VOLUNTEERS could find it easier to bid for council land and buildings if a new proposal goes ahead.

Calderdale Council is considering expanding its programme of transferring its unwanted assets to community groups.

Since 2009 the council has handed four buildings over to residents – including Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

Another 17 proposals are in the pipeline, including the community centres at Field Lane in Brighouse and Sowood Lane in Sowood.

The council’s Cabinet will decide tonight whether to make the transfer process easier.

Reforms include:

Establishing a single point of contact for groups wishing to enquire about asset transfer

Developing an asset register, available to the public, showing what the council owns

Providing more help for groups which wish to bid for unwanted council assets.

Calderdale Cabinet member Clr Pauline Nash said: “This council has a great track record on asset transfer and has built up considerable experience of working with communities to ensure they are able to take over council assets.

“But it can sometimes be quite a complex process, taking up valuable time and resources. The proposed changes will make the process quicker, easier and more transparent.”

The Cabinet will rule on the proposal at its meeting at Halifax Town Hall at 6pm tonight.