Community Assets Process

We welcome applications from a broad range of community-focused organisations. Eligible applicants must operate on a not-for-profit basis and demonstrate a strong local connection, a clear purpose aligned with the asset’s potential, and robust governance.

Eligible organisations and legal structures include:

• Registered Charities
• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Industrial and Provident Societies for community benefit (Community Benefit Society)
• Constituted community and voluntary groups
• A company limited by guarantee (without share capital)

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

 Applicants must submit a brief proposal outlining:

• The organisation’s structure and governance
• The asset of interest
• Proposed use and community benefit
• Preliminary financial and operational plans

Stage 2: All shortlisted applicants will be asked to develop a detailed business plan.

Stage 3: Legal Negotiation: Preferred tenants are identified. Once approved in principle, lease terms are agreed, including performance clauses, community use restrictions, and break conditions. 

Yes, you are more than welcome to view the property before applying. Please contact CommunityAssets@sefton.gov.uk and we can arrange this.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

An inclusive approach that reflects and represents the local population.

• Transparent governance and decision-making processes
• Financial stability and a clear business model
• Experience in managing services, premises, or similar responsibilities
• A clear plan for community engagement, outreach, and service delivery

No, the council does not provide funding.

Assets are transferred in their existing condition. Applicants are responsible for assessing repair liabilities, utility upgrades, and ongoing operational costs. The Council does not subsidise running costs or capital investment post-transfer.

However, it is important to note that the extent of repairs and maintenance will greatly differ between assets. Please check the individual asset packs for more specific information.  If you do have any questions, please contact CommunityAssets@sefton.gov.uk.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome following assessment. Feedback may be provided to help organisations develop future applications where appropriate.

The Community Asset Process can help protect valued community assets, unlock funding opportunities, support community organisations and encourage local investment, volunteering and community involvement. 

Community organisations taking on an asset must continue to deliver community benefit and comply with the terms of their agreements with the Council. Community access is considered as part of the assessment process and legal agreements and monitoring arrangements remain in place.

There are a range of benefits for local communities. The Community Asset Process can support investment in community assets, increase volunteering opportunities, improve local facilities and help buildings and spaces continue to serve local people.

Sefton Council will continue to invest in and maintain its wider portfolio of parks, facilities and public spaces. The Community Asset Process provides an opportunity for local organisations to bring additional investment, ideas and activity into specific assets, helping them continue to serve local communities into the future.

No. The Council puts legal agreements and safeguards in place and continues to monitor the asset to make sure it is being used as agreed and continues to provide community benefit. 

Most Community Asset arrangements are completed through lease agreements rather than transfers of ownership.

This means the Council remains the owner of the asset while the community organisation takes responsibility for its management and maintenance. Lease arrangements can provide organisations with the security they need to access funding and invest in community facilities while ensuring the asset remains protected for future generations.

The Community Asset Process is intended to enable assets to continue serving local people. Applicants must explain how local people will continue to access and benefit from the asset and these commitments form part of the ongoing agreement with the Council.

Yes. Many community organisations successfully manage buildings and spaces across the UK. Community organisations can often access grant funding and volunteering opportunities that support the long-term sustainability of an asset. Before any transfer is approved, applicants are assessed on experience, skills, financial stability and ability to deliver their plans.  

Yes. The Community Asset Process is used by councils across the UK to help protect important community buildings and spaces. Local authorities have used the Community Asset Process to bring vacant or underused assets back into use, secure external funding, increase community involvement and support the long-term sustainability of community facilities.

There are many reasons a community organisation will choose to take on a community asset. For example; 

• It gives organisations greater control over spaces that matter to their community.
• It can create long-term security compared to hiring space from others.
• Organisations can tailor buildings and services to local needs.
• Taking on an asset can unlock funding opportunities that may not otherwise be available.
• It can help generate income that can be reinvested back into community activities.
• Many successful community organisations use assets as a base to deliver services, support residents and bring people together.
• At its heart, it's about creating a lasting community benefit and shaping the future of a local asset.

Post-transfer, the Council will monitor compliance with lease terms and evaluate the continued community benefit. Where issues arise, the Council will engage constructively to resolve them. In cases of persistent non-compliance, breach of lease terms, or asset misuse, the Council reserves the right to terminate the agreement and reclaim the asset.

No. Applications are assessed against published criteria and must demonstrate community benefit, financial sustainability and organisational capability. Applicants are assessed by an evaluation panel of Officers and Members against the published assessment criteria before recommendations are made.

Community organisations take on significant responsibilities and costs, which may include maintenance, repairs, insurance, compliance and day-to-day management. They are responsible for ensuring the asset remains sustainable and delivers community benefit.

There is no standard lease length. Each asset and proposal is considered on its own merits. The Council aims to provide appropriate arrangements that support community benefit and allow organisations to invest in and develop community facilities, while ensuring the long-term protection of the asset.

Post-transfer, the Council will monitor compliance with lease terms and evaluate the continued community benefit. This includes:

• Evidence of community use, diversity, and outcomes achieved
• Maintenance and health & safety compliance
• Adherence to insurance, legal, and regulatory obligations

Where issues arise, the Council will engage constructively to resolve them. In cases of persistent non-compliance, breach of lease terms, or asset misuse, the Council reserves the right to terminate the agreement and reclaim the asset.