Hazel Blears Launches the Asset Transfer Unit, April 2009

Press Release, Tuesday 28th April 2009

The launch of the Asset Transfer Unit (ATU) in Lambeth yesterday, marks a growing commitment from government for Community Asset Transfer.Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, commended the Development Trusts Association (DTA) for its leading role in promoting community owned assets and establishing the ATU, and highlighted the importance of community ownership in supporting the government’s overall empowerment agenda.

The DTA has been at the heart of delivering the government’s wider community assets agenda, beginning with the Advancing Assets for Communities programme in 2007, the Community Assets Programme in 2008 and most recently the ATU, established at the start of this year, which is managed by the DTA in association with Community Matters and the Local Government Association.

Community asset ownership is deeply embedded in the history of the community enterprise movement, from the early co-operatives and Robert Owen’s villages of co-operation, through to the development trusts of today, so much has already been achieved.Across the DTA network alone there are already close to £500 million worth of assets in community ownership, delivering a range of community enterprises and facilities including community centres; employment advice services; health centres; community swimming pools; community cafés; training and education facilities; affordable housing, business enterprise centres and much more.

Community asset transfer can be a lengthy and challenging process, but drawing on the experience and expertise that already exists within communities and across the stakeholder network, the ATU will be able to provide an invaluable service, helping third sector organisations at every stage of their asset ownership journey, with the ultimate aim of empowering communities and maintaining a thriving third sector.It is a centre of excellence with services including a new advice line – 0845 345 4564 – for asset transfer enquiries and useful resources on the new website at www.atu.org.uk.

Barry Quirk’s landmark report in 2007 established that transfer of assets from public bodies to community ownership and management is a legitimate option when considering wider public benefit which may flow from strategic asset management.There has been a growing recognition from government, with crucial support from CLG and OTS, of the huge potential of asset transfer to help local people turn their aspirations for the community into reality.

Steve Wyler, DTA Director welcomed the investment and support of government in establishing the ATU, he said: “We are living in challenging times, but from uncertainty exciting opportunities can flow and it is imperative that the community sector has access to expert advice from practitioners with a wealth of experience to ensure it’s future viability.”

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