Community groups and local councils to take control of assets in their own patch
More than 60 representatives from community groups and parish councils gathered in Alton for a conference on the future of community development.
Led by East Hampshire District Council, the conference introduced an asset-based approach which encourages communities to identify and enhance local assets.
These assets include not only physical resources like community buildings and open spaces but also local volunteer groups, residents’ associations and individuals who contribute to community well-being.
Councillor Adeel Shah, Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, opened the event by welcoming participants and explaining the opportunities presented by this new approach to community development.
He said: “The core of this approach is that every community possesses valuable assets. By harnessing these, communities can become more resilient and self-sufficient.
“Our Stakeholder Conference highlighted the potential for council-owned assets to be devolved to local communities, enabling them to support local initiatives and deliver services more effectively.”
The conference had two key objectives:
- To raise awareness of ‘asset-based community development’ (ABCD) and the council’s commitment to this approach as outlined in the Council Strategy 2024-2028.
- To launch the upcoming opportunity for local asset transfers from EHDC to town and parish councils and community groups.
The Stakeholder Conference was held in Alton Maltings, on Tuesday 14 November, supported by the East Hampshire Association of Local Parish and Town Councils.
Feedback from the conference will inform the council’s draft five-year Community Development Strategy, which will outline the vision for ABCD and the asset transfer opportunities from EHDC.
Details of the Council’s assets will be made available, and specific local area asset transfer pilots will be launched in partnership with town and parish councils and community groups in 2025.