Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2011

Vulnerable Communities and Community Ownership in Scotland: A review of literature, policy and practice

Malcolm Sayers, Eddie Follan

December 2010

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

The ownership of assets by communities has gained increasing prominence in recent years as a practical way by which local services can be owned and/or managed by local people. Proponents of community ownership argue that the development of such models contributes to increased community cohesion and confidence, community regeneration and enhanced sustainability through the development of income-generating initiatives. This paper sets out the current policy, legislative and funding context in Scotland in relation to community ownership. It gives an overview of community ownership that takes into account models of ownership, the barriers to the development of the ownership of assets and the potential benefits to communities when ownership is achieved. In addition the overview considers the types of ownership developing in Scotland and considers the risks involved.