A lot has been written about our Community Asset Transfer scheme online, on social media and in the press. Not all of it is correct!
Find out more about this scheme by viewing our FAQs.
Community Asset Transfers must be agreed where a strong local case is made
Answer
Community Asset Transfer is a discretionary process. While applications and business cases are considered carefully, the District Council is not obliged to transfer any asset and must exercise judgement in the interests of the whole District.
Assets under £2 million must be transferred at nil or nominal value
Answer
Legislation permits transfers at less than market value only where a robust Best Value case is demonstrated. This does not remove the Council’s duty to consider market value, future income, development potential, and financial risk. Social value is one factor, not the sole determinant.
Auditor advice requires community assets to be transferred
Answer
The Council’s auditors have not directed that assets must be transferred. Their advice requires the Council to demonstrate Best Value, prudence and transparency in decision‑making. This includes proper consideration of valuation evidence and future financial implications.
The District Council is required to dispose of assets ahead of Local Government Reorganisation
Answer
There is no statutory requirement to dispose of assets in advance of LGR. The District Council must ensure that decisions made now are defensible to a future Unitary Authority and its auditors and do not unintentionally reduce public value.
The District Council is prioritising commercial interests over community use
Answer
Considering market interest or alternative use is part of responsible asset management. It does not equate to a decision to dispose of an asset, nor does it preclude continued community use.
Previous public investment means assets should transfer at no cost
Answer
Historic public funding reinforces the Council’s responsibility to protect current and future public value. Transfer at nil or nominal value must still be justified against financial, legal and strategic considerations affecting all council taxpayers.
A public petition determines the outcome of a Community Asset Transfer
Answer
Petitions may help illustrate public opinion, but they do not override statutory duties, financial governance requirements, or formal decision‑making processes set out in the Council’s Constitution.
Market value is irrelevant where an asset currently generates little income
Answer
Market value reflects use, redevelopment and strategic potential, not simply current income. An asset may have limited revenue today but still represent significant value or opportunity for the Council or a future Unitary Authority.
Strategic decisions have already been made
Answer
No predetermined outcomes exist. Each Community Asset Transfer proposal is assessed case‑by‑case, taking into account valuation evidence, service impact, financial risk, and LGR considerations. Cabinet retains decision‑making responsibility.
Stag questions and answers
View our FAQs for Sevenoaks Town Council's Community Asset Transfer application for the Stag