Strategic Property Review

Falkirk Council has too many buildings that are in poor and ageing condition, not energy efficient, expensive to run and underutilised. The Audit Scotland Best Value Assurance Report (January 2022) states the Council 'needs to quickly progress the remaining key actions in the SPR and take decisions on its property estate to deliver best value.'

The Strategic Property Review will reduce the number of properties owned by the Council in order to deliver financial savings given the current budget deficit of circa £64m and will also significantly reduce the backlog in maintenance and subsequent capital investment that is required to bring these properties into good condition. This will allow for investment to be made in a smaller number of core buildings.

Mitigation to closure options have been identified and this includes Community Asset Transfer (CAT), Alternative Delivery Model and Improved Financial Performance.

CAT - What support is available?

Our CAT team is ready to discuss the possibilities, benefits and the process with anyone interested in asset transfer. You can email them at:

We have also partnered with third sector organisation, CVS Falkirk. CVS can provide additional support and guidance to interested parties including:

• helping groups develop their ideas
• supporting and advising groups through the transfer journey
• building capacity, skills and resilience beyond the transfer

Falkirk Council will hand over all SPR properties subject to a CAT as wind, water-tight and statutory compliant, in line with the definitions below.

Community groups (subject to the below eligibility) can request funding from the SPR Capital Enabling Fund and this should be included within the CAT application.

Wind and water-tight definition:

The property will be handed over in a wind and water-tight condition. This means that that the building is resistant to wind and water leakage under wind and rain; Wind or water cannot penetrate the building.

As an example of how this will apply to Strategic Property Review properties, Falkirk Council would not replace a roof, however would ensure there are no leaks prior to an asset transfer.

A replacement roof could however be considered as part of an application to the Strategic Property Review Capital Enabling Fund as part of a Community Asset Transfer application.

We acknowledge that time has passed since the initial condition surveys were undertaken and that building condition may have slightly changed. Falkirk Council will fix any maintenance issues that have emerged in buildings prior to an asset transfer, however we will not fund building upgrades.

Statutory compliant definition:

Falkirk Council will ensure that all properties are handed over as statutory compliant recognising the age of the building, regulations appropriate for the Councils current use and only with respect to fabric/installations.

Any compliance works required to align with new regulations that would apply where there is a change of use or future works, will not automatically be undertaken and should be included within the funding request to the Strategic Property Review Capital Enabling Fund. Any repair work that is required to address outstanding statutory compliance will be undertaken prior to a Community Asset Transfer. Evidence of statutory compliance will be provided to community groups as part of the handover process.

Strategic Property Review £3m Capital Enabling Fund

Falkirk Council has a £3m capital enabling fund for properties with the Strategic Property review. This can be applied for as part of the Community Asset Transfer application. Examples of how this fund can be used include for energy efficient improvements or other larger capital renewals which support the viability of the project going forward.

Community groups seeking Community Asset Transfer ownership or a Lease 10+ years are eligible for the funding.

A costed schedule must be included and revenue repair costs will not legible for this fund. Requests for funding summarised in the schedule should be supported by quotes from a minimum of three recognised contractors or provided by appropriately qualified Chartered Building or Quantity Surveyors.

It is for community groups to consider the condition of the building and investment/funding required as part of the business plan financial model and in making any applications to the Council's enabling fund or any other funding applications.

Additionally, we have recently launched Community Empowerment Grants, which can provide financial assistance of up to £12,500 to support groups in their CAT efforts. For more information about these grants and the CAT process, please visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/ceg.

Properties progressing with Community Asset Transfers

Equality and Poverty Impact Assessments

On 31 January 2024, Council considered a report on the Strategic Property Review. The report refers to Equality and Poverty Impact Assessments (EPIA's) which were undertaken based on the recommendations in the report and with the information that was available at the time.