Our Community Asset Transfer Policy (PDF) is designed to help Bedford Borough Council and local communities work together to make the borough a better place to live and work.
Through this process, the Council transfers ownership of land, buildings, or other structures - known as assets - to community groups, voluntary organisations or social enterprises. Once transferred, the organisation takes full responsibility for operating, managing and maintaining the asset, including covering all associated costs.
We are actively seeking proposals from local communities and organisations interested in taking over the operation and management of Council-owned assets.
If your organisation is interested in a community asset transfer, we invite and encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest form (Word) for the potential transfer of an assets.
Empowering local communities
Community Asset Transfer (CAT) empowers local groups by providing opportunities to take ownership of spaces that matter to them. Our goal is to work creatively with communities to explore new and innovative ways of delivering local services.
This approach brings together the expertise, skills and volunteer support that community groups offer, alongside the resources the Council can provide. Community groups overseeing them have accessed funding and resources unavailable to the Council, enabling them to invest in and enhance the services offered to local people.
Under local management, these assets can be revitalised for the benefit of the whole community.
Community Asset Transfer Toolkit
To support organisations through the application process, we have developed a Community Asset Transfer Toolkit, which includes essential templates and guidance:
- Community Asset Transfer Policy 2021 (PDF)
- Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms (PDF)
- Appendix 2: Sample Heads of Terms (Word)
- Appendix 3: Expression of Interest Form (Word)
- Appendix 4: Business Plan Template (Word)
- Appendix 5: Toolkit (PDF)
- Appendix 6: Cashflow Template (Excel)
- Appendix 7: Risk Assessment (Word)
- Appendix 8: Application Appraisal Template (Word)