Community Development Trust Research Study for Joseph Rowntree Foundation

SRC, in partnership with Dr Angus Kennedy of the Community Regeneration Partnership, has been commissioned by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation to carry out a feasibility study into whether a community development trust (CDT) could play a role in community activities or the running some services or facilities for the benefit of residents in Joseph Rowntree’s model village at New Earswick or their new development at Derwenthorpe in York.

The main aims of the study are to:

• provide JRF and JRHT with a comprehensive assessment of the potential for establishing a community development trust in New Earswick and/or Derwenthorpe

• establish current best practice in community development trust formation and operation in the UK

• assess the opportunities and options for, and the barriers to, setting up new community-based arrangements for facilities and services in New Earswick and Derwenthorpe, taking full account of the constraints placed upon JRF and JRHT and the importance of their ‘custodian’ role

• assess whether other models of community asset ownership and management or service provision may be appropriate for Derwenthorpe and New Earswick – particularly CLTs and CICs.

• to advise JRF and JRHT on the best way forward, including the most appropriate mechanism, areas of operation and benefit, specific roles, legal structure, timing, funding options/arrangements and community engagement in both neighbourhoods

Contract Period

4 months, March - June 2008.