Community Asset Transfer (CAT)
What is a Community Asset Transfer (CAT)?
Community Asset Transfer (CAT) is a well-established process that allows community groups to take ownership and management of public lands and buildings.
Communities aiming to enhance social, economic, or environmental well-being can engage in discussions with Caerphilly County Council about using Community Asset Transfer (CAT) for their projects. This guide is designed to clarify the process, minimize risks, and assist communities in creating sustainable plans for transferred assets.
Who's it for?
- Voluntary organisations
- Social enterprises (CIC, Co-operatives, Credit Unions, etc)
- Town/Community Councils
What we're offering
- Preserving facilities/assets/services that may otherwise be lost to the local community
- Fostering and empowering community unity
- Protecting the community by working to safeguard vital community assets
- Promoting independence and self-sufficiency within the local community
- Local leadership and management, ensuring a deep understanding of community needs
- Maximizing the potential of assets and services
- Accessing external funding for improvements and renovations
- Creating potential job opportunities
- Enabling long-term planning and sustainability of assets and services for future generations
A new, clear simplified approach
We’ve made the process of applying for a Community Asset Transfer even easier than before. Below you can find a clear diagram of the process from start to finish:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) > EOI Appraisal and Recommendations
- Business Plan Submitted (If required) > Appraisal of Business Plan
- Terms Agreed and Transfer = Complete
What funding is available to me?
Access to funding is vital for successful Community Asset Transfers (CAT) in Wales. Various sources cater to different types of organisations, including Town and Community Councils, Social Enterprises, and Voluntary Organisations. Town and Community Councils can seek advice from One Voice Wales on potential funding sources, including Public Service Loans, and can borrow funds for capital purposes, with detailed guidance available on the Welsh Government site.
Social Enterprises, such as CICs and Co-operatives, as well as Voluntary Organisations, can benefit from engaging with their local Community Voluntary Councils (CVCs) and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), which hosts a comprehensive funding page listing various grants and loans. A full list of funding opportunities, including specific grants for Community Asset Transfers, can be found in the Caerphilly County Borough Council's Community Asset Transfer guide.
How do I apply?
We encourage applicants to talk with a CAT Officer about their suitability for a Community Asset Transfer. These early discussions can help applicants understand the process better and see if their project is a good fit.
The CAT Officer can offer advice on how to match projects with community needs, guide applicants through the steps, and spot any potential issues early. By having these conversations first, applicants will be better prepared and more likely to succeed, leading to positive results for the community.
To get started, please fill out the Expression of Interest form.
Transparency and Fairness
We are committed to full transparency in the scoring process for CAT applications to avoid challenges and ensure fairness. Detailed criteria will be provided to all applicants, ensuring they understand how their submissions will be evaluated:
- Familiarise yourself with the issues the authority will consider and identify necessary upskilling before making an Expression of Interest.
- Be mindful of the scale of commitment required in managing the asset and associated services. Recognise the effort involved in sustainably maintaining the asset with long-term commitment and avoid potential applicant burnout.
- Ensure your organisation is legally constituted with limited liability, such as a Community or Town Council, third sector organisation, or community body.
- Demonstrate good governance through open, accountable processes with appropriate financial and audit controls.
- Show engagement with the community and users, demonstrating an inclusive approach.
- Demonstrate the skills, abilities, and capacity required to effectively deliver services and manage the asset.
- Maintain all necessary governance documentation beyond the initial application assessment.
- Prefer applications for multi-use and co-location of services, ensuring assets are open to as many community users as possible.
- Assess whether the proposed activity is already met elsewhere and if there is sufficient business to sustain the CAT.
- Ensure the asset size and associated liabilities are manageable for your organisation.
- Provide a robust business plan and financial plan; due diligence will match the size of the asset.
- Ensure fairness and transparency by offering the asset's availability to other organisations via the local authority website if it is not already advertised for disposal.
Next Steps
If you would like an informal discussion regarding a particular asset please contact property@caerphilly.gov.uk
If you would like to view the council’s available portfolio please visit the property availability page.
If you are interested to making speculative enquiry on a particular area of land or building please complete the online expression of interest form. You will be required to upload a plan identifying the asset.
Useful references / guidance