How to apply

Make an enquiry

What is it?

We are committed to processing applications for asset transfer in an open and transparent way in partnership with applicant organisations. This pdf icon Flowchart [147kb] outlines the stages in the application process.

A key element of our approach is to provide the necessary support and dialogue throughout the process so that organisations are enabled to progress at the right pace for them.

What is the process?

Community Transfer Bodies (CTBs) are encouraged to complete an Enquiry Form as a first step in the process. This provides us with outline information about your objectives and sufficient information to determine whether the assest is available for transfer - i.e. that the asset is owned by Glasgow City Council.

Once we have considered the Enquiry Form, we will send you a Community Asset Transfer Request Form to complete. This form is based on a Model template developed by the Scottish Government. It's important that you take the time to complete the form and use the guidance for CTBs. Once this form is submitted we will review it to ensure that all required information has been provided. The submission of this form will, if necessary, enable us to have an initial discussion with you.

Applications can only be acknowledged and formally validated when the application is completed in full and all accompanying information is received by us. In the event that an application is incomplete, it will be returned to you with an opportunity to provide the required information. It is only when the application is considered complete, that the 6 month decision period commences. This 6 month decision period can however be extended if agreed to by both the Relevant Authority and the CTB.

Who is eligible?

Community Transfer Bodies (CTBs) are eligible to apply as outlined in the Act. There are two levels depending on the type of request that is being submitted:

A group requesting the transfer of ownership of an asset must be one of the following:

a company limited by guarantee
a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
a Community Benefit Society with at least 20 members

A group requesting to lease or use an asset should meet the following criteria:

has a written constitution
is open to anyone in the community it covers to join
is community led
the majority of members are from that community
is for the benefit of the community

What to think about before applying?

We will be looking for evidence of community support for the transfer. This has to be obtained by the applicant through, for example, consulting existing building users, other community groups and stakeholders from within the community. As part of this evidence gathering CTBs may wish to consider the Glasgow Community Plan and Locality Plans.

Where two or more CTBs have an interest in an asset, we would expect them to work together in partnership and come to an agreement on the way forward. This may involve a joint application from a Consortium.

Assets enable the delivery of services - it is vital that the types of services and their programming respond to the needs of the local community.

A CTB must include the following information when making an asset transfer request:

the asset to which the request relates
whether it wishes to own, lease or use the asset
the reason for making the request
the benefit which the CTB believes will arise if the transfer goes ahead
the price that the CTB will be willing to pay for the asset if requesting to buy it
the rent that the CTB would be willing to pay if requesting to lease it.

Please also take a moment to look at our Questions and Anwers.

What criteria is used to assess applications?

The guidance sets out the areas that Relevant Authorities are required to assess when considering Asset Transfer requests. As part of our assessment we will look at the following:

The community support for the transfer and that consultation has taken place
The need/demand for the transfer
That the CTB has the capacity to manage the asset and has, or has access to, individuals who have the necessary skills and experience
The governance and financial systems including funding and realistic costings
How the CTB's aims for the project will contribute to the achievement of the Council's objectives
That the proposed project will not duplicate activities, services or facilities already provided in the local community.

A report outlining a proposed evaluation and grading matrix enabling consistent and transparent assessment of asset transfer requests was approved by the Wellbeing, Empowerment, Community and Citizen Engagement City Policy Committee on 16^th November 2017.

What's the decision making process?

Officers from Council and Council family will assess the application in line with the criteria. They may come back to you for additional information or to discuss elements of your request.

They will make a recommendation to the Executive Director of Development and Regeneration Services, who will consult with the Depute Leader of the Council, in making a decision on the request.