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Community control of assets steps up
The government has announced as part of its "communities in control" agenda that a new 'asset transfer unit' will be led by the Development Trusts Association. This will offer an independent hub of advice across England, for local people and authorities, to help community groups take over underused or derelict public buildings and land and put them to better use.
The DTA, along with partners such as the Local Government Association and Community Matters, expects to have this functioning from January 2009.
This was announced alongside twelve 'participatory budgeting' or 'community kitties' pilot areas, engaging local people in how public money is spent. Communities and Local Government Department's news item at http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/968816.
