County council makes it easier for voluntary organisations to use buildings


Surrey County Council is making it easier for voluntary organisations to take over underused or empty buildings to benefit neighbourhoods. The council has set out an official application process to encourage groups interested in running buildings for community use to come forward.

A meeting of the council’s Cabinet agreed guidelines to be used when organisations apply to own or lease council buildings that are vacant or not used enough. In many cases these buildings could be transferred on a long lease or sold at prices well below market value.*

Properties already used by voluntary organisations on a peppercorn or rent-free basis have been a success. Surrey Community Action took responsibility for the Astolat building in Merrow, near Guildford, on a long rent-free lease in 2008. Eight organisations now use the building for a range of well-attended activities, prompting the organisation to look to replicate the initiative in other parts of the county.

The Hale Bungalow in Sandy Hill, Farnham, reopened in May after being rebuilt. It is owned by the county council but is leased long-term at a nominal rent to a charitable trust to provide better facilities for adult learning and social events and activities.

Jean Roberts-Jones, Chief Executive of Surrey Community Action, said: “It gives us a lot of freedom. We can open up the building to community groups. We have a band practising one night, a faith group meeting another and training sessions in the evenings because we set the rules.

“We have also been able to access other sources of funding to get a loop system installed – a  new automatic front door which has improved accessibility – and the county council has been able to save money on managing the building and routine maintenance, which we now do. It’s a win-win agreement.”

Tim Hall, Cabinet Member for Change and Efficiency, said: “Community buildings are the hub of every neighbourhood and play a key role in supporting local life. If they thrive, we all thrive. It's important we help residents to help themselves and their communities.”