CRT's Perspective on the Community Assets Report
Following the positive report from the Local Government and Communities Committee inquiry on Community Assets, we got in touch with some of the people who have shaped the direction of the campaign. Here, Natalie Sargent, the Development Manager for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) in Wales, gives us her thoughts on the report outcome and on the next steps that she’d like to see.
I have worked with CRT for 7 years and have seen an increase in the need for support for communities looking to safeguard assets such as green spaces, community centres, libraries, sports clubs, miners’ welfare halls, paddling pools and even graveyards! Our role is to help organisations safeguard what is important to their community. Although funding is often a priority, it is often not the main one. Access to information, advice and support is key.
I was pleased to take part in the Senedd Inquiry into Community Assets and welcomed the recent report and many of the recommendations contained within – particularly the establishment of a Commission, recommendations for parity, proportionality in future guidance, the introduction of a Technical Advice Note (TAN) within planning guidance and the development of a designated community asset fund. However, what does concern me is the lack of urgency within the report.
The report focused on the transfer of assets from public sector bodies – however, I am also concerned about those which are already in community ownership which may be at risk. As a direct result of the cost of living and energy crisis many community facilities are seeing an increased demand in frontline services e.g., foodbanks, mental health support, tackling social isolation, ‘warm hubs’ and at the same time may be seeing a reduction in income and an increase in running costs. Immediate action is needed, and I would like to see interim measures put in place to safeguard assets which are at risk now, whilst longer term proposals are developed.
It is important that resources (funding and support) are targeted at the most deprived communities which have the greatest benefit from the provision of community assets.
