Community asset transfer (CAT) is a process through which East Hampshire District Council can transfer the ownership or management of certain land and buildings to town and parish councils or eligible community organisations.

This can include community buildings, open spaces, recreational facilities and other assets that provide benefits to local people.

Why do we support community asset transfer?

Our council strategy and community development strategy recognise the important role communities can play in protecting, managing and improving local assets.

By enabling greater community ownership and stewardship, we aim to:

  • protect and enhance valued community facilities and spaces.
  • give communities greater influence over how local assets are used and managed.
  • support local organisations to develop services and activities that meet community needs.
  • build stronger, more resilient communities with the skills and capacity to manage local assets sustainably.

Community asset transfer is not simply about transferring responsibility. It is about working with communities to identify opportunities where local ownership or management can deliver lasting benefits.

How to express an interest

We welcome expressions of interest from town and parish councils and eligible community organisations interested in taking on the management or ownership of council-owned assets.

All proposals are considered in accordance with the council's community asset transfer policy, taking account of community benefit, organisational capacity, financial sustainability and the suitability of the asset.

Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee that a transfer will proceed.

Useful documents

  • Community asset transfer policy
  • Community asset transfer expression of interest form

EHDC owned assets

All of East Hampshire District Councils assets can be seen on our Ishare map. We would strongly encourage any community group, town or parish council interested in CAT to contact their local community development officer for an initial discussion

Community asset transfer in action (case studies)

We are working with communities across East Hampshire to explore opportunities for local ownership and stewardship of community assets.

Visit our community asset transfer case studies section to learn more about local projects and the difference they are making.