New approach will give local people more power
Community organisations can take control of council-owned facilities as part of a move to empower and support local people.
We have launched a new way of working with communities to give them more control over the facilities in their area.
The new policy, called Community Asset Transfer, will allow community organisations to manage and run community centres, village halls, playgrounds and other local assets.
Cllr Adeel Shah, Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, said: “Through the Community Asset Transfer we can help local organisations run the facilities in their own areas for public benefit.
“This will support the voluntary sector and local groups and will ensure that land and buildings are retained, owned and run by the community, for the community.
“Being able to make more decisions and have more control over their own assets will lead to thriving and resilient local communities.”
East Hampshire has a very active community and voluntary sector. The majority of community buildings in the district are owned and operated by town and parish councils or other community organisations and those owned by EHDC are often already run successfully by community associations.
Communities are encouraged to come forward and bid for assets which they can then manage.
The policy will help community groups use EHDC assets to meet the needs local people.