Public authorities like local councils, health services, police, fire services and government own and rent lots of land and buildings, like schools, hospitals, parks and forests. If you find a potential building or piece of land within your community first find out who owns it and make some initial enquiries with them, if possible. For example, if a building you are looking at is owned by your local council, ask to meet with them to discuss your potential plans. If you are unable to work out who owns a property or piece of land, you can access this information publicly through authority webpages or contact them directly via phone or email. Similarly, if you are already supported by a local authority (i.e. a council community worker) they may also be able to guide you through this process.
Public authorities may be able to offer you a short or long-term lease or rental agreement, or even offer you alternative premises that suit your needs better. It is important to consider the benefits that your group can offer a public authority by taking on one of their buildings. For example, un-used council buildings can often be derelict or in need of renovation, therefore the Shed might be able to fix up the building, saving the council money in the process. This could be to your advantage when negotiating an appropriate rental rate.
It is also important to note that national funders often require that you have a long-term lease when applying for funds (i.e. 5 years or more) as they want to see that your organisation is sustainable and has a long-term plan.
Sometimes the community might have an idea for a better way of using something that is owned by a public authority. For example, turning a derelict school into a community hub with a Men’s Shed within it. This is commonly known as a community ‘asset transfer’. Each part of the UK and Ireland has differing legislation on asset transfer, leasing and community ownership of public authority buildings. For more information, visit your national Government webpages, speak to your national Men’s Shed Association, or get in National Legislation relevant to Sheds
In Scotland, the Community Empowerment Act 2015 gives community organisations a right to ask to take over control public authority land or buildings. If the community organisation’s plan is better for people, they will be allowed to buy, rent or have the use of it. Men’s Shed can formally apply for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) through their local authority webpages. This involves filling in an application form and providing supporting documents to prove that your group is capable of taking on the lease or ownership of the land or buildings. For example, showing that your group has the right skills and knowledge needed and are financially sustainable. Free adviser-led support to navigate this process is provided by the Scottish Government funded Community Ownership Support Service (COSS). For information about the Community Empowerment Act please visit https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/6.
Similarly, in Wales there is the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015. This act means that public bodies, such as local authorities, health boards and sports and arts councils have a duty to support communities to be healthier, resilient and prosperous. Men’s Sheds can play a big part in this in providing activities to support these goals and through their
involvement in the community. Therefore, Men’s Sheds can be supported by public bodies to find suitable space within their community. For more information about the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act please visit: https://www.futuregenerations.wales/about-us/future-generations-act/
National Legislation relevant to Sheds
In Scotland, the Community Empowerment Act 2015 gives community organisations a right to ask to take over control public authority land or buildings. If the community organisation’s plan is better for people, they will be allowed to buy, rent or have the use of it. Men’s Shed can formally apply for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) through their local authority webpages. This involves filling in an application form and providing supporting documents to prove that your group is capable of taking on the lease or ownership of the land or buildings. For example, showing that your group has the right skills and knowledge needed and are financially sustainable. Free adviser-led support to navigate this process is provided by the Scottish Government funded Community Ownership Support Service (COSS). For information about the Community Empowerment Act please visit https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/6.
Similarly, in Wales there is the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015. This act means that public bodies, such as local authorities, health boards and sports and arts councils have a duty to support communities to be healthier, resilient and prosperous. Men’s Sheds can play a big part in this in providing activities to support these goals and through their involvement in the community. Therefore, Men’s Sheds can be supported by public bodies to find suitable space within their community. For more information about the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act please visit: https://www.futuregenerations.wales/about-us/future-generations-act