reports commissioned by the London Third Sector Premises Forum of Capacitybuilders, undertaken by Community Land Use
The report highlights the major role of local government as landlord, strategic planner, investor and provider of VCS premises resources. Although a lack of information from some London boroughs was in evidence, the overall trend is that policies on rents, non-domestic rate relief and asset transfer are slowly becoming more formalised and transparent. However, at a time when advice, guidance and support on legal, facilities management and financial planning is paramount, it is worrying that the research finds that premises specific support at a borough level is diminishing in many places.
The report also demonstrates that high levels of demand, coupled with some loss of VCS space via disposals and relocation of existing tenants, is creating increased pressure in some boroughs. As well as adding to the general level of uncertainty, the financial squeeze on public spending is also evident in specific cases, where the research shows that some Community and Voluntary Sector hub plans have been abandoned.
In response to the evidence collected, the report contains recommendations to tackle the challenges that have been exposed. It presents a wide range of high-impact measures, spanning communication, strategic planning, rents, and more. The organisations that make up the London Third Sector Premises Forum (of which Locality is one) intend to be at the forefront of making these improvements happen, in partnership.
For further information on who to speak to about VCS premises issues, including providers of VCS accommodation in London, please see the full report.