Agenda item

Recommendations

1)    That the Community Transfer Policy and associated Community Grow Policy & Operational Procedures (attached as Appendices A, B & C to this report) are adopted

2)    To authorise the delegation of minor non material updates to associated guidance and operational documents to support effective implementation of the Policy to the Assistant Director Property, Procurement & Commercial, for Community Asset Transfers

3)    To authorise the delegation of minor non material updates to associated guidance and operational documents to support effective implementation of the Policy to the Assistant Chief Executive Local Engagement Director Property, for Community Service Transfers

4)    That the Community Transfer Policy replaces the Double Devolution Pilot

5)    Approve arrangements for the Council to work with organisations in the Double Devolution Pilot to finalise proposals by 31 March 2027, or otherwise invite a new Expression of Interest under the Community Transfer Policy

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Resources seeking approval for the adoption of a Community Transfer Policy as the Council’s formal framework for the transfer of community assets and services, replacing the existing Double Devolution Pilot arrangements.  The report set out proposed transitional arrangements to support organisations currently involved in the Double Devolution Pilot to either finalise their proposals by 31 March 2027 or submit a new Expression of Interest under the Community Transfer Policy.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips, explained that the policy had been developed with input from legal, property, finance and locality teams and would create a transparent and consistent approach for town and parish councils and community organisations seeking to take on assets or services. The policy was intended to support local empowerment and devolution ambitions by simplifying processes and enabling community organisations to manage local facilities more effectively where appropriate. It was emphasised that transfers would remain at the Council’s discretion and that the process had been designed to be proportionate and flexible, with smaller projects requiring less complex assessment.

In response to a question officers confirmed that no formal expressions of interest had been received from Harrogate Town Council. Members welcomed the policy, noting that it reflected the Council’s objective of devolving services and assets to the most local level possible. Examples were provided of local facilities and markets that had benefitted from community management, demonstrating that local organisations were often best placed to understand and respond to local needs. Members agreed that the policy would support constructive engagement with parish sector organisations and support communities wishing to take greater responsibility for local assets and services.

Resolved (unanimously)

1)    That the Community Transfer Policy and associated Community Grow Policy and Operational Procedures (attached as Appendices A, B & C to this report) are adopted

2)    That the delegation of minor non material updates to associated guidance and operational documents be authorised to support effective implementation of the Policy to the Assistant Director Property, Procurement and Commercial, for Community Asset Transfers

3)    That the delegation of minor non material updates to associated guidance and operational documents be authorised to support effective implementation of the Policy to the Assistant Chief Executive Local Engagement Director Property, for Community Service Transfers

4)    That the Community Transfer Policy replaces the Double Devolution Pilot

5)    That arrangements be approved for the Council to work with organisations in the Double Devolution Pilot to finalise proposals by 31 March 2027, or otherwise invite a new Expression of Interest under the Community Transfer Policy

Reasons for recommendations

The recommendation is to adopt a formal policy to provide a clear, consistent and transparent framework for community asset and service transfers, enabling fair decision‑making, reducing risk, and supporting a strategic and proactive approach to devolution that gives communities, internal services and Councillors greater confidence in the process.

Alternative options considered

An alternative option considered was to continue without a formal policy and manage community asset and service transfers through legacy, interim, varied or ad hoc arrangements. This was not recommended as it would result in inconsistent, unclear and less transparent decision‑making, create uncertainty for communities, and increase governance, legal and financial risks. A formal policy provides a clear, consistent and accountable framework, supports a strategic approach to devolution, and gives communities, internal services and Councillors greater confidence in how opportunities will be considered and delivered.