A downloadable .pdf (167kb), this briefing provides some background to the issues surrounding the transfer of land and property assets from local government to voluntary and community organisations.

Downloadable 38 page .pdf (850kb) produced for the Finance Hub by NCVO Sustainable Funding Project. The guide introduces loans and other forms of finance, discusses the differences between key forms of finance, and provides guidance on how to assess their suitability. It also presents several short case studies of voluntary and community organisations using various forms of finance to develop their activities, and looks briefly at various finance providers. It includes checklists for advisers and groups to use.

Downloadable 35 page .pdf (405kb) document produced for the Finance Hub by NCVO Sustainable Funding Project. The document provides a series of exercises and checklists designed to support advisers working with groups on procurement and contracting. It includes materials designed for those just starting to look at contracting (introductory), those ready to explore the topic further (intermediate), and for those wanting to look at contracting more seriously (advanced).

This case study outlines some of the process of developing a new building to provide a range of services and activities. It highlights key issues in the development of this mixed use centre which will always need a mixed economy of grants and earned income.

This case study looks at how Holy Trinity Church in Leeds aims to develop as an inclusive, accessible and self-sustaining venue for a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

Provides a broad range of information, resources and contacts that you can use to develop a land or building project as an asset for your organisation and local community. You have to pay for print copies, but you can download a .pdf copy from this site.

A practical guide on asset transfer published by the Development Trusts Association, which comprises nearly 400 community organisations across the UK.

A .pdf (2,125kb) containing case studies and key issues in the management of community buildings from Community Matters.

A .pdf order form (521kb) for ‘Guidelines for community associations and local authorities’. Explains the legal basis on which charitable community organisations occupy community buildings where they are owned by local authorities or other public or private bodies. Includes a specimen lease and a model declaration of trust for holding trustees.

Downloadable .pdf (521kb) publications order form for Managing Your Community Building 3rd Edition, by Peter Hudson, edited by Jacki Reason. This book from Community Matters is THE authoritative guide on running a community building.

A .pdf order form (338kb) for the toolkit from Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).

‘Hot property: Getting the best from local authority assets’ is a report from the Audit Commission, which was published in 2000.

A HM Treasury-commissioned report by Sir Michael Lyons on management of public sector assets that called for greater efficiency savings and disposals in working towards the Government’s objective of GBP 30 billion worth of assets to be disposed of by 2010.

‘Why Neighbourhoods Matter’ is a multi departmental report that follows a Labour Party manifesto commitment to increase community ownership of property assets.

Community Management and Ownership of Assets: Final Report from the Work Group to the Neighbourhoods Project Board contains key findings and recommendations into community management and ownership of assets.