Handing over publicland can help localpeople live longer

Thus Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland indicated at the Development Trusts’ NI (DTNI) first annual conference at the City Hotel. He said Community Asset Transfer policy could bring real and tangible benefits.

“Finding an alternative use for surplus public sector assets can be a catalyst to stimulate regeneration and community cohesion across our towns and cities. The proposed policy framework for Community Asset Transfer has the potential to influence much more than social enterprise growth.

“Evidence from other regions shows that the wider regeneration associated with community asset transfer can lead to better outcomes in health, education and community well-being,” said the Minister.

“This very much fits with the Executive’s broader aim in addressing issues of deprivation and poverty which have affected some of our communities for generations.

“It is clear to me that there is a real desire within government, the private sector and the voluntary and community sector to use assets transfer as a means of delivering social change across Northern Ireland. I am confident that together, we can use our collective skills and experience to make it a success,” he continued.

The Department is currently undertaking a consultation on a Community Asset Transfer Policy Framework for Northern Ireland. The proposed framework will establish ground rules to govern individual transfers and help both parties to a transfer understand the circumstances in which the transfer of an asset may be appropriate.

DTNI is a key delivery partner with government on the development and implementation of the Framework and has an important role in working with voluntary and community sector organisations to build the skills and capacity needed to take on full management or ownership of assets.

Nigel Kinnaird, Chair of Development Trusts NI, said: “There is a need to consider how we build sustainable community development trusts, to help in the development of their assets and their enterprise activity.

“The third sector possesses the capacity for innovation to develop new products and services and in attracting social investment to support local community enterprise. With the opportunity to develop and expand its asset base now emerging, government is providing communities with the tools for growth, for independence, to reduce reliance on repeat cycles of grant funding and lead and shape our local communities.’