What is the policy/strategy/function/ trying to achieve /do?
Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 the council has a duty to ensure there is a robust process for assessing all Community Asset Transfers (CAT). The council's CAT policy, process and assessment criteria reflects national guidance.
Viewpark Gardens Trust (VGT) has applied under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 to lease an area of Viewpark Gardens and met the eligibility criteria for the application process. The group propose to lease the site at a cost of £1 per year and to restore and manage the area to bring it back into public use following a council decision to close the gardens.
The decision required relates to activity not currently delivered by the council but proposed for delivery by a community group. This assessment is part of the decision making process of the CAT.
Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The council took a decision to close and cease maintenance of Viewpark Gardens in July 2019. The access to the gardens and associated services and activities proposed as part of the CAT application are not currently resourced by the council therefore the impact on specific groups as a result of the council not approving the application cannot be assessed
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
The council's CAT policy and process is grounded in supporting and building community capacity, reducing inequalities and increasing community empowerment. The councils first point of contact officer and local capacity building officers work with local community groups to ensure they understand the process and criteria and that they are offered capacity building support. Decision making takes into consideration a number of factors including community benefit, capacity of the organisation and potential risk or impact on the council. While it is not recommended that the CAT application is progressed the communities team will continue to offer capacity building support to the applicant organisation and the wider community of Viewpark around locally identified priorities and future aspirations.
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?
This recommendation relates to a decision in line with the approved Community Asset Transfer policy. The recommendation, following consideration in line with the CAT policy, is that the application to lease part of Viewpark Gardens as a Community Asset Transfer is refused.