The Asset Transfer Unit is pleased to announce that it has commissioned a new stream of work designed to enhance partnership working and improve the cost-effectiveness of asset transfer activity for both the public and third sectors.
The ATU has engaged law firm Anthony Collins Solicitors to work on preparing legal guidance linked to the asset transfer process. The guidance is intended to help community organisations and local authorities understand their roles and responsibilities in the process. Anthony Collins are also to explore the potential for model legal documents to support transfer activity, and intend to consult extensively across local authorities in England to establish what is needed by public sector legal practitioners.
Annemarie Naylor, of the Development Trusts Association, said “We are very pleased to be working towards robust legal guidance for asset transfer, and to be able to provide some practical support to organisations involved in delivering such activity. Some asset transfers have resulted in overly complex agreements and have proven difficult to negotiate; we want to make the process simpler, speedier and more cost-effective for everyone concerned.”
David Alcock, of Anthony Collins Solicitors, said “We are delighted to be working with the Asset Transfer Unit. We want to make asset transfer work for both local authorities and community organisations, and clear guidance on the legal issues involved will help everyone.”
For general or media enquiries contact Simeon Ling on 07841 499693, email media@anthonycollins.com. www.anthonycollins.com
For information, advice or support regarding asset transfer, please call the Asset Transfer Unit on 0845 345 4564 or email info@atu.org.uk
National Office:
Asset Transfer Unit
c/o Development Trusts Association
The Community Hub 33
Corsham Street
London, N1 6DR
Notes to editors:
1. The Asset Transfer Unit helps to empower local people and organisations to transform land and buildings into vibrant community spaces whilst supporting the development of a thriving third sector. It is the leading provider of expert advice, guidance and support concerning the transfer of under-used land and buildings from the public sector to community ownership and management - helping organisations to develop those assets and deliver long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.
2. The Unit is led and managed by the Development Trusts Association - the UK's leading network of community enterprise practitioners - in association with Community Matters and the Local Government Association. It is funded by Communities and Local Government.
3. “Asset transfer” in this context means the transfer of the management and ownership of assets from the public sector to community based organisations; this can take the form of either a leasehold or freehold transfer and may or may not involve related service level agreements. A transfer recently concluded by Anthony Collins Solicitors was the long lease of Perry Common Hall, in Kingstanding, Birmingham, from Birmingham City Council to Witton Lodge Community Association. This will enable a major refurbishment and the opening up of the Hall to a new range of community users.
4. Anthony Collins Solicitors is a law firm based in Birmingham with nearly 300 staff, with a clear set of values and strong purpose, committed to excellence with a national market in key areas, including community regeneration, housing, charities and procurement.