Local authorities overly cautious about transferring assets to voluntary groups, finds report

By Helen Warrell, Third Sector Online, 15 May 2007

The benefits of public assets being transferred to community organisations far outweigh the risks perceived by local authorities, according to a government review, which will be launched today. Meanwhile, an alternative review launched today by the Adventure Capital Fund warned that government must provide funding for the scheme to work.

The government report, which was led by Lewisham Council chief executive Barry Quirk, found that there were “no substantive impediments” to the transfer of public assets to communities as long as all parties worked together and communicated effectively. “This needs political will, managerial imagination and a more business-focused approach from...