Sheffield community groups, charities and voluntary organisations will be given greater power to run and protect local spaces under a new policy approved by councillors last week.

The Community Asset Transfer Policy was signed off at Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resource Committee on Wednesday (12 November), which sets out a framework for handing over council-owned buildings and land to third-sector organisations through long-term and low-cost leases.

The approach aims to keep valued spaces such as community centres, halls, parks, youth hubs and cultural venues open and thriving, even as council budgets remain under pressure.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: ” This new policy is about empowering local communities and third sector organisations with the tools and support to manage community assets.”

Under the new policy, community groups will be supported with information, guidance and a clearer, more transparent process for applying to take on council-owned sites.

The council says that the approach could also unlock new funding systems, as voluntary and community organisations can bid for grants that the local authority cannot access.

Following the recent approval of the Communities Strategy 2025-2035, which sets out how the council intends to work more closely with residents over the next decade to build what it calls a “Sheffield of thriving communities”, the new policy will be a part of a wider vision to strengthen neighbourhood infrastructure and increase local participation in decision-making, according to the council.

By expanding community management of local assets, the council hopes to keep spaces open and sustainable despite financial pressures, while ensuring decisions remain rooted in the needs and priorities of local residents.