How CAT works

Once an asset has been agreed as potentially suitable for a CAT, it is offered to the local community via this website.

If you are interested in one of the available assets, submit an expression of interest form to [email protected]

We review the expressions of interest and, if we identify a suitable applicant, we ask them to submit a full application form and prepare the necessary documentation. See the Community asset transfer policy for details of the documentation required.

For any transfer to be a success, the VCSE sector organisation must demonstrate that they have a proposal with a clear business model backed by a robust business plan. This must show their ability to manage the asset effectively, evidencing the financial and organisational capacity of the organisation and outlining the services to be delivered.

Organisations applying for a CAT will need to meet set criteria, including being able to demonstrate that:

• they are an appropriately constituted voluntary and community sector organisation or social enterprise
• they have good governance and an appropriate legal structure, for example as:
  • registered charities
  • development trusts
  • community interest companies
  • community benefit societies
  • companies limited by guarantee
  • a constituted body
• the proposed use has extensive reach into the community and will be open to all. Organisations that serve a particular interest group or area will need to demonstrate how they will be inclusive
• they have the skills and capacity to effectively deliver services and manage the asset and/or have access to the necessary skills and capacity
• they can build capacity within their organisation and show how they intend to do this
• they have a viable business plan that covers the costs of holding the property and managing it effectively
• they have an up-to-date legally adopted constitution or governing document which provides that the organisation can enter into a lease
• they have a robust management committee/board of trustees with defined roles and responsibilities which meets on a regular basis and is elected in accordance with the governing document
• they have appropriate financial systems and procedures in place
• they have appropriate policies, procedures, licences and insurance cover in place
• they have up-to-date, signed, examined or audited accounts which do not show a deficit
• they have a robust business plan which demonstrates the organisation's plans for the asset and how these will contribute to Gateshead's corporate goals and objectives
• they have evidence of community need and support for the proposal

If you are interested in taking on land or property via a CAT, please refer to our Community asset transfer policy which outlines the process and gives details of the requirements, responsibilities and implications.

If you are interested in an asset listed here, complete an expression of interest form and return it to [email protected].