Consultation On The Proposed Community Empowerment - Scottish ...

“There is a very real danger of the siphoning of resources
away from more disadvantaged areas towards more affluent
and capable areas.”
(Scottish Community Development Network)
5.97 In response, many recommended that additional support be made available to
these disadvantaged areas. Similar points were made in reference to asset
transfer, with respondents expressing concern that the outlined proposals
would result in smaller groups losing out.
“Small community groups (e.g. the smaller Community
Councils) are likely to see any unused assets in the locality
passing to the larger villages in which they are situated, even
though these assets currently belong to all communities, e.g.
through current ownership by the Council. There is a very
high risk that small communities which themselves have little
in the way of public or unused assets within their area and
who depend on other larger communities nearby for
resources, amenities and social infrastructure, may be
excluded or disadvantaged if their interests are not
recognised and included.”
(Arnprior Community Council)
5.98 Some argued that asset transfer could greatly contribute to community
cohesion, creating links between people of different backgrounds and
generations. However, others felt that asset transfer may lead to competition
between communities, resulting in disharmony rather than cohesion. Again,
many respondents from across the groups also highlighted the danger of
exacerbating inequalities.
5.99 A few respondents noted the potentially adverse impact of compulsory
purchase on property owners who may be unable to sell or utilise unused
assets. Human rights law was often referenced in relation to this point.
“Great care will also need to be taken in the Bill not to breach
the right to property under European Convention on Human
Rights Protocol 1, Article 1.”
(Scottish Property Federation)
5.100 In terms of environmental impact, community councils, community planning
partnerships and other community groups were again the most prolific
respondents. From across all respondent groups, comments were broadly
very positive, particularly in reference to allotments and grow-your-own
projects. Most referred to allotments’ ability to improve biodiversity and
contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases, and to increase
environmental awareness within communities.
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