Community Assets: the benefits and costs of community ownership

Community Assets is a report by Stephen Thake, Reader in Urban Policy at the Centre for Social and Evaluation Research, London Metropolitan University. It was commissioned by the Civil Renewal Unit through the Development Trusts Association. The report explores the benefits and lessons of community-based organisations taking control, either as managers or owners, of the 'assets' used by their communities: assets such as buildings and other facilities that provide a focus for the local economy and community activities.

Stephen Thake looks at a range of community-based organisations, strategies for sustainability and a variety of models for the management and ownership of physical assets. Case studies are drawn from England and Wales and the benefits are analysed from the point of view of the community, stakeholders and the organisations themselves.

For a free pdf copy of the report please visit the CLG website.